Freshwater Mussels
Freshwater Mussel Expertise
BioSurvey Group offers unmatched experience in freshwater mussel assessment and management, with six federally permitted malacologists bringing over 85 years of specialized expertise to your project. Our team has successfully conducted mussel surveys across more than 20 states throughout the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and Southeast regions.
Comprehensive Mussel Services
- Presence / absence surveys
- Quantitative assessments
- Tagging & relocation
- Post construction monitoring
- Section 7 consultation
Advanced Survey Capabilities
Our specialized equipment and certifications allow us to work safely and effectively across all aquatic environments:
- Small stream surveys
- Deep river and lake assessments
- Navigational channel work
- Low visibility
- Challenging flows
Regulatory Navigation Expertise
Our team brings in-depth understanding of the complex regulatory framework governing freshwater mussel management at the state and federal level. From initial survey design through implementation and reporting, BioSurvey Group delivers economical and efficient mussel services that meet both conservation objectives and client project timelines.
What We Provide:
Freshwater Mussel Relocation Services
When regulatory agencies require the relocation of freshwater mussels from your project area, BioSurvey Group offers unparalleled experience and proven success. Our tenured staff have successfully planned and implemented some of the largest and most complex mussel relocation projects in the United States.
Comprehensive Relocation Services
Our team provides end-to-end solutions for mussel relocation projects of any scale:
- Pre-Relocation Planning: Strategic site selection and agency coordination
- Collection Protocols: Efficient and thorough mussel recovery techniques
- Transport Systems: Specialized equipment for safe mussel handling
- Placement Methodology: Targeted reintroduction to optimize survival
- Documentation: Detailed reporting for regulatory compliance
Proven Track Record
Our portfolio includes some of the nation’s most significant mussel relocation efforts. Visit our Key Projects page to explore case studies demonstrating our capabilities across project types—from small stream relocations to major river systems involving thousands of individual mussels.
With BioSurvey Group managing your mussel relocation needs, you gain access to industry-leading expertise that ensures regulatory compliance, maximizes mussel survival, and keeps your project moving forward on schedule.
Commercial Diving Services
For projects on navigable waterways, BioSurvey Group employs commercial diving techniques that represent the industry standard for both effectiveness and safety. Our professional diving services ensure thorough assessment of underwater environments while maintaining the highest safety protocols for all personnel.
Advanced Safety Equipment & Protocols
- Carbon Fiber Reinforced Helmets: Fully enclosed systems providing maximum protection
- Hard-Wired Communications: Clear, continuous contact between divers and surface support
- Redundant Air Supply Systems: Three separate air sources ensuring operational safety
- Comprehensive Safety Protocols: Rigorous procedures for all diving operations. Adherence to USACE and ADCI dive standards as projects mandate.
Industry-Standard Certifications
- ADCI Certified Personnel: All dive supervisors, divers, and tenders hold current Association of Diving Contractors International certifications
- USACE Compliance: Operations conducted in accordance with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers diving standards
- Documented Equipment Maintenance: Complete service records for all diving apparatus
- Regular Safety Training: Ongoing professional development for all diving staff
Specialized Aquatic Services
Our commercial diving capabilities enable comprehensive underwater operations including: mussel surveys in deep low visibility water, habitat evaluations, underwater construction monitoring, and environmental compliance. BioSurvey Group’s professional diving services ensure your aquatic projects proceed safely, efficiently, and with complete regulatory compliance even in challenging navigable waterways.
Section 7 Consultations & ESA Compliance
BioSurvey Group’s senior biologists provide specialized expertise in navigating Section 7 consultation processes under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Our team has successfully guided numerous clients through the complete consultation pathway—from initial project assessment through formal USFWS biological opinion issuance.
