Term of Award
Spring 2021
Degree Name
Master of Science in Biology (M.S.)
Document Type and Release Option
Thesis (open access)
Copyright Statement / License for Reuse
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Department
Department of Biology
Committee Chair
John Carroll
Committee Member 1
Risa Cohen
Committee Member 2
Elizabeth Hunter
Abstract
Geukensia demissa (ribbed mussel) is an ecology important bivalve that has the potential to contribute to salt marsh restoration. Understanding the factors that contribute to the distribution of mussels can help inform managers on choosing locations to optimize the survivorship of mussels in restoration projects. This study sought to model mussel densities across the coast of Georgia and to compare predicted mussel densities with mussel population parameters as means to gauge habitat suitability. Mussel densities were collected through field surveys across a range of salt marshes along the coast of Georgia and were compared with spatial data such as distance to creek heads (the ends of intertidal creeks which flood the marsh platform), elevation, and slope. Highest predicted mussel densities occurred at an elevation of 0.7m relative to NAVD 88, close to creek heads and far from subtidal creeks. Using the predicted mussel densities from the model, low, medium and high density mussel sites were selected at two geographic locations, Cannon’s Point Preserve, St. Simons, Georgia and Dean Creak, Sapelo Island, Georgia, to conduct mussel growth, predation, and recruitment experiments. In areas with higher predicted mussel densities, mussel recruitment and growth rates were the highest. Despite being statistically significant, differences in growth rates may not be biologically meaningful. While not statistically significant, predation risk was lowest in areas of high predicted mussel densities and increased with decreasing density. This indicates that in areas of low predicted mussel densities, recruitment and predation risk are likely the limiting factor to mussel densities.
OCLC Number
1257552408
Catalog Permalink
https://galileo-georgiasouthern.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01GALI_GASOUTH/1r4bu70/alma9916469249402950
Recommended Citation
Annis, William K. Jr, "Assessing Habitat Suitability of Ribbed Mussels (Geukensia Demissa) in Georgia Salt Marshes by Examining Predicted Mussel Densities and Mussel Population Parameters" (2021). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2259.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/etd/2259
Research Data and Supplementary Material
No
Included in
Aquaculture and Fisheries Commons, Biodiversity Commons, Marine Biology Commons, Population Biology Commons, Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Commons, Zoology Commons
