Quantitative Freshwater Mussel Survey
PARTNERSHIP FOR THE DELAWARE ESTUARY Science Group
Quantitative Freshwater Mussel Survey Date Prepared: 11/20/2017
Prepared By: __ Kurt Cheng_____________
Suggested Citation: Cheng, K. 2017. Quantitative Freshwater Mussel Survey. Partnership for the Delaware Estuary. PDE FMRP Method No. 07. 6pp.
PDE-FMRP-Method (11/20/2017)
Page 1
Quantitative Freshwater Mussel Survey Partnership for the Delaware Estuary (PDE) Freshwater Mussel Recovery Program Method Kurt Cheng Description This Freshwater Mussel Recovery Program Method (FMRPM) describes the general conduct of a quantitative freshwater mussel survey. This type of survey is time intensive and is generally set up based on qualitative survey results or other prior knowledge of a site. Surveyors sample mussels within fixed sample plots along transects. Live mussels are enumerated, identified, and measured. The goal of a quantitative survey is to gather robust data on freshwater mussel population density and species assemblage within a fixed area. Summary of Approach The general approach is to survey an area of interest for mussels using standard protocols along transects and fixed plots. Transects are equidistant and run perpendicular to a shoreline. Plots are placed along transects based on water depth. Surveys are time-intensive and plots are completely excavated to remove every mussel within a one meter squared quadrat. Mussels are enumerated, identified, and measured for shell length prior to placement back into their habitat. Surveyors generally search for mussels tactilely, visually, or utilize tools such as a scoop or small screen sieve to detect juveniles. Equipment Small screen sieves (
Quantitative Freshwater Mussel Survey Date Prepared: 11/20/2017
Prepared By: __ Kurt Cheng_____________
Suggested Citation: Cheng, K. 2017. Quantitative Freshwater Mussel Survey. Partnership for the Delaware Estuary. PDE FMRP Method No. 07. 6pp.
PDE-FMRP-Method (11/20/2017)
Page 1
Quantitative Freshwater Mussel Survey Partnership for the Delaware Estuary (PDE) Freshwater Mussel Recovery Program Method Kurt Cheng Description This Freshwater Mussel Recovery Program Method (FMRPM) describes the general conduct of a quantitative freshwater mussel survey. This type of survey is time intensive and is generally set up based on qualitative survey results or other prior knowledge of a site. Surveyors sample mussels within fixed sample plots along transects. Live mussels are enumerated, identified, and measured. The goal of a quantitative survey is to gather robust data on freshwater mussel population density and species assemblage within a fixed area. Summary of Approach The general approach is to survey an area of interest for mussels using standard protocols along transects and fixed plots. Transects are equidistant and run perpendicular to a shoreline. Plots are placed along transects based on water depth. Surveys are time-intensive and plots are completely excavated to remove every mussel within a one meter squared quadrat. Mussels are enumerated, identified, and measured for shell length prior to placement back into their habitat. Surveyors generally search for mussels tactilely, visually, or utilize tools such as a scoop or small screen sieve to detect juveniles. Equipment Small screen sieves (
