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Veined Rapa Whelk; Rapana Venosa; Range Extension; Chesapeake Bay; Salinity Tolerance; Tangier Sound; James River; Cape Henry; Biological Invasion
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Veined Rapa Whelk (Rapana Venosa) Range Extensions In The Virginia Waters Of Chesapeake Bay, Usa, Jm Harding, Roger L. Mann
Veined Rapa Whelk (Rapana Venosa) Range Extensions In The Virginia Waters Of Chesapeake Bay, Usa, Jm Harding, Roger L. Mann
VIMS Articles
Three recent range extensions for the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, veined rapa whelk (Rapana venosa) population are described. These extensions into Tangier Sound, the mid James River estuary, and to Cape Henry at the Bay mouth extend respectively, the northern, western, and southeastern boundaries of the occupied rapa whelk range in Virginia waters. Salinity and tidal circulation mediate the distribution of adults and larvae of this animal. During dry years (e.g., 2001 and 2002) adult rapa whelks may move up-estuary in western tributaries like the James River, given increased salinity and available habitat and food resources. Declines in salinities (or return …