Freshwater mussels are among the most endangered animal groups globally. Their welfare status as sentient animals is uncertain, but their conservation is critical for ecosystem health.
The welfare status of freshwater mussels is genuinely uncertain — their nervous systems are simple and evidence for pain or suffering is limited. However, their conservation significance is clear — as ecosystem engineers that filter and purify water, their loss degrades aquatic environments that countless other animals depend on. River impoundment, pollution, and invasive species have caused catastrophic freshwater mussel declines. Their welfare as potentially sentient animals and their conservation value as ecosystem engineers both argue for their protection.