Unionid Growth Curves Derived from Annual Rings: A Baseline Model for Long Point Bay, Lake Erie

Abstract
Growth curves for Lampsilis radiata and Anodonta grandis collected in July 1981 at 3 stations in Long Point Bay, Lake Erie, were determined based on measured lengths at annual winter shell rings. A Walford Plot technique was used to convert annual growth-in-length increments to length vs. age growth models. For the 2 spp., simulated baseline and environmental impact data were used to illustrate the use of baseline growth models in testing for long-term environmental deterioration.