Investigating the effects of dreissenid mussel shells in streams post-invasion

Abstract

The ecological impact of dreissenid mussel (e.g., quagga and zebra) populations and their empty shells on native fauna in large rivers and lakes has been extensively studied. However, there is limited information on their effects in small wadable streams. Although established mussel populations in these systems are uncommon, their shells are found in high densities in benthic environments and may adversely impact stream communities. Shell densities were quantified using quadrats in two wadable streams to assess impacts on native benthic macroinvertebrates and fish. Eight reaches of each river were sampled, four with dreissenids and four without, totaling 16 locations. Macroinvertebrate and fish communities were characterized using diversity and environmental tolerance indices. Shell densities were significantly higher in dreissenid-invaded sites compared to sites with only native bivalves in both rivers. Dense shell beds had degraded biological conditions with fewer sensitive macroinvertebrates, but bed density did not affect overall macroinvertebrate or fish diversity. These findings differ from lake and large river studies, which found a greater impact of dreissenid shell deposition on macroinvertebrate and fish diversity than we observed in small wadable streams. Thus, a different approach to management and restoration may be necessary to maintain a natural community composition in wadable streams.