Effects of Increased Commercial Navigation Traffic on Freshwater Mussels in the Upper Mississippi River.
Abstract
Studies on the physical and biological effects of commercial navigation traffic at five historically prominent mussel beds in the upper Mississippi River (UMR) were conducted from 1988-94. The purpose was to analyze the effects of movement of commercial navigation vessels on ambient water velocity, suspended solids, and freshwater mussels, including the endangered Higgins eye mussel, Lampsilis higginsi (Lea). Mussel beds were located at the following river miles: 299.6 (Pool 24), 450A (Pool 17), 504.8 (Pool 14), 571.5 (Pool 12), and the main channel of the UMR at 635.2 (Pool 10). Studies were conducted as part of the Melvin Price Locks and Dam, Second Lock Project (formerly known as the Locks and Dam 26 Replacement Project), which will increase the capacity of the UMR for commercial navigation vessels. Data collected during this survey will be used to evaluate the health of mussel communities for the study period, 1988-94. In addition, these data will be compared with results from future studies to assess the long-term effects of commercial navigation traffic on mussels in the UMR. Based upon 60 passages of commercial vessels that were studied, 20 percent had a major effect, 37 percent produced a minor effect, and 43 percent produced no measurable effect on ambient water velocity. A major effect was defined as an increase in velocity two to three times ambient levels (approximately 0.5 ft (15.2 cm/sec)).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA308643
Entities
People
- Andrew C. Miller
- Barry S. Payne