Dark False Mussels Are Everywhere On The Severn River First

Dark False Mussels Are Everywhere On The Severn River

First, Severn River Association members found dark false mussels when Boy Scouts gathered year-old oysters during the annual oyster reef restoration event in early June.

Pulling up those oyster cages came with the crackly sound of mussels growing on every nook and cranny of a cage, even along the lines holding the cages to the piers.

The proliferation of these mussels is really obvious during low-tide events. Virtually everything under the low-tide levels is encrusted with the critters — rocks, tree branches, drift wood, oyster cages, pilings, boat props, boat bottoms.

Patrick McMahon, who runs Diver For Hire, reported doing battle with these mussels all season long. He said the mussels are much more prolific than the usual bane of barnacles. Yes, they do seem to help with clarity, but when it comes to boat bottoms and props, they are a challenge. Each job takes much longer due to the proliferation of dark false mussels this year.

Additionally, they are being encrusted on beer and soda cans that wash ashore. So therein lies the conundrum. Do you pull the trash out of the river and kill the mussels, or leave the mussels on the can in the river so they can filter the water?

It’s like visiting national parks, where you’re not supposed to feed the wildlife. But what do you do when a mosquito lands on you for a snack? You can’t feed it of course, that’s against the rules, but you’re not supposed to kill the wildlife (without a hunting license).

Volunteers Needed To Help With 2018 Tug-O-War

It’s happening again, the world-famous Slaughter Across The Water, the annual Tug-O-War between Downtown Annapolis and the Maritime Republic of Eastport (the MRE) is Saturday, November 3.

Volunteers are needed to help the Back Creek Conservancy (BCC) sell tickets and hand out wristbands. It’s a great way to mix, meet and mingle at the year’s most exciting street party.

The Tug-O-War street party is in Eastport on Second Street next to the Chart House. It’s all there – food, beer, wine, live music, hats, shirts and street vendors galore!

All the proceeds from the MRE’s Tug-O-War go to local charities, and this year, the Back Creek Conservancy is one of the charities supported by all the volunteers, musicians, vendors and, of course, the tuggers themselves.

We need help for three shifts: 10:30am to 1:00pm; 1:00pm to 3:00pm, and 3:00pm to 5:00pm. To volunteer, contact BCC’s David Barker at david@gyatso.net.