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Physical habitat of zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) in the lower Ebro River (Northeastern Spain): influence of hydraulic parameters in their distribution

  • FRESHWATER BIVALVES
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Abstract

Dreissena polymorpha (zebra mussel) is a freshwater bivalve mollusc and has been present for more than one decade in Spain. The zebra mussel causes serious ecological and socioeconomic impacts in areas where they settle. Our research aims to analyze its hydraulic habitat, developing physical models for this species, which indicates its preference and optimal microhabitat requirements. To get it, a survey was completed in a lotic reach in the lower Ebro River (Tarragona, Spain). Habitat suitability curves for the variables include water velocity, depth, Froude number, velocity/depth ratio, shear stress and shear stress ratio (RSS). In addition, interactive effects between hydraulic parameters on habitat selection and its use were studied and bivariate habitat models were developed. A close relationship was observed between the D. polymorpha presence and mean flow velocity combined with depth, Froude number and RSS. Suitable habitat requirements for Dreissena were detected in areas with stable river beds under high flows, and velocity below 1.2 m/s with a depth of less than 5 m under regular flows. Information about zebra mussel preferences may enhance the design of monitoring programmes and the integrated control management of this invasive mussel.

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Acknowledgments

This research has been supported by the project No. 010/SGTB/2007/1.1: ‘Hydraulic management of reservoirs applied to the zebra mussel control’ and by the ‘Biodiversity Conservation Program’ of ENDESA. The zebra mussel sampling was carried out by the Subaquatic Activities Special Group (Guardia Civil corps). Nines Marín and Luis Adel (ENDESA) coordinated the field sampling and Damià Vericat (FSCC) provided us with the information relating to the bathymetry. We specifically thank Juan Francisco Fuentes Pérez (GEA-ecohidraulica) for his help with the illustrations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Hydraulics and Hydrology, Forestry Engineering School of Palencia (ETSIIAA), University of Valladolid, Avenida de Madrid 44, Campus La Yutera, 34002, Palencia, Spain

    Francisco Javier Sanz-Ronda, Sandra López-Sáenz & Roberto San-Martín

  2. Department of Environment and Sustainable Development, ENDESA, Carretera de Tarragona km 89.3, 25003, Lleida, Spain

    Antoni Palau-Ibars

Authors
  1. Francisco Javier Sanz-Ronda
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  2. Sandra López-Sáenz
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  3. Roberto San-Martín
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  4. Antoni Palau-Ibars
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Correspondence to Francisco Javier Sanz-Ronda.

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Guest editors: Manuel P. M. Lopes-Lima, Ronaldo G. Sousa, Simone G. P. Varandas, Elsa M. B. Froufe & Amílcar A. T. Teixeira / Biology and Conservation of Freshwater Bivalves

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Sanz-Ronda, F.J., López-Sáenz, S., San-Martín, R. et al. Physical habitat of zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) in the lower Ebro River (Northeastern Spain): influence of hydraulic parameters in their distribution. Hydrobiologia 735, 137–147 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-013-1638-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-013-1638-y

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