Loading…
To return to the Midwest Fish & Wildlife Conference website, go to http://www.midwestfw.org/ The following schedule and room names are subject to change (as of February 1, 2017). Please check back for updates. 

Presenters: 
Presenters for technical presentations are either the primary author (the first name listed in the abstract), or are indicated with an asterisk next to their name. 

Please note:
 the conference schedule is hosted by Sched.org which allows you to search within the schedule, and filter the schedule to show sessions only occurring on a certain date or within a track. You can also build your own schedule by creating a free account with Sched.org by selecting "SIGN UP" in the top right corner. 
Back To Schedule
Wednesday, February 8 • 11:20am - 11:40am
Technical Session. An Evaluation of Plankton Sampling Methods to Detect Zebra Mussel Veligers in a Newly-Infested Kansas Reservoir

Sign up or log in to save this to your schedule, view media, leave feedback and see who's attending!

AUTHORS: Jessica Edmunds, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism; Chris Steffen, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism; Ben Smith, DOI National Park Service, Lake Mead NRA; Jason Goeckler, US Fish and Wildlife Service

ABSTRACT: Zebra Mussels Dreissena polymorpha are an invasive mussel that negatively impact aquatic ecosystems outside their native range. Movement of live adults or water containing zebra mussel veligers results in the continued spread and establishment of new populations. Early detection provides an opportunity for managers to deploy rapid response strategies and to allow stakeholders to prepare for potential impacts. A common method for detecting new populations is to examine plankton samples for the presence of zebra mussel veligers using cross-polarized light microscopy, yet there is no standard procedure for plankton sample collection. The objective of this study was to evaluate which sampling techniques and locations were most likely to detect zebra mussel veligers in a newly discovered, low density population at Pomona Reservoir, Kansas. We used a Wisconsin-style plankton net to collect samples from main lake sites and 50 meters offshore from boat ramps using vertical tows, and from boat ramp docks using surface, vertical, and oblique tows. Samples taken at boat ramps using oblique and vertical tows contained the highest veliger densities. Additional results will be discussed to inform managers the best method to detect zebra mussel veligers in the most efficient, cost-effective manner.

Wednesday February 8, 2017 11:20am - 11:40am CST
Grand Ballroom F