The Great Lakes region is renowned for its wealth of freshwater seafood From walleye to yellow perch, the variety of fish species in the Great Lakes is immense But when it comes to shellfish like oysters, most people assume they only exist in saltwater environments. So you may be wondering – are there oysters in the Great Lakes?
The short answer is yes, there are oysters in the Great Lakes, but they are not the same as ocean oysters. The “oysters” found in the Great Lakes are actually freshwater mussels. While they resemble oysters in some ways, mussels have distinct differences that set them apart.
In this article, we’ll explore the world of freshwater mussels, their crucial role in the Great Lakes ecosystem, and how they differ from their saltwater cousins. We’ll also look at the threats facing these sensitive creatures and what’s being done to protect them.
Meet the Freshwater “Oysters”
Freshwater mussels, often referred to as clams, are bivalve mollusks that inhabit lakes, rivers, and streams. There are nearly 300 species of freshwater mussels in North America, many of which are found in the Great Lakes basin.
Like oysters, mussels have a hinged two-part shell. But freshwater mussel shells are thinner and smoother compared to the thick, calcified shells of oysters. They also tend to be more elongated and wedge-shaped.
In place of saltwater, mussels filter-feed by drawing water into their shells and extracting plankton and algae. They play a valuable role in purifying water and providing habitat for other aquatic species.
Mussels have a fascinating life cycle that relies on fish hosts. After fertilization, mussel larvae attach to fish gills until they transform into juvenile mussels and drop to the lake bottom.
Due to their sedentary nature and sensitivity to environmental changes, freshwater mussels are actually more endangered than sea otters, bald eagles, whales, and other iconic wildlife.
The Ecosystem Engineers
Although small in size, freshwater mussels have an outsized impact on the Great Lakes ecosystem Here are some of the crucial services they provide
-
Water Filtration – A single mussel can filter up to 10 gallons of water per day, removing sediment, pollutants, and excess nutrients. Dense mussel beds act as natural water treatment plants.
-
Habitat Creation – Mussels provide food, shelter and spawning habitat for over 200 species including fish, insects, amphibians and birds. Their shells also create refuge for small aquatic life even after death.
-
Nutrient Recycling – Mussel waste products fertilize the ecosystem, providing an important source of nitrogen and phosphorus for algae and aquatic plants.
-
Food Source – Mussels are a direct food source for wildlife including muskrats, raccoons, otters, and some bird species.
-
Shoreline Stabilization – Mussel beds buffer wave action and prevent erosion of shorelines and streambanks. This protects water quality and retains nutrients.
With declining mussel populations, these ecosystem services are being lost, impacting everything from water quality to biodiversity. Protecting and restoring native mussels is crucial.
Threats Facing Freshwater Mussels
Although freshwater mussels have existed for millennia, their populations have plummeted in the past century. Some key threats include:
-
Habitat Loss – Dams, dredging, and channelization of waterways have severely degraded mussel habitat. Sedimentation from erosion smothers mussel beds.
-
Pollution – Fertilizers, pesticides, heavy metals and other contaminants are harming water quality, impacting mussel health.
-
Invasive Species – Zebra mussels attach to native mussels, smothering them or competing for food.
-
Climate Change – Warming waters, droughts, and flooding events related to climate change threaten mussel survival.
-
Population Fragmentation – Dams and barriers prevent host fish movement, disrupting the mussel life cycle.
With nearly half of mussel species endangered or threatened, action is urgently needed to prevent extinction.
Conservation and Restoration
Several initiatives are underway to protect and restore freshwater mussels in the Great Lakes basin:
-
Monitoring mussel health and quantifying ecosystem services to demonstrate the value of protecting mussel populations.
-
Conducting research on lampricides used to control invasive sea lamprey to reduce harm to native mussels.
-
Using geomorphic models to predict mussel distribution and target conservation efforts.
-
Supporting mussel propagation programs to boost declining populations. Millions of juvenile mussels are raised in hatcheries annually for release.
-
Removing dams or installing fish ladders to reopen habitat and restore host fish connections.
-
Implementing agricultural best practices to limit runoff pollutants into waterways.
-
Collaborating with indigenous tribes to preserve cultural heritage and restore a traditional food source.
-
Educating the public on simple actions like preventing the spread of invasive species that can make a meaningful difference.
How You Can Help
Every person can play a role in protecting imperiled mussels in the Great Lakes. Here are some easy ways you can get involved:
-
When boating, thoroughly clean gear to prevent spreading invasive species. Let boats and equipment dry completely before entering new waters.
-
Support legislation and programs like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative that fund mussel research and habitat restoration.
-
Volunteer with organizations like The Nature Conservancy that engage in mussel monitoring and streamside plantings to reduce erosion.
-
Use environmentally safe cleaning products and limit use of fertilizers and pesticides that contribute to water pollution.
-
Advocate for removal or modification of dams and barriers that fragment mussel populations.
