Phase 1 Studies: Impacts of Commercial Navigation Traffic on Freshwater Mussels: A Review
Abstract
Turbulence and wave wash from commercial navigation vessels can resuspend sediments, reverse river currents, and cause water drawdown. These physical effects can stress or kill pelagic fish eggs and larvae, bottom- dwelling invertebrates such as freshwater mussels (Family: Unionidae), aquatic insects, worms, and crustaceans. Impacts of navigation traffic have been studied in the field and the laboratory. In field studies, investigators have measured wave height, drawdown, current reversals, and suspended sediment concentrations associated with passage of commercial vessels. These data have been used to make judgements on the effects of traffic on naturally occurring populations and to construct predictive physical models. Naturally occurring populations can be studied at sites affected by commercial traffic. Test sites can be located close to the navigation lane, and control (or reference) sites can be located some distance away. At each site, important biological parameters (individual condition, density, biomass, evidence of recent recruitment, species richness, or species diversity) can be determined for organisms of interest. Changes in water velocity or suspended sediments can be measured before and after tow passage. These studies should be continued for several years to determine if commercial traffic is affecting naturally occurring populations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA214464
Entities
People
- Andrew C. Miller
- Barry S. Payne
- Carl M. Way