The Distribution of Freshwater Mussels Anodonta spp. and Margaritifera falcata in Alaska: 2005 Final Report
Dates
Year
2005
Citation
Smith, Steve C., Foster, Nora, and Gotthardt, Tracey, 2005, The Distribution of Freshwater Mussels Anodonta spp. and Margaritifera falcata in Alaska: 2005 Final Report: Alaska Natural Heritage Program, Environment and Natural Resources Institute, University of Alaska Anchorage: Anchorage, AK, p. 26-26.
Summary
In June 2004 the Alaska Natural Heritage Program (AKNHP), University of Alaska Anchorage, entered into a grant agreement with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) Coastal Program to gather baseline distribution data on three freshwater mussel species: Anodonta beringiana, Anodonta kennerlyi, and Margaritifera falcata. In addition to this work, a modification to the original grant enabled the project to concurrently investigate the presence of two invasive mollusks, the Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) and the New Zealand Mudsnail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum). This report summarizes the methods and results of the study and makes recommendations for future research and management of freshwater mussels in Alaska. The distribution, [...]
Summary
In June 2004 the Alaska Natural Heritage Program (AKNHP), University of Alaska Anchorage, entered into a grant agreement with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) Coastal Program to gather baseline distribution data on three freshwater mussel species: Anodonta beringiana, Anodonta kennerlyi, and Margaritifera falcata. In addition to this work, a modification to the original grant enabled the project to concurrently investigate the presence of two invasive mollusks, the Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) and the New Zealand Mudsnail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum). This report summarizes the methods and results of the study and makes recommendations for future research and management of freshwater mussels in Alaska. The distribution, abundance, and ecological roles of the three dominant freshwater mussel species in Alaska have been poorly documented. The objective of this study was to conduct a survey of freshwater mussel populations in lakes and streams of Southeast Alaska, Prince William Sound, Kodiak Island, the Aleutian Islands and the Alaska Peninsula to enhance current knowledge of their distribution, composition, and habitat preferences. Additionally, the project strove to promote public education about mussel ecology and conservation. A third goal was to determine whether two non-native mollusk species had already invaded Alaska and to investigate the potential for certain vectors of introduction. This project relied largely on volunteer support from researchers within state and federal agencies as well as the general public. Agency personnel, particularly those with projects in aquatic environments, were contacted and petitioned to volunteer. Collected shell specimens were returned to the project coordinator for identification. Participants were also given information concerning the two aforementioned invasive species and asked to sample for their presence and freshwater mussel presence simultaneously. To investigate the potential for invasive species entering Alaska via personal watercraft and boats, surveys were conducted in campgrounds and RV parks in and around Anchorage and on the Kenai Peninsula. From these surveys, information was obtained about the ratio of boats to vehicles registered at campgrounds. Whenever possible, watercraft were visually inspected for the presence of potentially invasive mollusks. A total of 195 native mussel specimens were collected by 36 individuals at 77 different locations during the 2004 surveys. These results greatly expand the record of freshwater mussel distribution in Alaska and increase the probability that only the three species collected are indigenous to Alaska. No invasive species were detected by any project participants and campground surveys indicated less than one percent of visitors who drive to Alaska bring boats or watercraft with them. Freshwater mussels are an important part of the ecosystems they inhabit and should no longer be ignored in resource management planning. The information garnered in this study should be used to continue researching mussel populations and their use as bio-indicators of the aquatic environment. The establishment of non-native mollusks should be monitored, and educational programs continued to involve the public in the prevention of invasive species establishing in Alaska.
