Tennessee River - Ecology

Ecology

The Tennessee River and its tributaries host some 102 species of mussels. Native Americans ate freshwater mussels. Potters of the Mississippian Culture used crushed mussel shell mixed into clay to make their pottery stronger.

A "pearl" button industry was established in the Tennessee Valley beginning in 1887, producing buttons from the abundant mussel shells. Button production ceased after World War II when plastics replaced mother-of-pearl as a button material. Mussel populations have declined drastically due to dam construction, water pollution, and invasive species. Destruction of aquatic habitat by dam construction caused some species to become extinct, while numerous other species are endangered.