Protocol for Responsible Monitoring Procedures

Zebra mussel containment protocols have been developed by the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force established under the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990. These protocols have been designed to ensure that research does not result in the unintentional introduction or dispersal of aquatic nuisance species to the navigable waters of the United States. Use of these protocols, however, is strictly voluntary. While monitoring may not usually fit the description of "research," in this case, the same guidelines apply for both monitoring programs and research projects. The most pertinent guidelines are summarized here. A complete set of guidelines, forms, and detailed protocols may be obtained from:

Dr. David Reid

Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory

2205 Commonwealth Blvd.

Ann Arbor, MI 48105

(734) 741-2235

• All research facilities that receive unpreserved field specimens must:
  1) Be within 1 mile of a body of water known to contain widespread established populations of zebra mussels.
  2) Have one or more live adult zebra mussel populations established in that body of water, within 10 miles of the research facility.
• All field sampling sites must be on bodies of water that are known to contain widespread established populations of live zebra mussels.
• Samples must NOT be transported through areas not in the range, in order to transfer them from the field site(s) to the research facilities.

Depending upon the location of the research site, a particular protocol may be appropriate. Several agencies regularly distribute maps detailing the current range of the zebra mussel in North America (refer to the Distribution section for information). If all research will be conducted within the range of the zebra mussel (as defined in the current distribution map), then the following protocols are strongly recommended: Decontamination and Disinfection Procedures and the Accidental Discharge Protocol. If the project is not conducted entirely within the zebra mussel's range, then the Facility, Laboratory, and Experimental Locations and the Transportation and Shipping Protocol are also recommended.

Research Termination Protocol

Upon termination of a zebra mussel research project, the following procedures need to be carried out:

• All live zebra mussels shall be destroyed and unpreserved field samples should be disinfected by appropriate physical or chemical methods chosen from the Decontamination and Disinfection Procedures section.
• All water that was in contact with live zebra mussels should be disinfected, using one of the methods chosen from the Decontamination and Disinfection Procedures section.
• All water, containers, equipment, and other materials that were in contact with live zebra mussels should be disinfected using one of the methods chosen from the Decontamination and Disinfection Procedures section.
• All remaining waste material that was not previously disinfected should be disinfected using one of the methods chosen from the Decontamination and Disinfection Procedures section, and then disposed of by appropriate means.
• All warning signs may then be removed from the work spaces.

Slowing the Spread of the Zebra Mussel Contents

Facility, Laboratory, and Experimental Locations

Decontamination and Disinfection Procedures

Accidental Discharge Protocol

Transportation and Shipping Protocol

Federal and State Regulations