Sea Level Rise Poses Risks to Freshwater Mussels in Southeastern US
Research from North Carolina State University offers insights on salt's impact.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Sep 21, 2023
Endangered freshwater mussels—known for their sensitivity to water quality changes—could face additional threats due to the rising sea levels along the southeastern U.S. coast. Recent studies indicate the impact of increasing salinity levels on these salt-sensitive species, especially in coastal rivers.
The research, reported in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, zeroes in on the concentration of sea salt detrimental to the health of young mussels. The study outlines the exact saltwater levels toxic to mussels at different life stages. The findings are vital, given that the southeastern U.S. coast records sea level increases between 2 to 6mm annually.
“Climate change represents a serious threat to our aquatic ecosystems worldwide and the organisms that live there,” corresponding author Joseph McIver, MS, of North Carolina State University said. “Protecting and conserving our already highly imperiled freshwater mussels is of paramount importance and our research on the effects of salinity and sea level rise will hopefully contribute valuable information toward these goals.”
The insights drawn from this investigation are critical for conservation programs. As sea levels continue to rise due to climate change, understanding the repercussions of saltwater intrusion becomes essential. The study offers guidance to conservation strategies aiming to safeguard not just mussels but various salt-sensitive species vulnerable to changing water conditions.
While the immediate focus is on the health of freshwater mussels, the research also sheds light on the broader impacts of climate change on aquatic ecosystems, emphasizing the need for proactive conservation measures.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor for Environmental Protection.