National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Collaboration
Silty Pond Mussel (Sinanodonta woodiana) Management
Silty Pond Mussel - NJDEP Fish and Wildlife
The silty pond mussel (Sinanodonta woodiana), an invasive species from Asia, threatens the ecological balance of the Delaware River watershed. First detected in North America in 2010 at aquaculture ponds in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, silty pond mussel has the potential to spread rapidly via attachment to the gills of several fish species that can transport their larvae to new parts of the watershed. Silty pond mussel is known to outcompete native mussel species, disrupt aquatic habitats, and negatively impact the health of host fishes. Since its discovery, the New Jersey Conservation Foundation and partnering agencies have been actively working to manage and eradicate silty pond mussel populations through rigorous surveillance, innovative eradication methods, and ongoing environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring. By proactively addressing the invasion at its early stages, the project aims to prevent the widespread establishment of SPM and protect the watershed’s ecological integrity. In order to do this, we have developed a management plan aimed at outlining strategies for detecting and controlling SPM populations:
For a more thorough look at Silty Pond Mussel introduction, occupancy, and management throughout the greater Delaware watershed, please visit our ArcGIS Story Map. Here, you’ll also find an interactive habitat suitability map to determine if your area may be at risk for SPM establishment:
