Technical Report No. 24
Padilla Bay Estuarine Profile: Contribution No. 1

 

PADILLA BAY MOLLUSCS: A REVIEW, WITH EMPHASIS ON THE BIVALVES

Paul A. Dinnel

September 2000

Bibliographic Citation
Dinnel, Paul A. 2000. Padilla Bay molluscs: a review, with emphasis on the bivalves. Washington State Department of Ecology (Publication No. 01-06-028), Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Technical Report No. 24 (Padilla Bay Estuarine Profile Contribution No. 1). 40 pp.

 

Abstract
This report provides a review of all scientific investigations and aquaculture work associated with molluscs found in Padilla Bay, Washington, with special emphasis on the bivalve species. Forty-seven data sources dating back to the early 1930s were evaluated. Past sampling programs have identified 133 mollusc species plus an additional 18 molluscs identified to genus only. However, identifications of four of the bivalve species are questionable. This report also provides overviews of the oyster industry in Padilla Bay, the impacts of various sources of pollution, and a brief review of the biology and ecology of Padilla Bay bivalves. Detailed information about each Padilla Bay bivalve species is provided in a "Species Profile" that discusses the biology, distribution, habitat and fishery/aquaculture potential of each species. A bibliography covering many of the bivalve species is also appended to aid further species-specific research.