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 In this episode of Rarefied, host Meredith Meeker dives into the fascinating world of freshwater mussels, focusing on the snuffbox mussel's crucial role in maintaining healthy freshwater ecosystems. Joined by Dr. Catherine Febria and PhD student Lauren Damphousse from the University of Windsor, the discussion covers the unique biology and habitat of the snuffbox, the challenges they face due to environmental changes, and ongoing conservation efforts. 
Key highlights include the mussels' intricate reproductive strategies, their status as canaries in the coal mine for water quality, and the importance of community and conservation efforts to ensure their survival. 
https://www.facetsjournal.com/doi/10.1139/facets-2022-0207  
Bkejwanong Eco-Keepers love mussels, too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvNSe6gCbDI&t=2s
Snuffbox traps a logperch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1YcaIN8cRs      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0YTBj0WHkU
00:00 Introduction to Rarefied Podcast 
00:41 Meet the Snuffbox Mussel 
01:27 Guest Introductions 
03:38 Understanding Freshwater Mussels 
06:13 Habitat and Behavior of Mussels 
09:21 Reproductive Strategies of Mussels 
14:58 Threats to Freshwater Mussels 
19:14 Conservation Efforts and Community Involvement 
25:15 Field Work and Research Techniques 
30:41 Understanding Mussel Translocation Challenges 
31:57 Freshwater Restoration and the Endangered Species Act 
32:43 Assessing the Mackey Protocol and Translocation Data 
33:19 The Importance of Site-Specific Conditions 
37:08 Community Involvement in Conservation Efforts 
39:32 Citizen Science and the Clam Counter App 
41:38 Field Stories and Team Building 
43:27 Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Facts 
51:22 Hope and Future Directions in Conservation 
54:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts