3.6 Freshwater Mussels
• Protect fsh habitat from channel impacts caused by activities such as snag removals and where feasible, restore fsh access to habitat by removing blockages. (CFRP 2013) .
Conservation Programs and Partnerships. Conservation programs, incentives, and part- nerships should be utilized to the fullest extent to preserve high-quality resources and pro- tect important natural communities. Protective measures that utilize existing regulatory frameworks to protect habitats and species should be incorporated where applicable. Land conservation or preservation serves numerous purposes in the face of anticipated climate change, but most importantly, promotes ecosystem resilience. • Support establishing riparian bufers along streams, and implement low-impact devel- opment and better stormwater management (e.g., secondary and cumulative impacts) through program coordination, cooperative projects, and technical guidance (NCWRC 2002, 2012) . • Support stream protection/restoration by working collaboratively with other organiza- tions. Reintroduce or augment rare fsh populations in areas where water quality and stream habitats have recovered sufciently to support them. • Support incentive and information programs that help reduce sedimentation/erosion, minimize pesticide and herbicide use, and modernize wastewater treatment facilities. • Support targeted protection actions for priority spawning areas identifed by the Cape Fear River Partnership (CFRP 2013) .
3.6 Freshwater Mussels 3.6.1 Introduction
Freshwater bivalve mollusks, or mussels, are flter feeders with a diet that varies across habitats and among species but primarily consists of microscopic particulate matter such as phytoplankton, zooplankton, bacteria, and organic detritus (Vaughn and Hakenkamp 2001; Haag 2012) . North America has the richest mussel fauna with more than 300 species distributed among approximately 50 genera that are members of the family Unionidae (Haag 2012) . Mussels live most of their lives burrowed in the bottom of a stream or lake, and depending on species and season, they may be closer to the substrate surface (warm seasons) or burrow more deeply during colder seasons (Amyot and Downing 1991, 1997; Watters et al. 2001; Schwalb and Pusch 2007; Haag 2012) . When population density is high, mussels can be the dominant
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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