An Analysis of Freshwater Mussels (Unionidae) in Five Tributaries of the Big Sunflower River Drainage, 1996.
Abstract
A survey to assess community characteristics, density, population demography of dominant species, and the presence of endangered species of mussels (Family: Unionidae) was conducted in five tributaries in the Sunflower River Drainage, northwestern Mississippi in 1996. Tributaries were Jones Bayou, Marsh Bayou, Porter Bayou, Snake Creek, and Turkey Bayou located in Bolivar, Leflore, and Sunflower counties. Work was done for the U.S. Army Engineer District, Vicksburg, and results will be used to determine environmental effects of maintenance dredging proposed for selected reaches of these tributaries. A total of 1,798 live mussels and 20 species were collected during 1,350 min. of search time at 48 sites in the study area. The fauna was heavily dominated by Amblema plicata plicata, which made up 91 percent of the collection. Species diversity and evenness, 0.54 and 0.33, were low. No evidence of recent recruitment (individuals less than 30-mm total shell length) was found. No uncommon, threatened, or endangered species were collected. The zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, was not seen. The molluscan fauna in these tributaries is stressed, probably by high temperatures, low dissolved oxygen, and low current velocity. Approximately 85 percent of the qualitative mussel collection came from Snake Creek; total mean density along this water body was estimated at 46.9 individuals/square meter. At Marsh Bayou, Porter Bayou, and Turkey Bayou, total mean density was either 0 or less than 1.0/square meter. At Jones Bayou, total mean density was estimated at 4.8 individuals/square meter. The commercial value of A. p. plicata in Snake Creek was estimated at $15,750. Maintenance dredging will negatively affect mussels in Snake Creek.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA331248
Entities
People
- Andrew C. Miller
- Barry S. Payne