DOCSLIB.ORG

"[Click Here and Type the TITLE of YOUR WORK in All Caps

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

INVESTIGATION OF FRESHWATER MUSSEL PHYSIOLOGY AND REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY TO INFORM CONSERVATION by ANDREA KAY FRITTS (Under the Direction of Robert B. Bringolf) ABSTRACT Filter feeding freshwater mussels (order Unionoida) fulfill an important ecological niche, but a suite of anthropogenic perturbations have made them the most imperiled faunal group in North America. Threats to mussels include habitat degradation, pollution, and alterations to natural flow regimes. The Apalachicola- Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin is a watershed under increasing pressure from human populations and is also home to a diverse assemblage of aquatic organisms including five federally listed mussel species. The federal recovery plan for these species outlines specific research objectives that will better equip scientists and managers with the necessary tools to protect and restore populations of these species. This dissertation has focused on addressing some of these critical data gaps by investigating the ecological relevance of the sodium chloride glochidia viability test, conducting host determination trials for the Purple Bankclimber mussel (Elliptoideus sloatianus), and developing nonlethal methods for assessing the physiological response of mussels to various stress events. Freshwater mussels are characterized by a unique lifecycle in which the glochidia larvae must attach to a vertebrate host to metamorphose into a juvenile mussel. This larval stage is used in toxicity testing to evaluate the effects of contaminants on freshwater mussels and for the derivation of water quality criteria. My results indicated that the viability of glochidia as measured by the sodium chloride test is an ecologically relevant measure of the health of glochidia. The discovery of Gulf Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi) as the primary hosts for Purple Bankclimber mussels has supplied important information for the preservation and management of wild mussel populations as well as providing the necessary data to initiate captive propagation. Changes in tissue glycogen and hemolymph chemistry parameters are potential biomarkers for monitoring stress in freshwater mussels. The factors of discharge, size, sex, and species were most commonly found to affect the biological responses in our models and we recommend that future research into the effects of drought and stress should include the use of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, bicarbonate, and calcium. Combined, these data will allow scientists and managers alike to advance the conservation of these intriguing and ecologically important animals. INDEX WORDS: Glochidia, Unionidae, Elliptoideus sloatianus, Apalachicola- Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin, Biomarker INVESTIGATION OF FRESHWATER MUSSEL PHYSIOLOGY AND REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY TO INFORM CONSERVATION by ANDREA KAY FRITTS B.S., University of Wisconsin-River Falls, 2007 M.S. Missouri State University, 2009 A Dissertation Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of The University of Georgia in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY ATHENS, GEORGIA 2013 © 2013 ANDREA KAY FRITTS All Rights Reserved INVESTIGATION OF FRESHWATER MUSSEL PHYSIOLOGY AND REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY TO INFORM CONSERVATION by ANDREA KAY FRITTS Major Professor: Robert B. Bringolf Committee: James T. Peterson Mary C. Freeman C. Rhett Jackson Electronic Version Approved: Maureen Grasso Dean of the Graduate School The University of Georgia August 2013 DEDICATION This dissertation would not have been possible without the unending support from Mark Fritts: fellow biologist, terrific cook, and wonderful husband. Our hours together in the rivers of Georgia and our countless dinner conversations about research projects, experimental design, and delectable recipes have made the past four years not only memorable, but also incredibly fun! I look forward to our continued exploration of the natural world, with you and I side by side. iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS When I first visited the University of Georgia and the lab of Dr. Robert Bringolf in January 2009, I realized very quickly that this was the place where I wanted to pursue my doctoral degree. Since the very first moment that I met Dr. Bringolf, he has been the type of advisor that every graduate student hopes for. Supportive and kind, yet one who challenges his students to jump out of their comfort zones and to grow as a scientist. His unending encouragement and passion for science has produced many wonderful experiences and memories that I will cherish as I leave Georgia and embark on new research adventures. Special thanks go out to Bob Ratajczak, Colin Shea, and Jason Wisniewski. Bob was always willing to lend a hand in the field or lab and he made sure that we were equipped with all of the peculiar supplies that we needed. Colin and Jason taught me the mussels of the Flint River and graciously helped to collect mussels not only during the pleasant summer months but also during chilly winter sampling trips. Many other individuals have contributed to the successful completion of this dissertation research, including: Sandy Abbott, Brett Albanese, Chris Barnhart, Mike Bednarski, Shay Bush, Ben Carswell, Greg Cope, Julie Creamer, Zack DeWolf, Justin Dycus, Dewayne Fox, Mark Fritts, Pete Hazelton, Karen Herrington, Whitney Jacobs, Cecil Jennings, Jennifer Johnson, Rachel Katz, Kristen Kellock, Teresa Newton, Doug Peterson, Sandy Pursifull, Bernard Sietman, Channing St. Aubin, Jim Stoeckel, Brittany Trushel, Amos Tuck, Dan Watrous, Deb Weiler, Naeem Willett, and Jim Williams. My committee members, Dr. v Mary Freeman, Dr. Jim Peterson, and Dr. Rhett Jackson have also been terrific sources of support and constructive input over the course of this project. Owens and Williams Fish Farm were incredibly generous in donating a tremendous number of largemouth bass for an assortment of experiments. Lastly, a big thank you to my family, who were the first to instill a love of nature within me. My parents, Bill and Anna Crownhart, my siblings, Maria, Amy, John, and Rachel, and my sweet husband, Mark Fritts---you have all been incredible sources of support during my graduate school career. vi TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................................................v LIST OF TABLES ...............................................................................................................x LIST OF FIGURES ......................................................................................................... xiii CHAPTER 1 BACKGROUND AND CHAPTER ORGANIZATION ...................................1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................1 REFERENCES ..........................................................................................10 2 ASSESSMENT OF TOXICITY TEST ENDPOINTS FOR THE GLOCHIDIA LARVAE OF FRESHWATER MUSSELS .............................16 ABSTRACT ...............................................................................................17 INTRODUCTION .....................................................................................18 METHODS ................................................................................................20 RESULTS ..................................................................................................26 DISCUSSION ............................................................................................29 REFERENCES ..........................................................................................35 3 CRITICAL LINKAGE OF IMPERILED SPECIES: GULF STURGEON AS HOST FOR THE PURPLE BANKCLIMBER MUSSELS.............................48 ABSTRACT ...............................................................................................49 INTRODUCTION .....................................................................................51 vii METHODS ................................................................................................54 RESULTS ..................................................................................................58 DISCUSSION ............................................................................................58 REFERENCES ..........................................................................................65 4 EVALUATION OF PHYSIOLOGICAL BIOMARKERS OF STRESS IN FRESHWATER MUSSELS ............................................................................80 ABSTRACT ...............................................................................................81 INTRODUCTION .....................................................................................83 METHODS ................................................................................................87 RESULTS ..................................................................................................93 DISCUSSION ............................................................................................95 REFERENCES ........................................................................................103 5 NON-LETHAL ASSESSMENT OF FRESHWATER MUSSEL RESPONSE TO CHANGES IN ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS IN THE LOWER FLINT RIVER BASIN, GEORGIA, U.S.A. .................................................120 ABSTRACT .............................................................................................121 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................123 METHODS ..............................................................................................127
Recommended publications
  • Demography of Freshwater Mussels Within the Lower Flint River

