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Accession Number:
ADA379934
Title:
Reducing the Effects of Maintenance Dredging on Freshwater Mussels in the Alabama River, Alabama
Descriptive Note:
Final rept.
Corporate Author:
ENGINEER RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER VICKSBURG MS ENVIRONMENTAL LAB
Report Date:
2000-06-01
Pagination or Media Count:
44.0
Abstract:
In September 1998, detailed studies of freshwater mussels Family Unionidae were conducted at four mussel beds in the Alabama River, located at River Miles RM 20.2-20.4, 30.1-30.4,121.8-122.6, and 124.4-124.9. Studies were done at the request of the U.S. Army Engineer District, Mobile, to obtain information concerning recertification of the operations and maintenance plan and the previously approved maintenance dredging and disposal. Approximately 1,500 mussels representing 13 species were collected using quantitative methods. Fusconaia ebena ebony shell, Quadrula asperata Alabama orb, and Obliquaria reflexa threehorn wartyback were most abundant and represented 76.2, 12.6, and 5.7 percent of the collection, respectively. Overall species diversity Shannons diversity index, H for each mussel bed, based on 20, 0.25-m2 samples, ranged from a low of 0.81 at RM 124.4 to a high of 1.63 at RM 20.2. Density at the most downriver two beds was low less than 25 individualsm2, whereas at the two upriver beds it was greater than 100 individualsm2. No Federally listed endangered or threatened species were collected, although a fresh-dead inflated heelsplitter Potamilus inflatus, listed as threatened, was collected in 1998 by another worker at the bed located between RM 20.2 and 20.4. Recruitment rates were similar at all locations evidence of recent recruitment was found for F. ebena, Fusconaia cerina Gulf pigtoe, 0. reflexa, Truncilla donaciformis fawnsfoot, Lampsilis ornata southern pocketbook, Ellipsaria lineolata butterfly, and Q. asperata. The exact location of each bed was mapped using a global positioning system.
Distribution Statement:
APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
