Rowshyra Castaneda

McGill University
M.Sc. candidate

Supervisor: Anthony Ricciardi
Start: 2010-09-01
End: 2013-05-01

Project

Factors affecting the distribution, abundance and condition of an invasive freshwater bivalve in a thermal plume
My research examines the distribution, abundance and condition of the Asian clam Corbicula fluminea in the discharge plume of a nuclear power plant (Gentilly-2) in the St-Lawrence River. The clam was discovered in the river in 2009 by Dr. Anouk Simard and her team at the Quebec Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune. The Gentilly site is the most northern limit reported for this warmwater species, which is considered to be one of the most invasive freshwater molluscs in the world. By examining its population structure across the thermal gradient and comparing it to other populations worldwide, I hope to gain insight into the potential future distribution of Corbicula in the river as water temperatures continue to rise with climate change. After having recently completed my MSc, I am currently working as a research assistant in the Ricciardi Lab.

Keywords

freshwater biology, Corbicula fluminea, Thermal plume, invasive species