Recorded: June 6, 2022, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Eastern

Presenters Ashley Elgin with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Diane Waller with the U.S. Geological Survey, and Jeff Tyson with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission discuss recent tools and accomplishments of the Invasive Mussel Collaborative.

Research Work Group
Ashley Elgin, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

The IMC Research Work Group is tasked with coordinating and prioritizing research to maximize and advance dreissenid control outcomes. We recently developed a project inventory to collate information on dreissenid mussel-related projects across organizations and regions. We also worked with managers and researchers to rank dreissenid mussel research priorities, the results of which can help inform future research efforts.

Toxicity Test Work Group
Diane Waller, U.S. Geological Survey

The IMC Toxicity Testing Work Group is tasked with developing a framework for dreissenid testing which will provide guidance for researchers on testing and reporting methods and inform managers and regulatory agencies on how toxicity data on molluscicides have been generated. We developed a database of dreissenid toxicity studies, both laboratory and open water studies, that will be accessible on the IMC website. We also drafted a guidance document on “best practices” for toxicity testing based on published standard methods, a literature review, and recommendations from an expert panel.

Coastal Site Priorities Work Group: Tools for Identifying Priority Sites for Experimental Mussel Control in the Great Lakes
Jeff Tyson, Great Lakes Fishery Commission

The presentation covers the process that the Coastal Site Priorities Working Group used to identify appropriate sites to implement experimental invasive mussel control. Additionally, the presentation will cover the tools developed for customizing experimental invasive mussel site priority development based upon agency or researcher specified priorities.