The role of landscape features on the distribution of freshwater mussels in the Lower Wolastoq, New Brunswick

dc.contributor.advisorGray, Michelle
dc.contributor.authorCusack, Sarah
dc.date.accessioned2025-03-11T12:46:10Z
dc.date.available2025-03-11T12:46:10Z
dc.date.issued2025-01
dc.description.abstractFreshwater 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.
dc.description.copyright© Sarah Cusack, 2025
dc.format.extentxv, 129
dc.format.mediumelectronic
dc.identifier.urihttps://unbscholar.lib.unb.ca/handle/1882/38261
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherUniversity of New Brunswick
dc.relationNew Brunswick Department of Transportation and Infrastructure
dc.relationNatural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
dc.relationNew Brunswick Innovation Fund
dc.relationCanadian Rivers Institute
dc.relationMactaquac Aquatic Ecosystem Study
dc.relationWatersheds and Research and Monitoring Lab
dc.relationUniversity of New Brunswick - Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management
dc.rightshttp://purl.org/coar/access_right/c_abf2
dc.subjectNATURAL SCIENCES::Biology::Terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecology::Freshwater ecology
dc.subject.disciplineForestry and Environmental Management
dc.titleThe role of landscape features on the distribution of freshwater mussels in the Lower Wolastoq, New Brunswick
dc.typemaster thesis
oaire.license.conditionother
thesis.degree.disciplineForestry and Environmental Management
thesis.degree.grantorUniversity of New Brunswick
thesis.degree.levelmasters
thesis.degree.nameM.Sc.E.M.

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