4.2 Aquatic Communities
crayfsh species. Birds may use riverine and adjacent terrestrial communities for nesting and feeding areas.
Because of the link between freshwater mussels and fsh, phenological disruptions are a possibility, but exact mechanisms or efects for many species are still uncertain at this time. Freshwater mussel larvae (glochidia) are dependent on a host fsh for transforma- tion into juveniles. Host fsh species are known for some mussel species, yet unknown for others. Temperature cues play a large role in the release of glochidia from female mussels and also in the movement and migrations of fsh. Terefore, with changing temperatures predicted with climate change, there could be phenological disruptions afecting the repro- ductive capacity of freshwater mussels. Aquatic species could experience shifts in their range or distribution and sensitive species may experience decline or extirpation due to changes in water quality and habitat. Recent studies have shown that EDCs in treated wastewater can inhibit reproduction and cause feminization of mussels and fsh. Aquatic species are particularly sensitive to temperature cues and recent research has shown that many species of freshwater mussels may already be living at the upper thermal tolerances of their early life stages (glochidia and juveniles) ( Pandolfo et al. 2010 ). Extreme temperature events could be especially harmful. Tese systems may experience a change in species composition due to various changes in habitat and water quality. 4.2.8.6 Recommendations Considering current conditions in large streams and small rivers, climate change is likely to have a synergistic efect with other threats that are of more immediate concern, such as the development and lack of/removal of riparian vegetation. Piedmont small river system communities will probably persist but species assemblages will likely change. Very few spe- cifc climate change-related impacts have been identifed, and the rare species and their habitats are expected to persist. Section 4.2.2 provides recommendations appropriate for all aquatic communities, statewide. Actions specifc to the state’s river basins are provided in Section 4.5. Surveys. Distributional and status surveys are needed for aquatic snails, crayfsh, mussels, and fsh (in order of general need). • Determine the distribution and abundance of aquatic species, especially the Gulf Coast Spiny Softshell, Striped Mud Turtle, and Eastern Mudsnake.
• Gather better information about the status and distribution of common species associ- ated with riverine habitats (e.g., Tree-lined Salamander, Common Ribbonsnake).
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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