However, qualitative observations of mussels generally lack repeatability, owing to differences in training or fatigue of observers and to differences in physical conditions that affect search efficiency at the study site. Novel sampling designs and novel methods of statistical analysis must be explored to determine how quantitative observations of mussel populations can be made within reasonable amounts of search effort. In this study, mussel populations in selected reaches of the New River, Florida, will be censused using quadrats to examine the entire river bottom. Various sampling strategies, including adaptive cluster sampling and double sampling, will be evaluated by drawing repeated samples of quadrats from the population. The results of this study will help determine whether adaptive or conventional sampling designs may be used to efficiently collect quantitative samples of mussel populations in rivers of the southeastern United States.
Manuscript is in review.
Additional work is being completed for manuscript revision.