Posted by Karl Clawson on November 11, 2005

Q: We find many large muscles along the shore line of the Nolin river lake in KY. Mostly when the lake goes into winter pool. We have in the past moved them into the water -my son calls it clam saving.

Is this a wise thing to do? Are theses muscle harming the fish population? Should they not be moved? Are they eddible

Habitat: pond/lake

State: Kentucky

Habitat: pond/lake

A: Sounds to me as though you have a budding environmentalist on your hands!! Your son is "right on the money" - I love your clam saving. From your info, I gather that the lake level is dropped in the fall/winter to prevent ice damage to docks etc? If this is the case, then the clams left high and dry are indeed going to die due to a manmade action. I too would throw the clams back.

The clams are an integral part of the ecosystem of the lake and should be protected. No, the clams are not harming the fish population. Take a look at www.enaturalist.org and I think you'll find this interesting.

I have eaten some of the clams/mussels from lakes in northern New York state and found them not very tasty but certainly they're safe (unless the water is contaminated with pollution). You might want to try eating a few to see what you think. I found them to taste more like I was eating plants from the lake rather than clams but yours might be just fine.

Pleae give my compliments to your son! Thanks for your question.

John Wiessinger ( November 11, 2005)