The Mysteries of Mystery Snails

Gerry Mackie is Professor Emeritus of the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of Guelph, Canada. He has authored or co-authored eight books, 12 book chapters, and over 180 peer-reviewed journal articles and technical and government publications. His book, The Cottage Bible, which he co-authored with Laura Taylor in 2007, was a best seller. He was a Co-Chair of the Mollusc Species Specialist Subcommittee of COSEWIC for 16 years, and was responsible for conserving mollusc species at risk in Canada during his term. In 2009, he was awarded a lifetime achievement award by the Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society, recognizing his long-term contributions that have advanced the conservation and science of freshwater molluscs at the national and international level. Most of his research in the past 20 years has focused on the biology and control of invasive molluscs, especially the zebra and quagga mussels.