Sampling mass mortality events to enable diagnoses: A protocol using freshwater mussels
Abstract Many taxa around the globe are threatened by often unexplained mass mortality events (MMEs), which can decimate populations and compromise key ecosystem functions. One example of a highly threatened taxon facing frequent MMEs is freshwater mussels (Unionida). There has been a recent increase in interest in understanding the causes of freshwater mussel MMEs, but standardised methodologies for how best to respond to them to facilitate diagnoses are unavailable. When an MME is observed, swift and appropriate sample collection is imperative owing to the transient nature of these phenomena. Here we provide structured guidance that will facilitate rapid and appropriate sampling of MMEs, using freshwater mussels as an example. We set out standardised procedures for sample collection, preparation and preservation. The procedures we outline will improve our capacity for diagnostic investigations of MMEs and other mortality events, not only in freshwater mussels but also across many other taxa. This, in turn, can inform appropriate management responses.
Authors
- Camilla Della Torre (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4851-8215)
- Joshua I. Brian (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9338-4151)
- Eric Leis (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8379-3285)
- E. A. V. Burioli (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2666-9258)
- Andrew McElwain (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8153-2196)
- Susan Knowles (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0254-6491)
- David C. Aldridge (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9067-8592)
- Diane L. Waller (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6104-810X)
- Michelle M. Dennis (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9075-2032)
- Jordan C. Richard (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9981-7832)
- Daniel A. Cossey (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7042-937X)
Institutions
- United States Geological Survey (US)
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (FR)
- United States Fish and Wildlife Service (US)
- Université de Perpignan (FR)
- Ifremer (FR)
- King's College London (GB)
- University of Milan (IT)
- Université de Montpellier (FR)
- University of Cambridge (GB)
- Knoxville College (US)
- North Central Soil Conservation Research Laboratory (US)
- National Wildlife Health Center (US)
- State University of New York at Oswego (US)
- Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Methods in Ecology and Evolution
- Published
- 2025-01-10
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1111/2041-210x.14480
- Citations
- 3
- Primary Topic
- Aquatic Invertebrate Ecology and Behavior
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 5.15
Funders
- Woolf Fisher Trust
- Corpus Christi College, University of Cambridge