Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Q: Are freshwater mussels edible?
A: You can eat anything, but freshwater mussels are different than their saltwater relatives you find in a restaurant. Freshwater mussels are tough, taste bad, and can be potentially poisonous.
Q: Why are freshwater mussels important?
A: Freshwater mussels are widely considered characteristic indicators of good water quality. Mussels perform an important ecological service by filtering algae, bacteria, sediment, and other pollutants to keep our streams and rivers clean. .
Q: Are freshwater mussels endangered?
A: Freshwater mussels are commonly referred to as the most endangered group of organisms in North America. Their decline is generally associated with water pollution issues and loss of habitat.
Q: What are Hellbenders, where do they live, and how do they breath?
A: Hellbenders are a species of aquatic giant salamander endemic to the eastern and central US. They are the largest salamander in North America and live under large slab boulders. Although they live entirely underwater, they do have working lungs and can surface breath (but rarely do). Instead, they respire by absorbing oxygen from the water directly through their skin using several loose flaps of thick wrinkled skin along their sides.
Q: How long does Section 7 formal consultation take?
A: In general terms, this process plays out over 6 months to one-year. Formal Consultation specifically takes up to 90 days, which is followed by 45-day period to write a biological opinion. In total, USFWS has 135 days to produce a biological opinion after the biological assessment has been completed and formal consultation has been requested.
Q: Will finding Endangered Species within my project area stop it from moving forward?
A: Almost always no. This is where our expertise becomes extremely valuable, as we work with you and the agencies to find solutions that minimize the take on the species and its habitat, resulting in a win for the species, the agencies, and the client.
Q: What is the biggest threat to endangered species?
A: The primary threat to endangered species in the United States is habitat loss. This occurs due to destruction, fragmentation, or degradation of habitats.
Q: How many crayfish species are federally threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act?
A: Six. These include the Big Sandy Crayfish (KY, VA, WV), Guyandotte River Crayfish (KY, VA, WV), Slenderclaw Crayfish (AL), Panama City Crayfish (FL), Benton County Crayfish (AR), and Hell Creek Crayfish (AR).
Q: Are non-federally listed mussels protected?
A: Each state has its own regulations but many states like Ohio and West Virginia protect all mussel species and have passed state legislation to do so.
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