Mussels Associated with Floodplain Channels Connected to the Apalachicola River
Abstract
Searches for native mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae) were conducted at the mouths of 28 tributaries (including sloughs, old ox-bows, and creeks) of the Apalachicola River, FL from 30-31 May and again from 3-5 July 2001. During the May survey, samples were collected by wading in shallow water. In July, a diver equipped with surface compressed air conducted sampling that included deeper water not accessible by wading. Total survey time per site (May and July combined) ranged from 40 to 80 minutes. Mussels were found at only 9 of 28 sites. Furthermore, 216 of the total 255 individuals collected were found at only three sites - Douglas Slough #1, Douglas Slough #2, and Lower Poloway Cutoff (an old oxbow). Overall, mussels were obtained at a rate of only 0.17 individuals per minute. At the three sites yielding most mussels, however, this rate ranged from 0.65 to 2.00 individuals per minute. At no other location did the rate of catch exceed 0.35 mussels per minute. Emphasis was on presence and abundance of endangered and threatened species. Two such species occurred. The threatened species, Amblema neislerii, was found at three locations (Douglas Sloughs #1 and #2 and Florida River). The endangered species Elliptoideus sloatianus was obtained at Douglas Slough #2 as well as Lower Poloway Cutoff. The four sites at which one or both of these species were obtained, especially those three sites with moderately high mussel abundance, are noteworthy with respect to proposed maintenance dredging operations to restore or enhance connectivity of tributaries with the main channel of the river.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA403666
Entities
People
- Andrew C. Miller
- Barry S. Payne
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center