D.2 – Monitoring of Unio elongatulus
This action provides to keep monitoring program for the evolution of the populations of the Naiad Unio Elongatulus. We will carry out a survey to determine the initial state of the populations described in the different areas known where this naiad is present. These surveys should continue throughout the project to monitor the evolution of populations.
The working method is based on alive manual sampling with apnea or neoprene boots at least once every year. Biometrics will be taken to determine the structure of the population and an estimated density of individuals per unit area. The monitoring will be done in the seven natural areas where there will be population reinforcements with juvenile individuals in sectors of the rivers Ter, Fluvià, Llémena, Brugent and Ser, and other water bodies in the area covered by the project.
The releases will follow georeferenced spots where reinforcements will be conducted with youth naiads. This will facilitate the follow-up of these units. Sampling, initially at least annually, will be taken preferably in summer.
