Factors affecting the distribution of the bivalve, Macoma balthica (L.) on a mudflat receiving sewage effluent, Fraser river estuary, British Columbia

1982 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
E.R. McGreer
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Macoma Balthica ◽  
River Estuary ◽  
Sewage Effluent ◽  
Fraser River ◽  
Factors Affecting

Growth and reproduction of Macoma balthica (L.) on a mud flat in the Fraser River estuary, British Columbia

1983 ◽  
Vol 61 (4) ◽  
pp. 887-894 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. R. McGreer
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
British Columbia ◽  
Shell Height ◽  
Macoma Balthica ◽  
River Estuary ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Maximum Growth ◽  
Fraser River ◽  
Mud Flat ◽  
Growth And Reproduction

Growth and reproduction of the bivalve, Macoma balthica (Linnaeus, 1758) was studied for one year (April 1977 – March 1978) on an intertidal mud flat in the Fraser River estuary, British Columbia. The maximum number of individuals (1830/m2) occurred in April, then steadily declined throughout the year. Spawning occurred between mid-June and late July but recruitment was slow and prolonged. Peak spatfall (age 0+ individuals) did not occur until the following March when a maximum density of only 410/m2 for newly settled spat was observed. The oldest animals found were 5+ years of age. Maximum growth took place from April through July. The growth rate measured was one of the highest recorded for any M. balthica population. A direct relationship between high water temperatures, a fast growth rate, and reduced longevity was apparent. A regression of body weight on shell height was used to calculate a condition factor (CF), which reached its highest value during growth and its lowest value immediately after spawning. The mean annual biomass measured was 2.96 g dry weight per square metre.

Uptake of Selected Organochlorine Contaminants in Fishes Resident in the Fraser River Estuary, Vancouver, British Columbia

1992 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 733-750 ◽  
Author(s):  
I.H. Rogers ◽  
J.S. Macdonald ◽  
M. Sadar
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Food Chain ◽  
River Estuary ◽  
Control Fish ◽  
Fraser River ◽  
The North ◽  
Organochlorine Contaminants

Abstract Starry flounders, prickly sculpins and other resident fishes were captured in the Lower Fraser River in the summers of 1987, 1988 and 1989. Control fish were taken from the estuary of the uncontaminated Homathko River on the B.C. coast in 1987 and 1988. The fish were analysed for chlorophenols, chloroguaiacols and PCBs. The residues most commonly detected were PCBs, tetra-and pentachlorophenol. Fish from the Main Arm contained PCBs that resembled Arochlor 1248 whereas those from the North Arm contained PCBs that resembled a mixture of Arochlors 1254 and 1260. Chloroguaiacol uptake was greater in flounders than in other species. Although PCBs appear to have declined markedly in the Lower Fraser from values published in the early 1970s, there is a need to measure the coplanar fraction to understand their toxic significance to the food chain. Tetra- and pentachlorophenol have declined following a change by industry to the use of alternative sapstain prevention treatments.

Sea Water Intrusion into the Fraser River and its Relation to the Incidence of Shipworms in Steveston Cannery Basin

1958 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susumu Tabata ◽  
Robin J. LeBrasseur
Keyword(s):  
River Discharge ◽  
Sea Water ◽  
Salt Water ◽  
Larval Settlement ◽  
River Estuary ◽  
River Channel ◽  
Fraser River ◽  
Sea Water Intrusion ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Water Intrusion

The presence of shipworms (Bankia setacea) in Steveston Cannery Basin in the Fraser River estuary is attributed to sea water intrusion. River discharge, tides, geometry of the river channel and basin, and density of the intruding sea water are factors affecting intrusion, which in turn influence larval settlement. Settlement may occur at depths where salinity is less than 15‰ but the larvae fail to survive. However, they will continue to develop where salinity exceeds 20‰. Dredging the channel to a continuous grade would eliminate permanent salt-water "pools" along the bottom and prevent infestation.

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