Western North America is home to a unique suite of freshwater mussel species that play an important ecological role in freshwater ecosystems, as well as remain culturally important to tribes. To better study, conserve, and manage these species the Xerces Society, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Bureau of Land Management, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and US Forest Service have developed a visual survey protocol framework for western North American freshwater mussels. The document provides a suite of methods applicable to a wide range of purposes and waterbodies. The protocol framework also provides detailed information on survey-related practices, including minimum required quality standards and survey planning and site evaluation.
This document is intended to serve as a resource for biologists and other professionals tasked with conducting surveys or research studies and to ensure that future survey efforts will improve the ability to compare data across the many watersheds and multiple U.S. states and Canadian provinces in which these species of freshwater mussels occur.