-
Learn more about freshwater mussel ecology and share with others. Spreading awareness is key!
Freshwater Treasures
Often hidden from view, humble freshwater mussels play an outsized role in maintaining the ecological balance of the Great Lakes. Although frequently mistaken for oysters, mussels have unique characteristics and face grave threats that demand increased attention. But with growing awareness and deliberate conservation action, we can protect these fragile creatures for generations to come. The health of the Great Lakes depends on it.
Precautionary principle, or politics?
A trailblazer in Ontario’s aquaculture industry, Cole has operated a net pen fish farm in Georgian Bay since 1982 – possibly the oldest continuously operated cage farm anywhere in North America. As Cole speculates, the polar opposite treatment of aquaculture across the Michigan-Ontario borders boils down to “politics.”
“It’s not science-based,” said Cole. People who work in fisheries and politics make decisions in Michigan, and they don’t always see how aquaculture can help. ”.
MI is just scared, said Mike Meeker, who started Meeker Aquaculture and runs the Blue Goose Fish Farm on Ontario’s Manitoulin Island. “Even [those] in support are nervous about moving ahead. They promote the precautionary principle, which is move ahead with caution and analyze what you’re doing. Michigan, unfortunately, is interpreting [this] as don’t do anything – and that’s wrong. ”.
As fish farmers in Michigan point out, some people are afraid to move aquaculture production forward for more than just real or perceived environmental risks. Anglers’ political power may also affect Michigan’s decisions.
“In Michigan, we’ve primarily given priority to recreational uses,” said Joe Colyn, an agronomist, food professional and founder of Originz, a company that supports the creation of new food systems. “The development of aquaculture is seen as competitive rather than complementary. It doesn’t take a lot of space in our Great Lakes waters to grow a lot of fish, and we just have to do more education [to the public].”
“In Michigan, water is for looking at, for water-skiing, for sport fishing,” said Vogler. “It is not for farming. Sport fishing groups hold the greater political influence over how water gets used in Michigan. ”.
Dr. Rennie speculates that U.S. and Canadian governmental structures may also be a factor.
He said, “I think the main difference is that promoting aquaculture is required by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), the federal agency in charge of making sure that Canada’s fisheries are sustainable.” “No such mandate exists for any organization in the U. S. that I know of. ”.
However, Cole and Meeker emphasize that Ontario is no utopia and politics play a role as well. In the 1990s, cottage owners in Georgian Bay fought against aquaculture, which is said to have led to policy changes that slowed the growth of the industry. Researchers from the University of Guelph say that Ontario’s aquaculture production has been “relatively stagnant for the past 15 years.” They say this is because of an “uncertain and still confusing aquaculture licensing system” that makes it hard to start new farms, especially open water net pen sites in the Great Lakes.
“The attitude changed, particularly with this push by [the Georgian Bay Association],” said Meeker. “It’s been very restrictive for the last 10 [to] 15 years. We have shown that we are not having any bad effects through 30 years of detailed data, so this is disappointing. ”.
Even though the government has problems, aquaculture producers in Ontario are mostly optimistic about the future of the industry. This is especially true now that policy changes are being considered to make regulations easier to follow and there are signs of growth in the industry recently. Ontario farmed more than 4,500 metric tons of rainbow trout in 2015, which was a 13% increase from the previous year.
“Over the next five to 10 years, there’s going to be significant expansion in Ontario,” said Cole. “Incremental, but we’ll probably double production in Ontario, [mostly] as a result of improved production on existing farms. Not more cages or anything, just improved management. ”.
In Michigan, producers are still hopeful that more public education and sharing of research can help them figure out what to do next.
As Colyn put it, “I think we’ll get to the point in the region where we can make a thriving, sustainable aquaculture.” “We’re still learning our way into it. The last few decades have taught us a lot of lessons that can help us grow the sector very quickly. ”.
“We have to learn to use the resources that we have to raise fish,” said Vogler. “That means surface water and flow-through systems. Eventually, we’ll build up a whole sector with hatcheries, feed mills, processing plants, and research labs.” ”.
Still, some in Canada and the United States remain opposed to any aquaculture development on the Great Lakes.
“GBA has urged Ontario to align their aquaculture policies with those of the eight Great Lakes States,” said Bob Duncanson, executive director of the Georgian Bay Association. The Georgian Bay Association is made up of 20 cottage associations that represent over 4,000 families on the eastern and northern shores of Georgian Bay. It is against the law for the state of Michigan to do open net aquaculture in their part of the Great Lakes. We believe it is wrong for Ontario to allow a polluting activity that our partner states on the Great Lakes do not allow. ”.
