Minimizing Dams Impacts on Biodiversity by Way of Translocations: the Case of Freshwater Mussels

Dam installation causes profound changes in the structure and quality of aquatic habitats, transforming the lotic upstream stretches in lentic habitats and severely modifying hydrologic and sedimentary patterns downstream. As many impacts cannot be avoided, conservation actions are often implemented to minimize ecological losses. Translocation is a conservation tool that can be used to mitigate dams' impacts on freshwater species, particularly those having restricted mobility. Building from the experience of translocations actions of freshwaters mussels carried out in Portugal by the authors, and the available literature, we address the challenges of planning, executing, and following up translocations of freshwater mussels. The guidelines presented increase chances of conducting successful freshwater mussels translocations and also provide guidance for others biological groups and project types.