    Demography of Freshwater Mussels Within the Lower Flint River

    DEMOGRAPHY OF FRESHWATER MUSSELS WITHIN THE LOWER FLINT RIVER BASIN, SOUTHWEST GEORGIA by JUSTIN C. DYCUS (Under the Direction of Robert Bringolf) ABSTRACT Environmental and spatial variation can potentially influence mussel populations through acute and chronic mechanisms. The objectives of this study were to identify and quantify the chronic factors affecting freshwater mussel growth. Live mussels were collected within the lower Flint River Basin, sacrificed, and their shells were thin-sectioned. Thin sections revealed the production of internal annuli, which were used to determine individual ages and estimate annual growth. I evaluated the relation between annual growth and presumed variables responsible for altering growth using mixed linear models. Growth was indicated to vary in relation to seasonal streamflow, species, age, tagging, channel confinement, and physiographic province. The effect of tagging should be accounted for in subsequent mark-recapture studies, and species- and site- specific characteristics should be considered when implementing management decisions to prevent future harm to freshwater mussel populations. INDEX WORDS: Thin Section, Annuli, Freshwater Mussel, Streamflow, Umbo, Villosa lienosa, Villosa vibex, Elliptio crassidens DEMOGRAPHY OF FRESHWATER MUSSELS WITHIN THE LOWER FLINT RIVER BASIN, SOUTHWEST GEORGIA By JUSTIN C. DYCUS A.S., Sandhills Community College, 2006 B.S., North Carolina State University, 2008 A Thesis Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of The University of Georgia in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree MASTER OF SCIENCE ATHENS, GEORGIA 2011 © 2011 JUSTIN CHARLES DYCUS All Rights Reserved DEMOGRAPHY OF FRESHWATER MUSSELS WITHIN THE LOWER FLINT RIVER BASIN, SOUTHWEST GEORGIA By JUSTIN C. DYCUS Major Professor: Robert Bringolf Committee: James T.
  • Gulf Moccasinshell (Mussel)

