Freshwater mussels are among the most imperiled groups of animals in North America, facing extinction from pollution, habitat alteration, and invasive species.
Freshwater mussel sentience is uncertain, but their ecological roles supporting river ecosystem health affect many animals with clear welfare claims. Rivers impoverished by mussel loss have degraded water quality affecting fish, amphibians, and waterfowl. Conservation of mussel communities directly improves welfare conditions for the diverse fauna of freshwater rivers and streams.