FRESHWATER MUSSELS 3: Spot Texas while it builds 
mussels ... we explain ahead on Passport to Texas.

This is Passport to Texas

Just as we're physically weaker when we lose muscle, 
freshwater ecosystems weaken when they lose their 
mussels.

14 -- They're a very important part of the aquatic ecosystem. 
They're the foundation. I like to call them the vacuum cleaners; 
their main diet is bacteria and other small particles. They're the 
filtration systems of the rivers, lakes and ponds.

Texas Mussel Watch coordinator, Marsha May, says one 
species of Texas mussel is on the federal endangered 
species list. US Fish and Wildlife is considering listing 
additional species of freshwater mussels.

03 -- We'll see what happens in the next three to five years.

You can help keep track of these important species as a 
member of Texas Mussel Watch.

24 -- Texas Mussel Watch is a program designed to get citizens 
involved in monitoring freshwater mussel species throughout the 
whole state of Texas. We hold workshops normally in the 
springtime. They can learn about freshwater mussels. Once 
they've gone through the workshop, they can be put on my 
scientific permit, and then go out and monitor mussels within 
their own community and give us information on what they find, 
because it's very important information.

Find information about mussel watch on the TPW website.

That's our show with support from the SFWR program ... 
funded by your purchase of fishing and hunting equipment 
and motor boat fuel.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife ... I'm Cecilia Nasti. 





Total sound bite time:		 0:41.0
Maximum Script time:		 0:44.0 Suggested show time: 85.0 = 
1:25