Freshwater mussels are among the most threatened animal groups globally; their welfare and conservation status are both severely compromised by water quality degradation and invasive species.
Freshwater mussel welfare occupies uncertain territory: their simple nervous systems suggest limited capacity for suffering, but the precautionary principle applies given ongoing research into bivalve nociception. More clearly, the destruction of freshwater mussel populations through water quality degradation represents an enormous loss of animals with whatever welfare capacity they possess, as well as the elimination of ecosystem services that benefit many other species. The conservation and welfare case for protecting freshwater mussel habitats is aligned: clean water, appropriate flow regimes, and absence of invasive species support both mussel welfare and mussel survival.