WASHINGTON (CN) - The fatmucket, heelsplitter and pimpleback are three of the nine species of Texas mussels that may receive protection under the Endangered Species Act.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is requesting scientific and commercial data on the species for a year long status review.
The mussels are threatened by fluctuations in water level and stream flow and changes in water salinity caused by oil and gas drilling operations, according to a petition to protect the species by WildEarth Guardians.
The nine species are freshwater, bottom-dwelling mussels that burrow into the substrate to maintain position. Frequent changes in water level cause the mussels to lose their hold, and may break up colonies before they can reproduce.
Subscribe to Closing Arguments
Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.
Additional Reads
-
Alaska, Hawaiian Airlines April 17, 2024 -
-
Contributor-Test-Post-2024-04-12 April 12, 2024 -
