Long-term decline in freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae) of the western basin of Lake Erie

Journal of Great Lakes Research
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Abstract

Long-term trends in the abundance of unionids in the western basin of Lake Erie were examined from data collected at 17 stations in 1961, 1972, and 1982. The mean number of unionids at these stations declined over this time period, decreasing from 10 m−2 in 1961, to 6 m−2 in 1972, down to 4 m−2 in 1982. This decline in abundance was reflected in the decrease in the number of stations where mussels were found; unionids were found at 16 of the 17 stations in 1961, but at only 6 stations in 1982. Reasons for the decrease in the unionid population are not generally apparent, but are probably related to the decline in water quality and periods of low oxygen levels over the time period of the surveys.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Long-term decline in freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae) of the western basin of Lake Erie
Series title Journal of Great Lakes Research
DOI 10.1016/S0380-1330(91)71358-0
Volume 17
Issue 2
Year Published 1991
Language English
Publisher Elsevier
Contributing office(s) Great Lakes Science Center
Description 5 p.
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Journal of Great Lakes Research
First page 214
Last page 219
Country United States
Other Geospatial Lake Erie
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