Aquatic Invertebrates - invasive

Asian Clam (Corbicula fluminea) on Sep 29, 2021

Submitter does not have a specimen

Description of specimen

Several discard shells of Asian Clam were seen on the river front beach. A large live Asian Clam was found in the mud flat. Several mussels also seen but not identified.

Commentary

Thank you for your report! Asian clams are very common in NW Oregon waterways, and yes, we do have many native mussels in these areas also. I'm not sure if there is a clear understanding yet on Asian clam impacts to native mussels, but there does seem to be more research going on about this recently. Here are some resources if you're interested: https://xerces.org/endangered-species/freshwater-mussels, https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/compass/2021/04/22/asian-clams-and-native-mussel-growth/.
Cheers,
Lindsey

Lindsey Wise
April 13, 2022, 3:55 a.m.

Remedy

Asian Clam is an Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Prohibited Species, and "may not be imported, possessed, sold, purchased, exchanged or transported in the state".

Resources

Learn more about Asian Clam on iNaturalist

Location

Low tide mud flat on the west bank of the Willamette River south of the Sellwood Bridge in the Powers Marine Park.

Expert Reviewer

Mrs. Lindsey Wise
Oregon Biodiversity Information Center, inr.oregonstate.edu/orbic
Oregon iMapInvasives
Institute for Natural Resources
Portland State University

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