Mussel Density Quadrat Sampling Locations in West Newton Chute from 2008 to 2017

Since 2008, over 1,400 quadrats and about 2,500 mussels have been systematically sampled within West Newton Chute (WNC), contributing to a diverse assemblage of 25 live species, including 2 federally endangered species, and 10 Minnesota listed species. West Newton Chute is a 2.4 km long side channel in Navigation Pool 5 of the Upper Mississippi River and has an overall aquatic area of ~75 ha. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has been quantitatively sampling a mussel bed here (~650 meters long X 170 meters wide) annually since 2008. About 200 systematically-placed 0.25 m2 quads are sampled annually and the quads are spaced ~25 m apart. Briefly, divers excavate substrates to a depth of ~15 cm and place material into a 6-mm mesh bag. Mussels are identified to species, aged via external annuli, measured for shell length, and sexed in externally dimorphic species. Mussel counts for each unique quadrat location are converted to density (number /m2). This dataset likely contains the most spatially and temporally extensive data on freshwater mussels in large rivers. The mussel dataset from WNC has not been thoroughly examined and represents an unprecedented opportunity to explore how biological traits vary over time in an established mussel bed. We explored how specific biological traits, including total density, juvenile density, species-specific density, species richness, and age change over space and time. In addition, we explored spatial and temporal changes in species assemblages as related to variation in life history strategies (i.e., equilibrium, opportunistic, and periodic strategies), phylogeny (i.e., tribe-level classification), and conservation status (e.g., declining vs. currently stable). These data will inform scientists and managers about how natural mussel assemblages vary over time and may identify sensitive biological response metrics that can be used to evaluate effects of habitat restoration activities on native mussels in large rivers.

                                            [
  "010:12"
]
                                        

                                            {
  "fn": "Teresa Newton",
  "@type": "vcard:Contact",
  "hasEmail": "mailto:tnewton@usgs.gov"
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                                            [
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  "United States",
  "Upper Mississippi"
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                                            {
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                                            [
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