Accession Number:

ADA331592

Title:

Effects of Water Diversion on Freshwater Mussels in the Pearl River Near Walkiah Bluff, Mississippi and Louisiana, 1995.

Descriptive Note:

Final rept.,

Corporate Author:

ARMY ENGINEER WATERWAYS EXPERIMENT STATION VICKSBURG MS ENVIRONMENTAL LAB

Personal Author(s):

• Miller, Andrew C.
• Payne, Barry S.

Report Date:

1997-09-01

Pagination or Media Count:

75.0

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 the. Pearl River near Picayune, MS, August-October 1995. Work was done for the U.S. Army Engineer District, Vicksburg, and results are being used to assess the environmental effects of three proposed water diversion alternatives designed to increase discharge and water levels in the Pearl River near Walkiah Bluff, Mississippi and Louisiana An increase in water level in Reaches 1-4 of the Pearl River will be brought about by a decrease in discharge and water levels in Wilson Slough and areas downstream Reaches 5-7. Low flow will be maintained in the river near Walkiah Bluff with a weir and closures in Reaches 1 and 2. Reaches 1 and 2 contain a rich and diverse assemblage of mussels. Recruitment is high, and where suitable substratum exists, high-density populations of mussels were found. Shells of the threatened inflated heelsplitter were found in Reaches 6 and 7, although no live specimens were collected. This species was not found in Reaches 1-4

Descriptors:

• *ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
• *ENDANGERED SPECIES
• *MUSSELS
• DENSITY
• WATER
• DEMOGRAPHY
• POPULATION
• FRESH WATER
• LEVEL(QUANTITY)
• FLOW
• RIVERS
• HABITATS
• LOUISIANA
• MISSISSIPPI

Subject Categories:

• Biology
• Water Pollution and Control

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE