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- Using Freshwater Sponge Chemical/Mechanical Defense as a Bio-Control for Mussel Settlement
Using Freshwater Sponge Chemical/Mechanical Defense as a Bio-Control for Mussel Settlement
Project ID: 3908
Principal Investigator: Kevin Bloom
Research Topic: Invasive Species
Priority Area Assignments: 2015 (Zebra and Quagga Mussels)
Funded Fiscal Years:
2015
Keywords: invasive, mussel, settlement, freshwater sponge, chemical defense, mechanical defense, facilities, coatings.
Research Question
Invasive mussels have a negative impact on water delivery systems and other Reclamation facilities. There have been several observations stating that mussels do not settle when freshwater sponges are present. Does the presence of freshwater sponges have any effect on the settlement of invasive mussels? Can freshwater sponges' natural chemical or mechanical defense against predators be used as an anti-fouling control or settlement control against invasive mussels? Can the defense techniques of a sponge be added to a coating material to be later applied to Reclamation facilities?
Need and Benefit
This scoping study will help determine if freshwater sponges prevent mussel settlement. If this study determines that sponges are an effective deterrent, the next step will be to determine the defense mechanism. It is possible that a chemical or mechanical defense can be applied as a coating or treatment at Reclamation facilities that are exposed to high mussel settlement. The long term goal and potential benefit of this research is to determine if freshwater sponges produce a chemical or physical defense that can be applied to protect Reclamation facilities and water delivery systems. Reclamation facilities may benefit from this research as it may provide a low maintenance and passive protection from mussel settlement.
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.
Using Freshwater Sponge Chemical/Mechanical Defense as a Bio-Control for Mussel Settlement (final, PDF, 400KB)
By Sherri Pucherelli
Publication completed on September 30, 2015