Survey for Freshwater Mussels (Unionidae) in the Lower Green and Barren Rivers, Kentucky, 1992
Abstract
A survey to assess community characteristics, density, and population demography of abundant species of freshwater bivalues (mainly Family: Unionidae) was conducted between River Miles (RM) 100 and 155 in the Green River, and RM 0. 0 and 9.0 in the Barren River, Kentucky, in June and July 1992. Only two mussel beds were identified in the study area: one downriver of Dam No. 3 and the other downriver of Dam No. 4. At the upper, center, and lower section of the bed located downriver of Dam No. 3, mean unionid density was 7.0, 16.0, and 6.0 individuals/sq m, respectively. Mean Corbicula fluminea density was 0.6, 2.2, and 0.0 individuals/ sq m in the upper, center, and lower section of this bed, respectively. Species diversity of unionids was 1.48, 2.53, and 1.90 at these three portions of the mussel bed. Overall, the bed located downriver of Dam No. 3 was dominated by thick-shelled species such as Megalonaias nervosa, Pleurobema cordatum, and Elliptio crassidens, which comprised 16.1, 14.8, and 11.4 percent of the fauna, respectively. At four sites in the bed immediately downriver of Dam No. 4, mean unionid density ranged from 1.2 to 4.4 individuals/sq m, and C fluminea mean density ranged from 0.8 to 12.0 individuals/ sq m. No federally listed endangered species were collected during this survey. When these results are compared with data collected in 1968 by a previous investigator, it is apparent that species richness and unionid community composition in this reach of the Green River have changed little in the last 24 years. Corbicula, Freshwater mussels, Environmental impacts, Unionidae
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA266271
Entities
People
- Andrew C. Miller
- Barry S. Payne