Ontario Freshwater Mussel Identification Workshop
Have you ever wondered how to tell the difference between a Pimpleback and a Purple Wartyback? A Fatmucket and a Mucket? We are pleased to present the Ontario Freshwater Mussel Identification Workshop providing you with the opportunity to refine your mussel identification skills. This two day workshop will provide an introduction to the anatomy, biology and ecology of Ontario’s freshwater mussels with special emphasis on the 16 COSEWIC assessed Species at Risk.
The program is organized to provide an introduction to the 41 species of Ontario mussels, provide insight into key features used in identification and maximize participants’ hands-on experience. The workshop is designed around a Species at Risk theme and we encourage the use of non-destructive external shell characteristics for identification whenever possible. Day 1 will provide participants with an introduction to the basic biology and ecology of freshwater mussels, techniques for mussel identification, important shell features, species-specific differences, and provide key characters to be used when identifying specimens. Day 2 will permit participants to put their newly acquired skills to use during a field excursion. The Sydenham River is the richest mussel river in Canada and will allow participants the opportunity to see up to 25 species including 11 of Ontario’s mussel Species at Risk. Participants will be introduced to a variety of field sampling procedures and will be able to practice their identification skills under field conditions.
Workshop Agenda
Day 1 (in class at the Canada Centre for Inland Waters)
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Basic Ecology – anatomy, feeding, reproduction, habitat
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Taxonomy
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Species at Risk
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Identification
Day 2 (field site on the Sydenham River)
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Field sampling techniques
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Field identification skills
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Tentative dates for the 2026 workshop:
June 16-17