    Gulf Moccasinshell (Mussel)

    Gulf moccasinshell (mussel) Medionidus penicillatus Taxonomic Classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Mollusca Class: Bivalvia Order: Unionoida Family: Unionidae Genus/Species: Medionidus penicillatus Common Name: Gulf moccasinshell Listing Status Federal Status: Endangered FL Status: Federally-designated Endangered FNAI Ranks: G2/S2 (Imperiled) IUCN Status: CR (Critically Endangered) Physical Description The Gulf moccasinshell is a small freshwater mussel that can reach a length of 2.2 inches (5.5 centimeters). This species has an oval-shaped shell that is greenish-brown with marks of green rays on the outer shell and green or dark purple on the inner shell. The valves are thin and contain two teeth in the left valve and one in the right (University of Georgia 2008, Florida Natural Areas Inventory 2001). Life History The Gulf moccasinshell is a filter feeder (filters food out of water). This species’ diet primarily consists of plankton and detritus (dead organic matter). Little is known about the reproduction of the Gulf moccasinshell. It is believed that males release sperm in the water and females receive the sperm through a siphon. Eggs are fertilized in the female’s shell and the glochidia (larvae) release into the water. The larvae attach to the gills or fins of a host fish to develop (University of Georgia 2008). When the larvae are developed they release from the fish and settle in their primary habitat. Gulf Moccasinshell Mussel 1 | Page Habitat & Distribution The Gulf moccasinshell inhabits creeks and large rivers with moderate currents that have a sandy or gravel floor. This species is known to be found in Ecofina Creek and the Chipola River in northwest Florida, and the Flint River in southwest Georgia.
  • SCIENTIFIC COLLECTING PERMITS Valid: One Year from Date of Issuance Resident - Nonresident

    SCIENTIFIC COLLECTING PERMITS Valid: One Year from Date of Issuance Resident - Nonresident

    SCP – Page 1 SCIENTIFIC COLLECTING PERMITS Valid: one year from date of issuance Resident - Nonresident Alabama Game, Fish and Wildlife Law; Article 12; beginning with 9-11-231 PRIVILEGE: • An INDIVIDUAL, EDUCATIONAL OR AGENCY SCP authorizes permit holder to collect any wild invertebrate or vertebrate species or their eggs in this state for propagation or scientific purposes. • A FEDERAL / STATE PROTECTED SCP authorizes permit holder to collect endangered / protected species (copy of USFWS permit must be submitted if required by federal law). PERMITS TYPES: • INDIVIDUAL SCP: for an individual collector. • EDUCATIONAL SCP: for a professor/teacher and their current students. • AGENCY MEMBER SCP: for an agency and their current members. • FEDERAL / STATE PROTECTED SCP: Issued in addition to an Individual, Educational or Agency SCP. STUDENTS / AGENCY MEMBERS: • Each student / agency member must complete the Educational & Agency SCP Dependent Information Form and be approved to work under an Educational or Agency SCP. (See The SCP section online at https://www.outdooralabama.com/licenses/commercial-licenses-permits) COLLECTIONS: • A SCP Collection Data Form must be completed and faxed for approval prior to any scheduled collection. (See The SCP section online at https://www.outdooralabama.com/licenses/commercial-licenses-permits) • Annual reports required. Must be submitted prior to renewal requests. RESTRICTIONS: • Must have a SCP to obtain a Federal / State Protected Species permit. • Federal / State Protected permit must meet strict guidelines prior to issuance. • No species collected are to be sold. NOTE: • Electronic system processes all applications and reports. • For areas under Marine Resources jurisdiction, call (251) 861-2882. • Applicant should allow 3 weeks for processing and issuance.
  • Georgia Ecological Services U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service HUC 10