Comprehensive Consultation Services
- Biological Assessment Development: Scientifically sound documentation tailored to agency requirements
- Agency Coordination: Effective communication with USFWS throughout the consultation process
- Impact Analysis: Detailed evaluation of potential effects on listed species and critical habitat
- Avoidance & Minimization Planning: Practical strategies to reduce project impacts
- Mitigation Development: Creative solutions when impacts cannot be fully avoided
Demonstrated Success Record
Our senior biologists bring extensive experience working with federal agencies on complex ESA compliance issues. This expertise translates directly to:
- Streamlined Timelines: Strategic planning to minimize consultation delays
- Cost Containment: Avoiding unnecessary project expenses through efficient compliance strategies
- Defensible Documentation: Thorough biological assessments that withstand agency scrutiny
Value-Added Expertise
When protected species affect your project, having experienced Section 7 specialists on your team becomes essential. BioSurvey Group’s demonstrated consultation expertise helps:
- Prevent costly project redesigns
- Avoid construction delays
- Maintain regulatory compliance
- Achieve practical conservation outcomes
Freshwater Mussel Long-term Monitoring
When your project requires the relocation of protected freshwater mussels, regulatory agencies often mandate post-relocation monitoring to ensure survival and conservation success. BioSurvey Group offers comprehensive monitoring services that fulfill all agency requirements while providing valuable data on relocation effectiveness.
Scalable Monitoring Programs
- Short-Term Assessment: 30-day survival checks and initial establishment evaluation
- Annual Monitoring: Systematic tracking of population status and habitat conditions
- Long-Term Programs: Extended monitoring services spanning 5-10+ years
- Custom Protocols: Specialized monitoring designs for unique project conditions
Advanced Tagging & Tracking Methods
- PIT Tag Implementation: Electronic identification for reliable individual tracking
- Hallprint Tag Application: Durable external markers for visual identification
- Shell Etching Techniques: Permanent marking methods for long-term studies
- Glitter Marking: Cost-effective methods for specific monitoring scenarios
Comprehensive Monitoring Services
- Survival Assessment: Documentation of mortality rates and population persistence
- Growth Measurement: Tracking individual and population development
- Habitat Evaluation: Assessment of substrate stability and environmental conditions
- Detailed Reporting: Clear documentation for regulatory compliance
- Adaptive Management: Recommendations for addressing any identified concerns
Qualitative Mussel Surveys
BioSurvey Group’s mussel biologists hold the necessary permits and authorizations to conduct freshwater mussel surveys throughout the United States. Our team maintains current scientific collection permits across multiple states and regions, ensuring we can respond quickly to your project needs wherever they arise.
Protocol-Directed Survey Methods
Our specialists are thoroughly versed in the diverse survey requirements across different states and jurisdictions.
Comprehensive Assessment Services
Our qualitative mussel surveys provide detailed documentation of:
- Species Composition: Complete inventory of mussel diversity
- Population Demographics: Size class distribution and reproductive status
- Habitat Evaluation: Substrate quality and environmental conditions
- Listed Species Documentation: Focused assessment of protected mussels
Regulatory Navigation
With intimate knowledge of agency workflows and timelines, BioSurvey Group ensures:
- Efficient Processing: Understanding of review timeframes across jurisdictions
- Complete Documentation: Thorough reports that meet all agency requirements
- Streamlined Coordination: Effective communication with regulatory staff
- Timeline Management: Strategic planning to minimize project delays
Our thorough, protocol-directed surveys provide regulators with the comprehensive data needed to make informed decisions about your project’s potential impacts on mussel communities, helping to advance your timeline while ensuring proper conservation measures.
Quantitative Mussel Surveys
Projects that impact state or federally listed species often require additional quantitative survey effort, including information on mussel bed density and potential recruitment. With a thorough understanding of methods outlined in scientific literature and in state protocols, BioSurvey Group can assess and evaluate freshwater mussel assemblages to match any required regulations.
Comprehensive Services
- Quantitative Population Assessments – Detailed bed mapping and density calculations
- Recruitment Analysis – Age structure evaluation to determine population viability
- Protocol-Compliant Methodologies – Surveys designed to meet federal and state requirements
- Impact Mitigation Planning – Recommendations to minimize project effects on sensitive populations
Regulatory Compliance Expertise
Our team stays current with evolving federal and state survey protocols to ensure your project meets all environmental compliance requirements. We coordinate directly with regulatory agencies to develop appropriate survey methodologies tailored to your specific project needs.
Contact Us
BioSurvey Group
Physical Address
3 East Maple St.
Liberty, IN 47353
(888) 712-0566
Mailing Address
PO Box 593
Morgantown, WV 26507
(304)-810-8099
Questions? We Have Answers!
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