By Compton
Richmond, KY – Continued declines in mussel populations in Kentucky and nearly a dozen other states have prompted the U-S Fish and Wildlife Service to seek protection for two species. Without such protections, Fish and Wildlife spokeswoman Georgia Parham says sheep-nose and spectacle-case mussels could disappear from the region's streams and river.
"These two particular species are being affected by things like water quality and changes in the river dynamic, as far as water flow and that kind of thing due to things like construction of dams and things that would modify the flow of the river."
Parham adds mining and chemical contaminants have also damaged their habitats. Next, the US Fish and Wildlife Department will conduct public hearings. If declared an endangered species, Parham says they may take steps to preserve the mussels' habitat.