Hydroacoustic mapping of physical habitat for imperiled freshwater mussels in the St. Croix River

Recent advances in hydroacoustic technology are proving to be valuable tools for mapping habitat features for sedentary biota such as freshwater mussels, and has the potential to identify and quantify habitat features. The Spectaclecase (Margaritifera monodonta) and Salamander (Simpsonaias ambigua) are imperiled mussels that are typically associated with rock structures (e.g., wing dams, revetment) in rivers. Hydroacoustic data were collected in early May of 2021 for 6 pre-determined sites containing rock structures within the St. Croix River, to determine whether hydroacoustics can identify and quantify habitat features for imperiled mussels such as the Spectaclecase and Salamander.