CLOSED: Experimental Evaluation of Protocols for Eliminating Live Dreissenid Mussel Larvae and Adults from Recreational Watercraft RFP

Submission deadline passed.

As state and regional organizations attempt to enhance efforts to prevent the continued spread of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) and quagga mussels (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) in the West, uncertainty remains about protocols intended to eliminate live larval and adult mussels from contaminated watercraft. In September 2009, the Western Regional Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species (WRP) adopted the “Recommended Uniform Minimum Protocols and Standards for Watercraft Interception Programs for Dreissenid Mussels in the Western United States.” The protocols and standards recommended in this document are directed at preventing the inadvertent transfer of quagga/zebra mussels from areas where they are currently present to unaffected waters on trailered watercraft and equipment, and largely rely on use of hot water and pressure washing equipment to kill and remove all visible mussels (live and dead) and veligers from all areas of the watercraft, engine, trailer, and equipment. The document also highlights the need for research to determine the effectiveness of current decontamination strategies.

Original posting date: 9.23.2009

Download RFP Sep. 23, 2009