Liz Mason Gaspar, Park Naturalist, Santa Barbara County Parks
Modeling the Quagga Mussel Sunglasses at Lake Mead, May 5, 2009
In early 2009, CLI completed procurement of a portable FlowCAM® which provides several advantages over traditional microscopy techniques.The FlowCAM® detects invasive mussels through the birefringence imaging particle analysis process (See Veliger Detection Services - Program Information Packet below).The specific advantages that the FlowCAM® provides over traditional microscopy techniques include: larger sample size, faster sample test time, reduced human error, and physical snapshots of veligers.This results in a process that is more accurate and more thorough with a quick turnaround time.
Clean Lakes, Inc. has finalized our program for “Zebra & Quagga Mussel Veliger Detection Services” using the FlowCam technology. Information can be downloaded in pdf format below, that includes the following items:
·The Detection and Enumeration of Zebra and Quagga Mussel Veligers using Birefringence with a FlowCam®-XPL
CLI will also be offering sample collection services on an as requested basis beginning in mid June, 2009.
Through monthly surveys and analysis when water temperatures are above 8-12 degrees celceisus (when veliger production occurs), the system can detect veliger presence on the spot, so control measures can be implemented immediately. Click on the PDF link below to download further information on the process.
