Mytilidae

Protests about saving the earth is all over the internet if searched, and recycling is most often always reinforced in public school across America as well as the idea of wasting the things we’re ever so blessed to obtain. However, within the big picture of what could result from global warming, ocean acidification, and all other world-polluting occurrences, the measurement and discovery about what has already resulted is not as publicized… at least not in regards to the backbone of all organisms -- ex: blue mussels (Mytilus trossulus), and the repercussions that ripple upon all those whom rely on blue mussels as a resource to live. Blue mussels (Mytilus trossulus), are commonly found in the mid intertidal zone of rocky shore lines in Alaska (O’Clair, Charles E., and Rita M. O’Clair, 1998). This bivalve organism is an important member of the intertidal community and is often used as the prominent indicator species that which indicates the health of a beach (Moles, Adam, and Natalie Hale, 2003) (http://www.pwsrcac.org). A bivalve is a category of marine and freshwater molluscs and can be located in the deepest depths of the ocean to shallow streams. Bivalves are easily identified due to the distinct quality of two shells attached by a muscular hinge. They can reach a length of 13cm but are often only reach a percentage of that length. Mytilus trossulus are filter feeders and can filter an average of 340 liters of seawater a day (Wildish, 1990). Therefore, blue mussels have a…