The Invasive Silty Pond Mussel

The Silty Pond Mussel is an invasive species of freshwater mussel native to eastern Asia. In 2010, an unidentified mussel was found at a non-profit owned, former aquaculture and fish farm facility in Hunterdon County. After the initial find, samples were taken and later identified as the Silty Pond Mussel, also known as the Chinese Pond Mussel, and treatments were performed to eradicate the species before it spread. Since 2019, NJDEP Fish & Wildlife has partnered with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, NJ Conservation Foundation, Rutgers University, NJ Water Supply Authority and Princeton Hydro to continue to survey local waterways, take samples using environmental DNA (eDNA) tests to locate any possible signs of the Silty Pond Mussel spreading, and continue eradication efforts.
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