Influence of Hydrologic Processes on Reproduction of the Introduced Bivalve Potamocorbula amurensis in Northern San Francisco Bay, California
Influence of Hydrologic Processes on Reproduction of the Introduced Bivalve Potamocorbula amurensis in Northern San Francisco Bay, California
Date
2002-07
Authors
Parchaso, Francis
Thompson, Janet K.
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University of Hawai'i Press
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Abstract
Monthly censusing of reproductive condition of the Asian clam Potamocorbula
amurensis at four sites in northern San Francisco Bay over a 9-yr period
revealed year-to-year differences in local reproductive activity that are
associated with patterns of hydrologic variability. Between 1989 and 1992,
Northern California experienced a drought, whereas the period between 1993
and 1998 was marked by a mix of wet and dry years. We took advantage of the
extreme year-to-year differences to examine reproductive responses to river inflow
patterns. Populations of P. amurensis at the upstream sites in Suisun Bay
and Carquinez Strait were more reproductively active during wet years than dry
years. Conversely, at the downstream site in San Pablo Bay, the population was
more reproductively active during dry years than wet years. We suggest that the
different reproductive patterns observed reflect the clam's response to different
sources of food. During wet years, organic matter from the rivers augments food
supplies in Suisun Bay. During dry years, when inflow into the San Francisco
Bay Estuary from the rivers is reduced, water transported from the adjacent
ocean into the estuary as far as San Pablo Bay provides a supplemental food
supply for the local production. The populations take advantage of these spatially
distinct food supplies by initiating and maintaining local reproductive
activity. We conclude that the ability of P. amurensis to consume and use various
types of food to regulate its reproductive activity is part of the reason for its
success as an invasive species.
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Parchaso F, Thompson JK. 2002. Influence of hydrologic processes on reproduction of the introduced bivalve Potamocorbula amurensis in northern San Francisco Bay, California. Pac Sci 56(3): 329-345.
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