“When it comes to the Great Lakes, both the U. S. and Canada share these water resources,” said Congressman Dan Kildee (D-Mich. ). “There is no physical barrier separating waters for either country. I do not support aquaculture in the Great Lakes, either in the U. S. or Canada, because it has not been proven to be safe. Aquaculture waste or pollution can kill fish and cause harmful algal blooms that put our fresh water at risk. The U. S. Canada and the United States must work together to keep the Great Lakes safe, including from the dangers of bad aquaculture. ”.
Such comments put any cross-border collaboration efforts in doubt. The lack of consensus between governments could mean future aquaculture opportunities will be one-sided.
“It’s dangerous because chances are opening up on the Canadian side, but we can’t find our way out of this one,” Vogler said.
“They don’t coordinate on aquaculture because we’re not having a negative impact on fisheries,” said Cole. “There are some good reasons to be worried about fish farming, and some things need to be controlled to keep the environment and wildlife from being hurt.” You can have good results from fish farming as long as you do it right. If you do it wrong, you can have bad results. ”.
“The International Joint Commission (IJC) and the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission (GLFC) have worked together for a long time on water quality and fisheries issues in the Great Lakes,” said Dr. Rennie of Lakehead University. “In large part, it’s because there hasn’t been much of a push on the U. S. side to develop aquaculture on the Great Lakes, rather than a lack of desire to collaborate. The mechanisms and connections are there to facilitate such collaboration. ”.
Even though they are different, people in the aquaculture industry on both sides of the border want decisions to be based on facts. Vogler makes it clear that this means aquaculture must be grown in the Great Lakes in a “methodological, intentional, careful, and responsible way.” ”.
“In a fresh-water starved world, we are in a very unique position,” said Vogler. “Something like aquaculture is a non-consumptive use of our water. If you regulate it properly, you can use the water and really not hurt it. ”.
In the waters they share, United States and Canada clash on fish farming
Canada and the US may be neighbors, but when it comes to aquaculture in the Great Lakes (Superior, Huron, Michigan, Ontario, and Erie), they will not work together.
“Fish farming in Michigan is very small,” said Dan Vogler, owner of Harrietta Hills Trout Farm, a flow-through hatchery in Michigan that primarily grows and sells rainbow (Oncorhynchus mykiss), brook (Salvelinus fontinalis) and brown (Salmo trutta) trout. “Certainly nowhere near the scale of Ontario, and the general landscape of aquaculture in Michigan over the last 20 years has not changed. There has been no growth in the industry as a whole.”
It’s been an ongoing struggle to kick-start aquaculture in Michigan. The Sierra Club and the Anglers of the Au Sable fought Vogler’s permit to run a fish hatchery in Grayling in 2016. In February 2017, Flint Congressman Dan Kildee introduced a bill that would make it illegal to farm fish in the Great Lakes and federal “Wild and Scenic Rivers.” At the moment, there are no net pens in U.S. waters of the Great Lakes, but a few licensed pens are in use on the Canadian side of Lake Huron.
In the last few years, there have been plans to look into aquaculture opportunities in the Great Lakes with net pens, Vogler said. “The response back was it was too high a risk and we didn’t have enough information. Completely ignoring 30 years of Canadian experience in Lake Huron. ”.
Recent talk of aquaculture expansion into the Great Lakes basin has largely been quashed in Michigan. In 2016, the state’s departments of Natural Resources, Environmental Quality and Agriculture and Rural Development released a report concluding that commercial fish farming in the Great Lakes would “pose significant risks to fishery management and other types of recreation and tourism,” and would be too expensive for the state to oversee. As it stands, commercial net pens cannot legally operate in the Michigan portion of the Great Lakes, and out of nearly 1,700 written comments received by the departments, more than 1,600 were in opposition to expansion.
“We don’t support net-pen aquaculture in the Great Lakes,” said Gail Philbin, who is in charge of the Michigan chapter of the Sierra Club. “We’re not against all aquaculture, but we are very worried about aquaculture facilities that are linked to wild fisheries hydrologically, especially through surface waters.” ”.
Ontario, which is close by and shares water with the Great Lakes, could be thought of as a different world, where aquaculture has grown since the early 1980s. At least six licensed cage facilities raise rainbow trout in Lake Huron. There are also First Nations’ aquaculture sites in Ontario that run on their own and follow their own tribal licensing system.
“The fact that things have changed in the last twenty years shows that both the federal and provincial governments think it’s a good idea to develop aquaculture in the Great Lakes,” says Dr. Michael Rennie is an assistant professor in the Department of Biology at Lakehead University and holds the Canada Research Chair in Freshwater Ecology and Fisheries.
According to researchers from the University of Guelph, aquaculture adds more than $80 million a year to Ontario’s economy. This is in addition to the money made from the aquarium and recreational fish trade. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) needs to be contacted by anyone who wants to open a cage aquaculture facility.
Gord Cole, owner of Aqua-Cage Fisheries Ltd in Parry Sound, Ontario, said, “Ontario is almost as cheap as Michigan.” “It is possible, theoretically, to get a license in Ontario, which it’s not in Michigan. ”.