Broadscale distribution, abundance, and habitat associations of the invasive Asian clam (Corbicula fluminea) in the lower Columbia River, USA

Abstract

The Asian clam, Corbicula fluminea, is an invasive freshwater bivalve that has established populations across the globe and is known to have deleterious effects on natural and human systems. Yet, despite being present in the Columbia River (CR) for nearly a century, little is known about this invader's basic biology and ecology in this large river system. Thus, we undertook a field study to assess its (i) broadscale distribution and abundance, and (ii) associations with habitat characteristics in the lower CR. During 2019-2020, C. fluminea were collected from 27 shore-based stations spanning 481 river kilometers of the lower CR, along with several habitat characteristics (bank slope, temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity, conductivity, chlorophyll-a concentration, and sediment composition and % organic matter [OM]). C. fluminea abundance ranged from 0 to 430 ind. m −2 . Most sites with abundances >100 ind. m −2 were located downstream of Bonneville Dam, whereas most sites with abundances <100 ind. m −2 were located upstream. Generalized linear models predicting the abundance of C. fluminea indicated significantly positive correlations with water temperature and % sand, and negative correlations with bank slope and sedimentary % OM. We also reviewed the global literature on abundance and habitat associations of C. fluminea and compared this with our own results. Our investigation represents the greatest spatial extent at which C. fluminea has been studied in the CR and our results provide a better understanding of the basic biology and ecology of this global invader, as well as provide natural resource managers with information on habitat conditions favorable for this invasive bivalve within temperate river ecosystems.