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CC BY V4.0, Open Access
Thesis
Distribution, abundance, and ecological associations among two species of native mussels (Gonidea angulata and Margaritifera falcata) and one invasive clam species (Corbicula fluminea) in the Columbia River Basin, USA
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
05/2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000007435
Abstract
Native freshwater mussels are in decline globally. In the Columbia River Basin, USA, Gonidea angulata (western ridged mussel) are highly threatened and Margaritifera falcata (western pearlshell) are more common, as are the invasive clam Corbicula fluminea (Asian clam). Assessments of bivalve distribution, abundance, and ecological associations are critical to native mussel conservation and invasive clam mitigation. We conducted 147 snorkel surveys and collected environmental data to populate a set of generalized linear mixed-effects models. Variation in G. angulata presence and/or abundance were best explained by impervious surface proportions and annual air temperatures. Margaritifera falcata presence and/or abundance were best explained by host fish presence, G. angulata presence, dissolved oxygen, and elevation. Corbicula fluminea presence and/or abundance were best explained by substrate size, impervious surface proportions, and annual air temperatures. Microhabitat and landscape variables explained some variation in bivalve presence and abundance, but the inclusion of watershed as a random effect increased explanatory value. Consideration of species-specific habitat preferences and watershed-level variation could improve regional management in response to native mussel declines and invasive clam expansion.
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Details
- Title
- Distribution, abundance, and ecological associations among two species of native mussels (Gonidea angulata and Margaritifera falcata) and one invasive clam species (Corbicula fluminea) in the Columbia River Basin, USA
- Creators
- Nathaniel G. Neal
- Contributors
- Stephen M Bollens (Chair)Alexa N Maine (Committee Member)Steven R Sylvester (Committee Member) - Washington State University, School of Molecular BiosciencesGretchen Rollwagen-Bollens (Committee Member)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- School of the Environment (CAHNRS)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University
- Number of pages
- 50
- Identifiers
- 99901221251401842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis