Native and invasive mussels

Restoration potential and effects on the Neponset River

NepWRA

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Native bivalve species present

Elliptio complanata Pisidium spp.

Restoration problems 83 of 297 species extinct in North America

Most imperiled organisms (55% of species) IUCN Red listed Little funding available (2003 US$24k/sp.)

Sensitive to environment Habitat degradation

Dams, land use changes siltation, pollution Hydrologic regime

Flow, temperature Host specific dispersal Neponset-specific problems:

Toxic metals Summer low-flow conditions, high temperature Low clearance rate

Unlikely to solve eutrophication problem

Williams et al. 1993

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Comparison of clearance rates

Native Unionids: Low Density

0.006 to 2.327 mussels per m2

Filtration rate 1 to 2 l/hr/g AFDM

Total optimal clearance: ~23 l/m2/hr Invasive Dreissenids:

High Density 2.5 to 2.6x105 mussels per m2

Filtration rate ~5.8 l/hr/g AFDM

Total optimal clearance: ~5500 l/m2/hr

Future residents?D. polymorpha D. Rostriformis bugensis

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Usgs.gov

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