Tim Burnley, Stan Todd, and Jeff Fairwick, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, 1201 N. Main, Brinkley, AR 72021

Abstract. Historically, mussels were harvested for the production of buttons and supported a thriving industry in Arkansas. Today, mussel shell is used primarily for seed pearls in the production of cultured pearls in Japan, China, and Australia. Mussel harvest and value increased from 1993 (191 tons, $1450/ton) to 1995 (1096 tons, $2360/ton), decreased slightly in 1996, and plummeted in 1997. License sales showed the same pattern with 289 sold in 1993, 518 sold in 1995, and only 58 sold in 1997. The discovery of a previously little harvested bed of mussels on Macon Bayou made 1995 an unusual year with three-ridges and washboards comprising 89.5% of the harvest by species and 45.3% of the total harvest coming from Macon Bayou. Mussel harvest and value are controlled by many factors which make it difficult to predict future harvest. However, industry experts expect continued depressed market conditions in 1998. Even though tremendous headway in collecting accurate harvest data has been made, research into mussel life histories and ecology is needed for better management of this valuable resource.