    Georgia Ecological Services U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service HUC 10

    Georgia Ecological Services U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 2/9/2021 HUC 10 Watershed Report HUC 10 Watershed: 0313000514 Beaver Creek-Flint River HUC 8 Watershed: Upper Flint Counties: Crawford, Macon, Peach, Taylor, Upson Major Waterbodies (in GA): Flint River, Beaver Creek, Avery Creek, Griffin Branch, Little Vine Creek, Mathews Creek Federal Listed Species: (historic, known occurrence, or likely to occur in the watershed) E - Endangered, T - Threatened, C - Candidate, CCA - Candidate Conservation species, PE - Proposed Endangered, PT - Proposed Threatened, Pet - Petitioned, R - Rare, U - Uncommon, SC - Species of Concern. Fat Three-ridge (Amblema neislerii) US: E; GA: E Floodplain; Survey period: year round, when water temperatures are above 10° C and excluding when stage is increasing or above normal. Purple Bankclimber (Elliptoideus sloatianus) US: T; GA: T Occurrence; Critical Habitat; Survey period: year round, when water temperatures are above 10° C and excluding when stage is increasing or above normal. Shinyrayed Pocketbook (Hamiota subangulata) US: E; GA: E Occurrence; Critical Habitat; Survey period: year round, when water temperatures are above 10° C and excluding when stage is increasing or above normal. Gulf Moccasinshell (Medionidus penicillatus) US: E; GA: E Occurrence; Critical Habitat; Survey period: for larvae or aquatic adults between 1 Apr - 30 Jun. Oval Pigtoe (Pleurobema pyriforme) US: E; GA: E Occurrence; Critical Habitat; Survey period: year round, when water temperatures are above 10° C and excluding when stage is increasing or above normal. Pondberry (Lindera melissifolia) US: E; GA: E Occurrence; Survey period: flowering 1 Feb - 31 Mar or fruiting 1 Aug - 31 Oct. Green Pitcherplant (Sarracenia oreophila) US: E; GA: E Occurrence; Survey period: flowering 1 May - 30 Jun.
  • Chipola Slabshell (Mussel)

    Chipola Slabshell (Mussel)

    Chipola slabshell (mussel) Elliptio chiplolaensis Taxonomic Classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Mollusca Class: Bivalvia Order: Unionoida Family: Unionidae Genus/Species: Elliptio chiplolaensis Common Name: Chipola slabshell Listing Status Federal Status: Threatened FL Status: Federally-designated Threatened FNAI Ranks: G1/S1 (Critically Imperiled) IUCN Status: EN (Endangered) Physical Description The Chipola slabshell is a midsized freshwater mussel that can reach a length of 3.3 inches (8.5 centimeters). This species is oval shaped with a reddish-brown outer shell, sometimes surrounded with dark and light bands, and a reddish-yellow inner shell (University of Georgia 2008). Life History The Chipola slabshell is a filter feeder (filters food out of water) and their diet primarily consists of plankton and detritus (dead organic matter). Due to its rarity, little is known about the life history of the Chipola slabshell. It is believed that males release sperm in the water and the female receives the sperm through its siphon. Eggs are fertilized in the female’s shell and the glochidia (larvae) release into the water. The larvae attach to the gills or fins of a host fish to develop. When the larvae metamorphose into juvenile mussels, they release from the fish and settle in their primary habitat. Chipola Slabshell Mussel 1 | Page Habitat & Distribution The Chipola slabshell inhabits slow to medium current rivers with a sand and silt floor (Bogan 2000). This species is found only in the Chipola River in northwest Florida. Threats Freshwater mussels face a host of threats due to an increased human population, pollution, and development. The main threat is the impoundment of fresh waterways.
  • Suwannee Moccasinshell

