Detailed Research Information

Detailed project information for
Study Plan Number 01118

Branch : Fish Health Branch

Study Plan Number : 01118

Study Title : TASK #31 - Comparison of the bacterial flora and parasite infestations of healthy and diseased imperiled freshwater mussels from seasonal mussel dieoffs in the Tennessee River

Starting Date : 03/01/2006

Completion Date : 08/30/2009

Principal Investigator(s) : Starlilper, Clifford E.

Primary PI : Starliper, Clifford E.

Telephone Number : (304) 724-4433

Email Address : cstarliper@usgs.gov

SIS Number :

Primary Program Element :

Second Program Element :

Status : Active

Abstract : BACKGROUND
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service develops and implements Recovery Plans for federally listed species. Of the nearly 300 species of native mussels, about 70 are listed and many are Endangered. For most, there is a Recovery Plan that includes specific Recovery Tasks outlined within each Plan. The site proposed for this study, Muscle Shoals, AL., is of particular interest because historically it had the highest diversity of freshwater mussels known in the world (79 species). There are currently 41 extant species in this section of the Tennessee River, which still represents one of the most diverse large-river mussel faunas known in the Southeast United States. The study site includes five Federally endangered species, one of which is possibly the last remaining population of the white wartyback pearly mussel (Plethobasus cicatricosus) in existence.

The Recovery Plan for the white wartyback pearly mussel (P. cicatricosus) (USFWS 1984) states, “the first priority is to preserve any known population and presently used habitat of P. cicatricosus in any river system”. Task 1.1 states, “continue to utilize existing legislation and regulations (Federal and State endangered species laws, water quality requirements, stream alteration regulations, etc.) to protect the species and its habitat” Task 1.4.2 further states, “work with local, State, and Federal agencies to encourage them to utilize their authorities to protect the species and its river habitat.”

The future status of the mussel species richness contained within the Southeast United States and in particular, the geographic area of this project, Muscle Shoals, AL is imperiled due to a suite of environmental stressors. Historically recent and ongoing seasonal dieoffs affecting a broad host range of mussel species are significantly influencing the mussels’ survival, as well as ongoing conservation and restoration efforts.
OBJECTIVES
1) Determine and evaluate the expected bacterial flora and parasite infestation load characteristic of healthy mussels.

2) Record the typical integrity of healthy tissues of various mussel species using histological examinations

3) Compare the bacterial flora and parasite assemblages present in disease-affected (i.e. moribund or fresh dead animals) with that of healthy mussels to recognize and characterize a cause for mussel dieoffs at Muscle Shoals, AL.
HYPOTHESIS TO BE TESTED
An etiological agent (bacterial and/or parasitic) is the cause of seasonal mortality in mussels at sites near Wilson Dam, AL. on the Tennessee River.

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Last Modified: October 21, 2002 dwn
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Branch :	Fish Health Branch
Study Plan Number :	01118
Study Title :	TASK #31 - Comparison of the bacterial flora and parasite infestations of healthy and diseased imperiled freshwater mussels from seasonal mussel dieoffs in the Tennessee River
Starting Date :	03/01/2006
Completion Date :	08/30/2009
Principal Investigator(s) :	Starlilper, Clifford E.
Primary PI :	Starliper, Clifford E.
Telephone Number :	(304) 724-4433
Email Address :	cstarliper@usgs.gov
SIS Number :
Primary Program Element :
Second Program Element :
Status :	Active
Abstract :	BACKGROUND The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service develops and implements Recovery Plans for federally listed species. Of the nearly 300 species of native mussels, about 70 are listed and many are Endangered. For most, there is a Recovery Plan that includes specific Recovery Tasks outlined within each Plan. The site proposed for this study, Muscle Shoals, AL., is of particular interest because historically it had the highest diversity of freshwater mussels known in the world (79 species). There are currently 41 extant species in this section of the Tennessee River, which still represents one of the most diverse large-river mussel faunas known in the Southeast United States. The study site includes five Federally endangered species, one of which is possibly the last remaining population of the white wartyback pearly mussel (Plethobasus cicatricosus) in existence. The Recovery Plan for the white wartyback pearly mussel (P. cicatricosus) (USFWS 1984) states, “the first priority is to preserve any known population and presently used habitat of P. cicatricosus in any river system”. Task 1.1 states, “continue to utilize existing legislation and regulations (Federal and State endangered species laws, water quality requirements, stream alteration regulations, etc.) to protect the species and its habitat” Task 1.4.2 further states, “work with local, State, and Federal agencies to encourage them to utilize their authorities to protect the species and its river habitat.” The future status of the mussel species richness contained within the Southeast United States and in particular, the geographic area of this project, Muscle Shoals, AL is imperiled due to a suite of environmental stressors. Historically recent and ongoing seasonal dieoffs affecting a broad host range of mussel species are significantly influencing the mussels’ survival, as well as ongoing conservation and restoration efforts. OBJECTIVES 1) Determine and evaluate the expected bacterial flora and parasite infestation load characteristic of healthy mussels. 2) Record the typical integrity of healthy tissues of various mussel species using histological examinations 3) Compare the bacterial flora and parasite assemblages present in disease-affected (i.e. moribund or fresh dead animals) with that of healthy mussels to recognize and characterize a cause for mussel dieoffs at Muscle Shoals, AL. HYPOTHESIS TO BE TESTED An etiological agent (bacterial and/or parasitic) is the cause of seasonal mortality in mussels at sites near Wilson Dam, AL. on the Tennessee River.
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U.S. Department of the Interior \|\| U.S. Geological Survey 11700 Leetown Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430, USA URL: http://www.lsc.usgs.gov Maintainer: lsc_webmaster@usgs.gov Last Modified: October 21, 2002 dwn Privacy Policy and Disclaimers \|\| FOIA \|\| Accessibility