Research and Development Office

Innovative Methods for Invasive Mussel Detection

Project ID: 21094
Principal Investigator: Sherri Pucherelli
Research Topic: Invasive Species
Funded Fiscal Years: 2021
Keywords: None

Research Question

Current early detection methods involve the collection of plankton tow samples which are preserved and sent to the lab where they are analyzed under a microscope to detect the larval stage (veliger) of the mussel. There are situations where more rapid and on-site detection of mussels is required, and there is a need to identify faster and more cost-effective methods of analyzing samples with large numbers of mussels.
The goal of this scoping project will be to identify innovative methods for the detection of invasive mussel veligers in order to strengthen the ability to detect mussels in a variety of situations and to potentially reduce the costs associated with traditional microscopy analysis.

Need and Benefit

This research project addresses the invasive species research need to "develop emerging and optimize existing methods for invasive species detection" which is identified in the Science Strategy Implementation Plan. The S&T program works closely with the Reclamation Ecological Research Lab and other interagency working groups like Western Regional Panel to identify research needs related to invasive mussel early detection and monitoring. Much of the current effort is focusing on genetic detection.

Contributing Partners

Contact the Principal Investigator for information about partners.

Research Products

Bureau of Reclamation Review

The following documents were reviewed by experts in fields relating to this project's study and findings. The results were determined to be achieved using valid means.

Innovative Methods for Invasive Mussel Detection (final, PDF, 715KB)
By Sherri Pucherelli
Report completed on September 30, 2022

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