This contract for FY2012 is approved under the Columbia Basin Fish Accords 10 year MOA with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR).   Since its inception in 2003, the Freshwater Mussel Project of the CTUIR has conducted research designed to understand the biology and ecology of freshwater mussels. Specifically, the project has focused on three main components designed to determine: 1) the status and distribution of freshwater mussels in CTUIR Tribal lands; (2) factors controlling the distribution and abundance of mussels, and (3) whether genetic differences exist among western freshwater mussel species in the Columbia River basin.  The long-term goal of this project has been to restore freshwater mussels to the Umatilla River basin as part of ongoing efforts to rebuild ecosystem diversity, function, and traditional cultural opportunities in the basin.

Freshwater mussels in western North America (Genera Anodonta, Margaritifera, and Gonidea) are notoriously understudied, although they have historically been a major component of the biomass in western aquatic systems and likely have a disproportionately large impact on ecological stability and processes in these systems.  Recently BPA and CTUIR have funded pioneering work on the genetic composition and taxonomy of western freshwater mussels.  Now that the basic genetic subdivisions and landscape patterns of genetic variance have been described for these groups of mussels, studies on habitat requirements and ecological roles can be designed appropriately.  Such studies are critical for effective monitoring, conservation, and restoration programs.  

CTUIR is interested in conserving freshwater mussels and restoring viable populations in the context of “First Foods” resource management on Tribal and ceded lands.  One of the major goals of CTUIR is to restore sustainable populations of freshwater mussels to the Umatilla River system.  The John Day and Walla Walla River systems, on ceded lands, contain large populations of freshwater mussels, and are a high priority for conservation.  These river systems (particularly the John Day) also provide opportunities to study the distribution, habitat requirements, and ecosystem functions of freshwater mussels.  Conclusions drawn from the distribution of mussels in this system can inform restoration efforts in other rivers , such as the Umatilla.