An Analysis of Freshwater Mussels (Unionidae) in the Upper Ohio River Near Huntington, West Virginia: 1993 Studies.
Abstract
A survey to assess community characteristics, density, population demography of dominant species, and the likelihood of finding endangered species of freshwater mussels (Unionidae) was conducted in the upper Ohio River (approximate River Miles (RM) 292 to 284) near Huntington, WV, in July 1993. Data were used to analyze impacts of commercial navigation traffic resulting from increased barge traffic on the Ohio River due to projected increases in economic activities. Data collected in 1993 are compared with results collected in October 1992, the first year of this project. A total of 4,700 individuals and 24 species of mussels were collected in the study area using qualitative methods. The fauna was dominated by two thick-shelled species, Elliptio crassidens (54.7 percent) and Quadrula pustulosa pustulosa (18.3 per-cent). Only eight zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) were collected at a bed located at RM 292 (estimated density = 1 .6/sq m) although this species was found at Robert C. Byrd Lock and Dam immediately upriver (RM 279.2). Total density (individuals per square meter) of Unionidae at four beds ranged from 3.6 (+ or - 0.7 standard error of the mean) to 13.4 (+ or - 2.0). Total density of the Asian clam, Corbicuia fluminea, ranged from 65.6 (+ or - 7.1) to 821.1 (+ or - 104.2). Based on quantitative sampling, species diversity and evenness were moderate and ranged from 1.60 to 1.86 and 0.67 to 0.96. Evidence of recent recruitment for most species was low; 3.7 percent of the individuals and 18.7 percent of the species were less than 30 mm in total shell length. (AN)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA293201
Entities
People
- Andrew C. Miller
- Barry S. Payne