    Suwannee Moccasinshell

    Medionidus walkeri (Wright 1897) Suwannee Moccasinshell Medionidus walkeri – USNM 150506: length 43 mm. Suwannee River, Ellaville, Madison County, Florida, Suwannee River basin. Photo by J.D. Williams. Original Description Unio walkeri B.H. Wright 1897. Lectotype (Simpson 1900), USNM 150506: length 43 mm. Type locality: reported as Suwannee River, Madison County, Florida, restricted by Johnson (1967) to Suwannee River, Ellaville, Madison [Suwannee] County, Florida, [Suwannee River basin]. Synonymy There are no synonyms of Medionidus walkeri. Taxonomic History Medionidus walkeri was originally described by B.H. Wright (1897) as a valid species. It was subsequently considered to be a synonym of Medionidus penicillatus (Clench and Turner 1956). It was removed from synonymy of M. penicillatus and recognized as a valid species by Johnson (1977). Medionidus walkeri has generally been regarded as a Suwannee River basin endemic. However, there is a single record of M. walkeri from Hillsborough River in the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology (UMMZ)—Morris Bridge, U.S. Highway 301, collected by T.H. Van Hyning in 1932. This disjunct population extends the range of M. walkeri southward into peninsular Florida. 2 Description Shell: length to 53 mm; thin to moderately thick; smooth, occasionally with sculpture posteriorly; moderately inflated, width usually 2.2–2.8 times into length; outline oval; anterior margin rounded; posterior margin obliquely truncate to narrowly rounded; dorsal margin straight to convex; ventral margin straight to convex, large individuals occasionally arcuate; posterior ridge moderately sharp dorsally, rounded posterioventrally; posterior slope moderately steep, with corrugations extending from posterior ridge to posteriodorsal margin, occasionally extending anterioventrally on shell disk in some individuals; umbo broad, moderately inflated, elevated slightly above hinge line; umbo sculpture 4–6 looped ridges, first 2–4 with slight indentation ventrally, angular across posterior ridge; umbo cavity wide, shallow.
  • Review of Special Provisions and Other Conditions Placed on Gdot Projects for Imperiled Species Protection

    Review of Special Provisions and Other Conditions Placed on Gdot Projects for Imperiled Species Protection

    GEORGIA DOT RESEARCH PROJECT 18-06 FINAL REPORT REVIEW OF SPECIAL PROVISIONS AND OTHER CONDITIONS PLACED ON GDOT PROJECTS FOR IMPERILED SPECIES PROTECTION VOLUME III OFFICE OF PERFORMANCE-BASED MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH 600 WEST PEACHTREE STREET NW ATLANTA, GA 30308 TECHNICAL REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE 1. Report No.: 2. Government Accession No.: 3. Recipient's Catalog No.: FHWA-GA-20-1806 Volume III N/A N/A 4. Title and Subtitle: 5. Report Date: Review of Special Provisions and Other Conditions Placed on January 2021 GDOT Projects For Imperiled Aquatic Species Protection, 6. Performing Organization Code: Volume III N/A 7. Author(s): 8. Performing Organization Report No.: Jace M. Nelson, Timothy A. Stephens, Robert B. Bringolf, Jon 18-06 Calabria, Byron J. Freeman, Katie S. Hill, William H. Mattison, Brian P. Melchionni, Jon W. Skaggs, R. Alfie Vick, Brian P. Bledsoe, (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0779-0127), Seth J. Wenger (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7858-960X) 9. Performing Organization Name and Address: 10. Work Unit No.: Odum School of Ecology N/A University of Georgia 11. Contract or Grant No.: 140 E. Green Str. PI#0016335 Athens, GA 30602 208-340-7046 or 706-542-2968 [email protected] 12. Sponsoring Agency Name and Address: 13. Type of Report and Period Covered: Georgia Department of Transportation Final; September 2018–January 2021 Office of Performance-based 14. Sponsoring Agency Code: Management and Research N/A 600 West Peachtree St. NW Atlanta, GA 30308 15. Supplementary Notes: Conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration.
  • Common Name: GULF MOCCASINSHELL Scientific Name

