Abstract Title
Developing Methods to Assess Growth Morphology in Fresh Water Mussels in Reaction to Environmental Factors
Abstract
This study investigated the impact of temperature and watershed characteristics on Western Pearl Shell populations in various streams across Idaho. Freshwater mussels (Margaritfera falcata) are declining in the Northwest, particularly in Idaho, due to environmental issues and climate changes over the past 30 years. These mussels are crucial for stream and river health, as they filter water and maintain ecological balance. The decline also affects Native American Tribes, who depend on them as a cultural food source. Field data, including shells were found by USFWS, then coordinates and climatic variables were collected from public sources. Shells were found deceased in three locations, El Dorado River, Musselshell Creek, and Lower Valley Creek. Shell measurements determined age and size, with a focus on the prismatic layer for age and growth rate information. The study examined the relationship between shell shape, growth rate (using the width-to-length ratio), and factors like temperature and stream gradient. Results are expected to show higher growth rates in warmer locations and higher stream gradients. These findings contribute to conservation efforts and ecological understanding of Western Pearl Shell populations and how to help this species in the future.
Developing Methods to Assess Growth Morphology in Fresh Water Mussels in Reaction to Environmental Factors
This study investigated the impact of temperature and watershed characteristics on Western Pearl Shell populations in various streams across Idaho. Freshwater mussels (Margaritfera falcata) are declining in the Northwest, particularly in Idaho, due to environmental issues and climate changes over the past 30 years. These mussels are crucial for stream and river health, as they filter water and maintain ecological balance. The decline also affects Native American Tribes, who depend on them as a cultural food source. Field data, including shells were found by USFWS, then coordinates and climatic variables were collected from public sources. Shells were found deceased in three locations, El Dorado River, Musselshell Creek, and Lower Valley Creek. Shell measurements determined age and size, with a focus on the prismatic layer for age and growth rate information. The study examined the relationship between shell shape, growth rate (using the width-to-length ratio), and factors like temperature and stream gradient. Results are expected to show higher growth rates in warmer locations and higher stream gradients. These findings contribute to conservation efforts and ecological understanding of Western Pearl Shell populations and how to help this species in the future.