Several U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service scientists collaborated on the guidebook “Freshwater Mussel Propagation for Restoration,” published in April 2018. Many freshwater mussel species are endangered as numbers decline worldwide. Propagation allows scientists to replicate the mussel breeding process and release new juveniles into the wild.

Five of the book’s eight authors are Virginia Tech alumni: Julie Devers (‘04 M.S. fisheries and wildlife sciences), Catherine Gatenby (’94 M.S. fisheries and wildlife sciences, ’00 Ph.D. biological sciences), Jess Jones (’96 B.S., ’04 M.S., ’09 Ph.D. fisheries and wildlife sciences), Rachel Mair (’00 B.S., ’13 M.S. fisheries and wildlife sciences), and Matthew Patterson (’99 M.S. biological sciences), who spearheaded the project.

“I think the book will help natural resource managers and mussel biologists think carefully about mussel propagation, how to plan for it, and all of the critical elements they will need to consider to be successful,” said Jones, a restoration biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service stationed at Virginia Tech. He is co-director of the college’s Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Center.

The center, one of only a few university programs of its kind, has a long history of cooperation with state and federal agencies in its efforts to restore and recover endangered freshwater mussels in Virginia and adjacent states. It offers students valuable hands-on experience they can apply in their professional careers.

Contact: