Rocky Mountain ridged mussel (Gonidea angulata) management plan: chapter 3
3. Implementation Schedule
A single species approach is currently recommended, however management actions for the Rocky Mountain Ridged Mussel will also benefit additional aquatic species. An ecosystem-based approach may occur in the longer term, specifically if additional freshwater molluscs are listed. Incorporating management provisions into municipal, regional and protected areas management plans will further increase the conservation success of this species.
Fisheries & Oceans Canada encourages other agencies and organizations to participate in the conservation of the Rocky Mountain Ridged Mussel through the implementation of this management plan. Table 3 summarizes those actions that are recommended to support the management goals and objectives. Activities implemented by Fisheries & Oceans Canada will be subject to the availability of funding and other required resources. Fisheries and Canada will lead the research activity of creating a list of knowledge gaps, resources needed to address gaps, approaches to filling knowledge gaps, and partners for implementing research that fills knowledge gaps; plus, the monitoring activity of implementing inventory and monitoring protocols throughout the Okanagan watershed. Where appropriate, partnerships with specific organizations and sectors will provide the necessary expertise and capacity to carry out the listed action, subject to their agency’s priorities and budgetary constraints. Future updates of the management plan will capture actions that have been undertaken.
Table 3: Implementation Schedule for the Rocky Mountain Ridged Mussel
| Action | Objective | Priority | Threat or Concerns Addressed | Time-line |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broad Strategy: Protection | ||||
| Apply and monitor existing legislation, guidelines and best management practices. | 3 | high | 1) foreshore/riparian development; 2) historic riverbed and waterbody channelization; 3) hydrograph modification and regulation; 4) aquatic introduced species; 5) host species availability; 6) watershed land-use related pollution; 7) disturbance or direct harm |
On-going |
| Broad Strategy: Management | ||||
| Integrate Rocky Mountain Ridged Mussels into federal, provincial, regional, municipal planning documents and guidelines as we learn more about the species. | 4 | high | 1) foreshore/riparian development; 2) historic riverbed and waterbody channelization; 3) hydrograph modification and regulation; 4) aquatic introduced species; 5) host species availability; 6) watershed land-use related pollution; 7) disturbance or direct harm |
On-going |
| Broad Strategy: Research | ||||
| Draft an inventory schedule for watersheds with unconfirmed records of the Rocky Mountain Ridged Mussel (Kootenay, Columbia, Similkameen and southern Vancouver Island) | 1 | high | 1) foreshore/ riparian development; 2) historic riverbed and waterbody channelization; 3) hydrograph modification and regulation; 4) aquatic introduced species; 5) host species availability; 6) watershed land-use related pollution; 7) disturbance or direct harm |
2010 |
| Create a list of knowledge gaps, resources needed to address gaps, approaches to filling knowledge gaps; and partners for implementing research that fills knowledge gaps. | 1 | high | 2010 | |
| Build relationships with academic institutions, and raise awareness regarding research opportunities | 1 | moderate | On-going | |
| Build international relationships, particularly with U.S. biologists and resource professionals working on the Rocky Mountain Ridged Mussel and mollusc conservation. | 1 | moderate | On-going | |
| Broad Strategy: Monitoring and Assessment | ||||
| Continue to use and improve upon the inventory guidelines established for freshwater molluscs (e.g. FDIS guidelines) and B.C. Conservation Data Centre reporting guidelines | 1 | high | 1) foreshore/ riparian development; 2) historic riverbed and waterbody channelization; 3) hydrograph modification and regulation; 4) aquatic introduced species; 5) host species availability; 6) watershed land-use related pollution; 7) disturbance or direct harm |
On-going |
| Complete geographic information systems mapping exercise that defines potential habitat for the Rocky Mountain Ridged Mussel in the Okanagan watershed | 2 | high | 2010 | |
| Draft an inventory and monitoring schedule for the Okanagan watershed (e.g. using bathymetric maps, aerial photos, etc.). | 2 | high | 2010 2010 |
|
| Refine standardized protocol for mollusc inventory, habitat and threat information collection | 2 | high | On-going | |
| Implement inventory and monitoring protocols throughout the Okanagan watershed. | 2 | high | 2015 | |
| Broad Strategy: Outreach and Communication | ||||
| Continue to distribute information to dive shops, marinas, government (all levels) and resource professionals. | 3 | high | 1) foreshore/riparian development; 4) aquatic introduced species; 5) host species availability; 6) watershed land-use related pollution; 7) disturbance or direct harm |
On-going |
| Extend communication and distribution of the Large Lakes Protocol to public. | 3 | high | On-going | |
| Develop and distribute educational materials for the Rocky Mountain Ridged Mussel, highlighting the importance and ecological function of freshwater molluscs, as indicators of water health. | 3 | high | 2010 | |
| Modify and make accessible habitat best management practices to include Rocky Mountain Ridged Mussel habitats adjacent to private lakeshore residences and businesses. | 3 | high | 2012 | |
| Provide training or information materials to resource professionals working in or near Rocky Mountain Ridged Mussel habitats. | 3 | high | 2011 | |
| Develop and initiate a comprehensive reporting system for sightings of The Rocky Mountain Ridged Mussel in conjunction with fishing licenses and recreational sport fishery programs in the Okanagan River watershed. | 3 | high | 2015 | |
| Work with local stewardship groups to contact landowners with property on lakeshores adjacent to optimal Rocky Mountain Ridged Mussel habitat that is both occupied (mussels present) and unoccupied (potential restoration habitat). | 3 | high | 2015 | |
| Work with local stewardship groups to develop infrastructure, best management practises guidelines and explore other approaches that limit agricultural and private property wastewater runoff. These initiatives could be completed in conjunction with actions for other species at risk. | 3 | high | 6) watershed land-use related pollution | 2015 |
| Broad Strategy: Restoration | ||||
| Consider Rocky Mountain Ridged Mussels in watershed scale restoration projects. | 1, 3 | low | 1) foreshore/ riparian development; 2) historic riverbed and waterbody channelization; 3) hydrograph modification and regulation; 5) host species availability 6) watershed land-use related pollution |
On-going |
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