Freshwater mussels are among the most endangered animal groups globally, with commercial culture for restoration and potential aquaculture raising welfare and conservation questions for these bivalves.
The welfare status of freshwater mussels is uncertain; bivalve molluscs have diffuse nervous systems and no evidence of nociceptors analogous to those in vertebrates. However, the precautionary principle suggests avoiding unnecessary harm. The culture process involves intentional parasitism of fish hosts with mussel larvae, raising animal welfare questions for the host fish even when the mussel welfare significance is uncertain. Restoration-focused culture represents a conservation benefit that may justify welfare trade-offs, but commercial aquaculture development requires more careful ethical assessment.