    Common Name: GULF MOCCASINSHELL Scientific Name

    Gulf moccasinshell (Medionidus penicillatus) 48 mm (1 inches). Unknown location. Photo by Jason Wisniewski, GA DNR. Specimen provided by the McClung Museum courtesy of Gerry Dinkins. Common Name: GULF MOCCASINSHELL Scientific Name: Medionidus penicillatus Lea Other Commonly Used Names: none Previously Used Scientific Names: none Family: Unionidae Rarity Ranks: G1/S1 State Legal Status: Endangered Federal Legal Status: Endangered Description: Shell profile is sub-rhomboidal to elliptical in outline. Shell rather delicate with a maximum length of approximately 55 mm (2¼ inches). Anterior margin broadly rounded while posterior margin is pointed and terminates near the posterior-ventral margin. Ventral margin is straight to slightly arcuate. Umbos positioned anterior of the middle of the valves and elevated to or just slightly above the hingeline. Posterior ridge is sharply developed with well developed plications present on the posterior slope. Pseudocardinal teeth are short and triangular while lateral teeth are slightly curved. The periostracum is yellow with fine, broken rays radiating from the umbo to the margin of the shell. Nacre color typically white. Similar Species: None Habitat: Typically occupies small streams to large rivers with moderate flow and sandy substrates. This species has also been found in gravel and cobble substrates. Diet: The diets of unionids are poorly understood but are believed to consist of algae and/or bacteria. Some studies suggest that diets may change throughout the life of a unionid with juveniles collecting organic materials from the substrate though pedal feeding and then developing the ability to filter feed during adulthood. Life History: Gravid females have been collected in Georgia from early spring to mid-summer.
  • Historic and Current Unionid Mussel Distribution in Tributaries

    Historic and Current Unionid Mussel Distribution in Tributaries

    Distribution of Unionid Mussels in Tributaries of the Lower Flint River, Southwestern Georgia: An Examination of Current and Historical Trends. Charlotte A. Chastain 1, Stephen W. Golladay 1, and Tara K. Muenz1 ______________________________________________________________________________________ AUTHORS: 1 J.W. Jones Ecological Research Center, Route 2, Box 2324, Newton, GA 39870 REFERENCE: Proceedings of the 2005 Georgia Water Resources Conference, held April 25-27 at the University of Georgia. Kathryn J. Hatcher, editor, Institute Ecology, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Abstract. The historically diverse assemblage of From 1999-2001, southwest Georgia experienced a freshwater mussels in the Flint River Basin (FRB) has record drought. Drought conditions were most severe shown declines in abundance and distribution. The mid- during the summer of 2000 and resulted in stressful reaches of the major tributaries of the Flint River habitat conditions for mussels. Perennial streams went dry contained one of the richest assemblages of mussels in the throughout the region, while other stream segments southeastern Coastal Plain. Declines in mussel became intermittent with aquatic habitat limited to assemblages were accelerated by the recent drought that isolated pools. Headwater sections in some locations occurred during 1999-2001. Following the drought, we sustained flow, while downstream sections stagnated surveyed mussel populations at selected sites in the major (Johnson et al., 2001, Golladay et al., 2002). In other tributaries of the Flint River to determine if declines in locations, primarily larger streams, flowing water abundance and distribution were continuing. Many persisted throughout the drought, but water levels dropped populations of common, rare, and endangered species to unprecedented lows (USGS 2000).
  • Aquatic Survey Protocols for Transportation Projects Within the State of Georgia

    Aquatic Survey Protocols for Transportation Projects Within the State of Georgia

    Aquatic Survey Protocols for Transportation Projects within the State of Georgia GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Office of Environmental Services November 2018 TABLE of CONTENTS Section I. Introduction Section II. Fish and Crayfish Survey Protocols Section III. Mussel Survey Protocol Section IV. Snail Survey Protocol Appendices Section I. INTRODUCTION November 2018 I. DETERMINING THE NEED FOR AN AQUATIC SPECIES SURVEY A. Project Types/Activities Requiring an Aquatic Species Survey In general, aquatic surveys should be considered when construction or maintenance activities require work within or will result in impacts to water resources where state or federally protected species may occur. These activities could include, but are not limited to, bridge replacement/demolition, culvert replacement or extension, installation of boat ramps, and installation of temporary construction structures (e.g. coffer dams, rock jetties, work bridges). Aquatic surveys should also be considered for activities that involve ground disturbance within stream buffers, but do not necessarily include work within the water. Maintenance activities that do not require access within the water, such as co-polymer overlay and superstructure painting, do not typically warrant an aquatic survey. Consult the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) ecologist if questions arise as to whether a particular project or activity might necessitate an aquatic survey. B. Steps for Determining When an Aquatic Species Survey is Appropriate The steps for determining the need for an initial aquatic survey are enumerated below. Guidance for determining the need for re-surveys follows. 1. Identify state and federally protected aquatic species potentially occurring within the project area from early coordination responses Prior to any aquatic surveys, early coordination shall be completed with the U.S.

