The Tuckahoe River system is devoid of the Dwarf Wedge Mussel, an analysis of previous and current environmental conditions will be used to determine if conditions will support the Dwarf Wedge Mussel habitat. What regulations or measures could be taken in the Tuckahoe system to create an environment in which the Dwarf Wedge Mussel could potentially be introduced and protected?
The Dwarf Wedge Mussel is a small freshwater mussel once found in locations from North Caroline to New Brunswick with 70 population locations. However, in recent decades the population of mussels has shrunk to approximately 20 locations in eight watersheds. As filter feeders, mussels are significant to water systems by helping to maintain water quality, stabilize substrates, decrease erosion, and add to habitat complexity.
Dwarf Wedge Mussels are most often found in small streams to large rivers. Populations tend to occur in areas protected from high-flow events, such as side channels and low gradient streams. The mussels are often located in shallow waters along stream banks, concentrated by logs or in root mats. The life span of the mussel is typically less than 12 years, which is young compared with many other freshwater species. In the larvae stage of the reproductive cycle, Dwarf Wedge Mussels depend on a host fish, …show more content…
The Tuckahoe River has experienced increased water pollution from agricultural and other development over the past few decades eliminated mussels from their habitats. The main forms of water pollution and causes for Dwarf Wedge Mussel decline include non-point chemical pollution, sedimentation from forestry and agricultural operations, population density too low to allow for successful reproduction, residential, highway, or industrial development, headwater channelization, fragmentation by dams, non-native and invasive species, and stream improvement
The Dwarf Wedge Mussel is a small freshwater mussel once found in locations from North Caroline to New Brunswick with 70 population locations. However, in recent decades the population of mussels has shrunk to approximately 20 locations in eight watersheds. As filter feeders, mussels are significant to water systems by helping to maintain water quality, stabilize substrates, decrease erosion, and add to habitat complexity.
Dwarf Wedge Mussels are most often found in small streams to large rivers. Populations tend to occur in areas protected from high-flow events, such as side channels and low gradient streams. The mussels are often located in shallow waters along stream banks, concentrated by logs or in root mats. The life span of the mussel is typically less than 12 years, which is young compared with many other freshwater species. In the larvae stage of the reproductive cycle, Dwarf Wedge Mussels depend on a host fish, …show more content…
The Tuckahoe River has experienced increased water pollution from agricultural and other development over the past few decades eliminated mussels from their habitats. The main forms of water pollution and causes for Dwarf Wedge Mussel decline include non-point chemical pollution, sedimentation from forestry and agricultural operations, population density too low to allow for successful reproduction, residential, highway, or industrial development, headwater channelization, fragmentation by dams, non-native and invasive species, and stream improvement