We have provided keys to help you narrow your search in identifying freshwater mussels in North Carolina. The Interior Basin and Atlantic Slope are geographic regions that tell us how mussels are distributed within the state. Please use the information and map below to assist you.

Interior Basin includes all watersheds that drain to the west or north: the New, Watauga, French Broad, Little Tennessee and Hiwassee river basins.

Atlantic Slope includes all watersheds that drain to the east: the Pasquotank, Chowan, Roanoke,
Tar-Pamlico, Neuse, White Oak, Cape Fear, Lumber, Yadkin-Pee Dee, Catawba, Broad and Savannah river basins.

To access an identification key for your area, click on the
appropriate geographic region on the map below:

Interior BasinAtlantic Slope

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