  • A Revised List of the Freshwater Mussels (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Unionida) of the United States and Canada

    Freshwater Mollusk Biology and Conservation 20:33–58, 2017 Ó Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society 2017 REGULAR ARTICLE A REVISED LIST OF THE FRESHWATER MUSSELS (MOLLUSCA: BIVALVIA: UNIONIDA) OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA James D. Williams1*, Arthur E. Bogan2, Robert S. Butler3,4,KevinS.Cummings5, Jeffrey T. Garner6,JohnL.Harris7,NathanA.Johnson8, and G. Thomas Watters9 1 Florida Museum of Natural History, Museum Road and Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611 USA 2 North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, MSC 1626, Raleigh, NC 27699 USA 3 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 212 Mills Gap Road, Asheville, NC 28803 USA 4 Retired. 5 Illinois Natural History Survey, 607 East Peabody Drive, Champaign, IL 61820 USA 6 Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, 350 County Road 275, Florence, AL 35633 USA 7 Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, State University, AR 71753 USA 8 U.S. Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, 7920 NW 71st Street, Gainesville, FL 32653 USA 9 Museum of Biological Diversity, The Ohio State University, 1315 Kinnear Road, Columbus, OH 43212 USA ABSTRACT We present a revised list of freshwater mussels (order Unionida, families Margaritiferidae and Unionidae) of the United States and Canada, incorporating changes in nomenclature and systematic taxonomy since publication of the most recent checklist in 1998. We recognize a total of 298 species in 55 genera in the families Margaritiferidae (one genus, five species) and Unionidae (54 genera, 293 species). We propose one change in the Margaritiferidae: the placement of the formerly monotypic genus Cumberlandia in the synonymy of Margaritifera. In the Unionidae, we recognize three new genera, elevate four genera from synonymy, and place three previously recognized genera in synonymy.

  • Life History Observations and Determination of Potential Host Fish Species for Chipola Slabshell, Elliptio Chipolaensis

    Columbus State University CSU ePress Theses and Dissertations Student Publications 12-2008 Life History Observations and Determination of Potential Host Fish Species for Chipola Slabshell, Elliptio chipolaensis Lisa Preister Columbus State University Follow this and additional works at: https://csuepress.columbusstate.edu/theses_dissertations Part of the Earth Sciences Commons Recommended Citation Preister, Lisa, "Life History Observations and Determination of Potential Host Fish Species for Chipola Slabshell, Elliptio chipolaensis" (2008). Theses and Dissertations. 65. https://csuepress.columbusstate.edu/theses_dissertations/65 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Student Publications at CSU ePress. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of CSU ePress. Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012 with funding from LYRASIS Members and Sloan Foundation http://archive.org/details/lifehistoryobserOOprei Columbus State University The College of Science The Graduate Program in Environmental Science Life History Observations and Determination of Potential Host Fish Species for Chipola Slabshell, EUiptio chipolaensis A Thesis in Environmental Science by Lisa Preister Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science December 2008 ) 2008 by Lisa Preister I have submitted this thesis in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. s ,j/iiM/.-. Date Lisa Preister We approve the thesis of Lisa Preister as presented here. ft j\\ 2<3<r£ Date George Stanton, Thesis Advisor, Professor of Biology f '/ 2Uo O<Z -^^C,,^^J^^^-J Date William Birkhead, Professor of Biology /2, "/o r David Schwimmer, Professor of Geology 1 2/I1M A Carson Stringfellow, ( J Assistant Professor of Bitflfigy Abstract North America is home to nearly 300 species of freshwater mussels with approximately 80% being found in the southeastern United States.