Southern ribbed mussel (Geukensia granosissima) transplant experiment data, northern Barataria Bay, 2017-11-27 to 2018-11-13

The long-term effects of heavy oil exposure on southern ribbed mussel (Geukensia granosissima) facilitation of salt marsh ecosystem function and stability were assessed with a field manipulation experiment conducted at heavily oiled sites (n=5) and reference sites with no visible oiling (n=5) in northern Barataria Bay, Louisiana. In March 2017, replicate 0.25m2 plots of two treatments were established at each site along the marsh edge in areas dominated by Spartina alterniflora: (1) two plots with all G. granosissima removed, and (2) plots with G. granosissima added at a density of 100 individuals/m2. One replicate plot of each treatment was sampled at each site in November of 2017 and 2018.