Browsing by Author "Cusack, Sarah"

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    The role of landscape features on the distribution of freshwater mussels in the Lower Wolastoq, New Brunswick
    (University of New Brunswick, 2025-01) Cusack, Sarah; Gray, Michelle
    Freshwater mussels provide habitat, structural stream bed support, nutrient cycling and act as an indication of ecosystem health. There are eight species in the lower Wolastoq: Alewife Floater (Utterbackiana implicata), Eastern Floater (Pyganodon cataracta), Triangle Floater (Alasmidonta undulata), Eastern Elliptio (Elliptio complanata), Eastern Lampmussel (Lampsilis radiata), Tidewater Mucket (Atlanticoncha ochracea), Eastern Pearlshell (Margaritifera margaritifera), and Yellow Lampmussel (Lampsilis cariosa). This study assessed the distribution of available habitat for in relation to the landscape controls producing differences in regional energetic gradients. Species-specific habitat distribution models were validated using snorkel surveys at 34 sites. This study determined that landscape features can be employed to identify suitable habitat across the Wolastoq. Suitable habitat characteristics did not always guarantee rare species presence but identified areas for future conservation work. Lower-gradient habitats supported higher species richness, while higher gradient habitats hosted fewer specialist species. Sediment characterization revealed species-specific preferences for depositional or erosional habitat.