HR: 1330h
AN: NB33P-18    [Abstracts]
TI: Distribution of Unionid Mussels in Tributaries of the Lower Flint River, Southwestern Georgia: An Examination of Current and Historical Trends.
AU: Golladay, S W
EM: steve.golladay@jonesctr.org
AF: Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center, Route 2, Box 2324, Newton, GA 39870 United States
AB: The historically diverse assemblage of freshwater mussels in the Flint River Basin has shown declines in abundance and distribution. The mid-reaches of the major tributaries of the Flint River contained one of the richest assemblages of mussels in the southeastern Coastal Plain. Declines in mussel assemblages accelerated following a recent severe drought (1999-2001). Following the drought, we surveyed mussel populations at selected sites in the major tributaries of the Flint River to determine whether declines in abundance and distribution are continuing. Many populations of common, rare, and endangered species were stable in their distribution (&35; taxa per site) but exhibited declines in abundance. One survey site in particular, on Spring Creek, contains a rich assemblage of mussels unique to the basin, and surveys from this site also suggest diminishing populations. Possible explanations for declines include poor water quality, loss or degradation of instream habitat, competition from the exotic Asiatic clam, and inadequate instream flows.
DE: 1812 Drought
DE: 1845 Limnology
DE: 1871 Surface water quality
DE: 9350 North America
SC: North American Benthological Society [NB]
MN: 2005 Joint Assembly