Allen, Y., 1997. Sampling for Zebra Mussels in Industrial Facilities, Louisiana State University, Louisiana Sea Grant College Program

Instructions Prepared by Yvonne Allen,
Louisiana State University, Coastal Fisheries Institute

Zebra mussels enter a facility through raw, unfiltered, untreated water drawn from an infested water body. They can enter the plant either as microscopic larvae (veligers) or as larger individuals ready for immediate colonization. The mussels can pose a significant threat to a facility where it is critical that flow is not reduced or impeded. If mussels are allowed to remain undisturbed on structures in the plant, they will grow and may reduce flow efficiencies. A monitoring program may be established to determine the seasonal trends in abundance of both settled mussels and veligers.
There are several areas which need to be addressed when an industrial facility is considering a monitoring program for zebra mussels. In addition to knowing something about the biology of the zebra mussel, you must also consider your plant: architecture, operation, budget and priorities.
This document will provide basic information about the habits of the zebra mussel as they affect industrial facilities. It also outlines quick methods for monitoring both veliger and settled stages within a facility. It is neither intended to give exhaustive information about sampling for zebra mussels, nor does it recommend a specific sampling protocol for all industrial facilities. More detailed information is provided in the references at the end of this publication, and particularly in the Zebra Mussel Information CD produced by the Army Corps of Engineers.

Entire Paper
Contact: Local Sea Grant Communications Office
Keywords: Zebra_mussel, Industry, Monitoring
Product Type: Outreach
User Type: Industrial and Municipal