Protocol
Searching for Mussels
Using a bathyscope, we scan over about a 3-foot wide space looking upstream for the mussels sticking out of the streambed, orienting the scope at roughly a 45-degree angle to allow light to hit the streambed. Prior to working in the creeks, we familiarized ourselves with how mussels look when embedded in the ground so we are able to spot them. Often they look like split skipping stones, sometimes with a white or orange foot sticking out. To mark the mussel for processing, we place a flag into the streambed.
After processing the specimen we return it to its original site by the flag. When placing the mussel back into the streambed, we hollow out an area and place the mussel facing upwards to ensure it can continue to breathe. We leave the flags in place until the survey is finished to minimize the chance of stepping on the mussels
Tagging Mussels
Animal tagging is a simple way of tracking the movement of a creature and a way to easily spot which animals have been accounted for, due to a number ID system. The best way to tag the James River Spinymussel (JRSM) is by supergluing blue plastic numbered tags on to their shell. With this tag attached, we record the tag number, identify the species and gender, and measure the length with calipers. It is important to zero the caliper between each measurement to assure accurate data. We then determine the location from the upstream and downstream posts using heading and distance to the mussel from each post. For more, see the Data or Grid System sections.
