Lake Windermere’s Mussels in Trouble

Did you know that mussels can clean over 50 liters of water every single day? It’s true! These little creatures provide some serious help to our lakes and rivers. But it seems that the freshwater mussels in Lake Windermere aren’t doing so well lately.

During a survey in 2021, the Lake Windermere Ambassadors noticed a decline in the number of freshwater mussels. Normally, these mussels would pop up during the rake tosses meant for plants, but this time they were largely absent, causing quite a bit of concern.

It’s alarming because freshwater mussels are among the most endangered creatures in the world. In British Columbia alone, there are only six species known to exist. Across North America, nearly half of all mussel species are either extinct or on the endangered list.

The problems these mussels face come from many sources, including man-made structures, warming waters, changing precipitation patterns, and pollution. All of these factors make it tough for mussels to adapt, and that’s a big deal because they serve essential roles in the ecosystem.

Freshwater mussels are filter feeders. They work by filtering out tiny food particles like algae and bacteria, which helps keep our lakes clean. With one mussel filtering so much water, their absence could mean a significant drop in water quality.

These little guys are like the canaries in the coal mine for our aquatic ecosystems. If their numbers dwindle, it’s a warning sign for the health of our waters. Not only do they clean the water, but they also help oxygenate the lake bottom, making it a better home for various fish and plants.

Without mussels, our water could become polluted, and the lake bottom might not have enough oxygen for life to thrive. This could lead to a chain reaction that affects everything in and around the lake, including birds that rely on Lake Windermere for breeding and migration.

To get a better handle on the current state of mussels in the lake, the Lake Windermere Ambassadors are planning a native mussels survey at the end of August. They are calling for volunteers to help out. If you’re interested in lending a hand, reach out to them!