Reintroduction of freshwater mussels (Bivalvia, Unionida) directly after channel dredging can serve as an effective measure in mitigation conservation.
Sci Rep
; 14(1): 16967, 2024 07 23.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39043878
ABSTRACT
This study is based on a natural experiment carried out in the Biebrza National Park, Poland. The study site was a channel inhabited by Anodonta anatina, A. cygnea, Unio pictorum and U. tumidus. The deepening of the channel to restore ecosystem connectivity provided an opportunity to conduct this study. Mussels were collected before dredging, held in captivity for 48 h, measured, individually tagged and released post-dredging to the same 5-m channel sections they originated from. They were subsequently monitored for three consecutive years. Mussel survival remained high throughout the study, and no increased mortality in the year following reintroduction was observed. There was no growth retardation. Mussel mobility was low, with most individuals remaining in the same channel section in which they were released. Recolonisation patterns were consistent with the composition of mussel communities in adjacent unaffected habitats. Although dredging drastically changes mussel habitat, some characteristics microclimate, water chemistry, nutrient availability and host fish can remain adequate. Our study shows that reintroducing mussels to the same site can serve as an effective mitigation conservation measure and can be preferable to translocation, particularly when carried out under time pressure with limited possibilities of assigning appropriate destination sites.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Bivalvos
/
Ecosistema
/
Conservación de los Recursos Naturales
/
Agua Dulce
Límite:
Animals
País/Región como asunto:
Europa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Sci Rep
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Polonia
Pais de publicación:
Reino Unido