Asian Clam
(Corbicula fluminea)
Introduction:
The Asian clam was first introduced to the United States from China
in the 1920s, either as a food for Chinese immigrants or with
the Giant Pacific Oyster importation (Fuller & Benson, 2003). They
were first established in California in 1938, then moved rapidly through
irrigation canals and now continue to spread across the United States
(USGS, 2001).
Ecological Significance:
These small freshwater mussels can be drawn into power plants along
with coolant water and clog tubes and pipes, resulting in economic
costs (Fuller & Benson, 2003). The asian clam will also compete
with native clams and mussels for habitat and food, and change
benthic substrates (USGS, 2001).
Policy Implications and Control:
The species is likely to spread as long as it can stand the temperatures, but may be removed by hand or chemicals in closed environments like power plants (USGS, 2001). Navigation and dredging may also be used to prevent introductions in the first place (USGS, 2001).
Carolina heelsplitter (Lasmigona decorata)
http://www.ncwildlife.org/pg07_WildlifeSpeciesCon/pg7d2.htm
One native species that may be affected by Asian Clam competition is the Carolina heelsplitter. These mussels are federally endangered, and found in North and South Carolina (NCWRC, 2005).
http://www.ncwildlife.org/pg07_WildlifeSpeciesCon/pg7b1a1_4map.htm
There are many other species in this region that are endangered and threatened that may also be negatively effected by Asian Clams.