Quantification of mass mortality event in freshwater mollusks within the Lower Odra, a large European river, data
Description
• In the summer of 2022, an ecological disaster occurred on the River Odra in Europe, caused by Golden Algae toxins, resulting in an unprecedented mass mortality of fish, bivalves, and water snails. • The disaster led to an estimated 66 million dead individuals, with the Unionidae population declining by 87%, and the native Anodonta anatina species particularly affected with a 95% decrease. • The invasive Sinanodonta woodiana species suffered the least damage, highlighting the potential for an invasive species to take over the ecological niche left by the native mussels. • The disaster resulted in a minimum of 144 million dead water snails washed ashore. • Further research is needed to determine the adaptive capacity of the river's ecosystem and its potential for recovery.