* Overfishing: Mussels are a popular food source for humans and other animals, and overfishing can reduce their populations.
* Habitat loss: The destruction of mussel habitats, such as salt marshes and seagrass beds, can also contribute to their decline.
* Disease: Mussels can also be affected by diseases, such as the parasitic fungus Perkinsus marinus.
* Competition: Mussels compete with other species for food and habitat, and invasive species can sometimes outcompete native mussels.
These factors are all contributing to the decline of wild blue mussels in New England. By understanding the causes of their decline, we can take steps to protect them and ensure their survival.
