Minnesota was pleased to host the 2005 Symposium of the Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society. The meeting was co-hosted by the Upper Mississippi River Conservation Committee (UMRCC). Field trips to sample local river mussel communities and to see the results of endangered species recovery efforts were offered.

"Are Your Natives Restless? Holistic Strategies for Conserving Freshwater Mollusks during Exotic Species Invasions"

The invasion of exotic species into the freshwaters of North America and elsewhere in the world has placed additional stress on an already imperiled freshwater mollusk fauna. Vital ecosystems for preserving freshwater mollusks like the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, and other large rivers unfortunately also serve as conduits for the rapid dispersal and colonization of exotic species, where they often have adverse effects on native species. Scientists from a variety of disciplines including ecology, fisheries biology, malacology, conservation biology, engineering, hydrology, and others are working together to help mitigate the potential spread and negative effects of exotic species. These folks need your help! The 2005 symposium will provide an opportunity for biologists and others to share ideas, exchange information, and engage in the interpersonal networking needed to support the conservation of our native freshwater molluscan resources.

Best Student Platform Presentation: Daniel Spooner, University of Oklahoma - "Physiological ecology of freshwater mussel communities: effects of temperature on community structure and ecological services"
Honorable mention: Pascal Irmscher, University of Wisconsin - "The use of acoustic doppler current profiler system in acquiring complex hydraulic variables for the prediction of freshwater mussel distribution in a large river"

Best Student Poster Presentation: Elizabeth Ashcraft, Arkansas State University - "Use of relic shells to determine time since mortality"
Honorable mention: Benjamin Dodd, Southwest Missouri State University - "Persistence of acquired resistance of largemouth bass to glochidia of a unionid mussel"

Thanks to the committee for putting on a wonderful symposium!

1 August 2006