Wetland Science
Using Freshwater Mussels as biological scrubbers
Hawkesbury Nepean Freshwater Mussel Research Project
Contributor: Lauren Corrigan
Engineering Coordinator - Stormwater
Penrith City Council
(02) 47328087
Trial translocations of Hawkesbury Nepean Freshwater Mussels to constructed wetlands and water bodies will take place in the Local Government Areas of Penrith City and Hawkesbury City Councils, Penrith Lakes and the Sydney International Regatta Centre.
Freshwater Mussels are biological scrubbers that help filter the water column and reduce turbidity. By relocating the mussels into constructed wetlands we will be enhancing water quality treatment and take greater steps in developing a fully functioning aquatic ecosystem.
Aim Of The Study
To translocate Hawkesbury Nepean Freshwater Mussels into constructed aquatic systems to improve turbidity and water quality and to contribute to the development of a fully biologically functioning ecosystem.
Phase One - Research Into Freshwater Mussel Habitat
The initial phase of the project required an assessment of the current situation in the Hawkesbury Nepean. Study was undertaken into:
- the abundance and diversity of Freshwater Mussels in the Hawkesbury Nepean,
- terrestrial and aquatic river ecology, and
- preparation of habitat guidelines for Hawkesbury Nepean Freshwater Mussels.
This on-going research is considering terrestrial ecology, impacts of infrastructure such as weirs on mussel habitat and numbers, and the impact of adjacent land use on the ecological condition of the river.
Most importantly the project team has assessed the abundance and diversity of mussels throughout the length of the river system. This was to ensure that there would be sufficient numbers to allow translocation into constructed aquatic systems, and that we didn't impact significantly on their numbers.
The research need was extensive as next to no investigation or research into Hawkesbury Nepean Mussels had occurred in the past.
Phase One - Results
We have found that unfortunately Freshwater Mussel numbers have dramatically decreased in the river system over the last 10, 20 and 30 years. Exact details of why we have witnessed such a decline is still unknown. Because of this, the project team has started to look into methods of mussel cultivation in a lab setting.
Phase Two - Translocation
Phase two of the project will have three main components:
- Trial Translocation of Hawkesbury Nepean Freshwater Mussels into constructed aquatic systems,
- Pilot study into the filtration rates of mussels,
- Lab rearing and cultivating of mussels.
The project is carried out in partnership with the following organisations. Without these partnerships the project would not be possible.
Penrith City Council Hawkesbury City Council
University of Western Sydney
University of Sydney
Penrith Lakes Development Corporation
Sydney International Regatta Centre
The project has also been supported by:
Fisheries
New South Wales Maritime
Numerous residents on the Hawkesbury Nepean and individual volunteers
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