Save the Texas Hornshell Mussel!
- by: Lynn Hamilton
- recipient: United States Fish and Wildlife Service
The Texas Hornshell mussel, a freshwater mollusk, can do little to defend itself. That's why its numbers are declining in a way that even federal agents describe as "dramatic." Mussels are easy pickings for overfishing. They are easy to locate, close to the shoreline, and they don't put up a fight the way other fish do. But mussels have tremendous value, nonetheless. They are part of an eco-friendly diet, and they also function to filter and cleanse the freshwater streams and rivers they inhabit.
Mussels, like other seafood, can be harvested sustainably, but not if overfishing crashes the population. And the Texas hornshell is in imminent danger of such a crash. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service is considering listing this mussel on the endangered species list. But they need to hear from you. The USFWS hears comments and arguments from across the nation any time a plant or animal is considered for listing. Would you please take a few seconds to tell the feds that you want to preserve this mussel for the future? Join me in asking for endangered protection for the Texas hornshell.
Dear Fish and Wildlife Service,
First, please allow me to thank you for considering the Texas hornshell mussel for endangered protection. In brief, I hope you will follow through with this plan and put the hornshell on the endangered list. Mussels, in general, have tremendous value to the human population. They are a great source of sustainable protein. They don't pollute air and water they way livestock protein does. And they filter impurities in the water. Please proceed with listing this valuable mussel on the endangered species list.
