PARTNERSHIP FOR THE DELAWARE ESTUARY Science Group Freshwater Mussel Tagging, Release, and Monitoring Date Prepared: 11/20/2017 Prepared By: Kurt Cheng Suggested Citation: Cheng, K. 2017. Freshwater Mussel Tagging, Release, and Monitoring. Partnership for the Delaware Estuary. PDE FMRP Method No. 07. 8pp. PDE-FMRP-Method (11/20/2017) Page 1
Freshwater Mussel Tagging, Release, and Monitoring Partnership for the Delaware Estuary (PDE) Freshwater Mussel Recovery Program Method Kurt Cheng Description This Freshwater Mussel Recovery Program Method (FMRPM) describes the general conduct of tagging, releasing, and monitoring freshwater mussels. Freshwater mussels are released following a collection and some form of tagging or data collection. Releases may be considered a natural release, tagged release, reintroduction, or a deployment into an underwater structure. Monitoring may be used to track mussels post release. Summary of Approach The general approach is to and tag release freshwater mussels into their natural habitat or some other suitable habitat, marking the end of a collection and/or the beginning of a restoration project. Tag and release data are recorded to allow for future monitoring purposes. Equipment Unique Plastic Tags Cyanoacrylate Disposable Gloves Clear Nail Polish Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) Tags Marine Epoxy Small Wooden Dowels Forceps Paper Towels Scrub Brush Disposable plates Diving Mask PIT Tag Reader Waders Snorkel Swim fins Wetsuit Flotation Device Anchor weight Tether Datasheets Pen Clipboard Camera Handheld GPS unit Collection Bags Scientific Collection Permit Procedures 1. Permitting A freshwater mussel release will follow either a collection or other form of freshwater mussel procurement (e.g. hatchery propagation) and as such, a permit must be acquired for the initial collection as well as the ultimate release location of mussels (refer to FMRPM-01). 2. Tagging Mussels may be tagged before release with a plastic tag, PIT tag, or both. Tagging should match goals of the project and be appropriate for the size of mussel. Care must be exercised to only PDE-FMRP-Method (11/20/2017) Page 2
place cyanoacrylate or epoxy on face of valve, not on hinge or edge of valve. Wear gloves to keep hands free from tagging adhesives. Use a disposable plate as a work surface to contain adhesives. 2.1 Valve Preparation Prior to any tagging, mussel valves must be clean and free of debris. Use freshwater and a scrub brush to gently remove epiphytes or other debris from the valve. Let the mussel valve dry or pat dry with a towel before tagging. 2.2 Adhering Tags 2.2.1 Plastic Tag To secure a plastic tag to a mussel valve, place a small bead of cyanoacrylate onto the desired spot where to adhere the tag to the valve. Then place the tag on top of the bead, adding more cyanoacrylate to cover the tag and hold with forceps or dowel until mostly dry. Once completely dry, add a layer of clear nail polish. 2.2.2 PIT Tag To secure a PIT tag to a mussel valve, create marine epoxy (generally a mix of two parts) and place a bead of epoxy on the valve using a wooden dowel. The bead should be the same size as the tag. Place the tag on top of the bead and push down, adding more epoxy to fully encase the tag. Roll the tag until completely covered in epoxy. Let the epoxy dry completely. Marine epoxy can cure underwater. 2.3 Recording Mussel and Tag Data Record the species and shell length (FMRPM-03) of each mussel. Additionally, record the plastic tag color and code. This can be done as adhesives dry. PIT tag information is recorded using a PIT tag reader. Turn on tag reader and press READ to identify each PIT tag. Record data on datasheet (Appendix A). If desired, split mussels into separate groups and record group numbers (Appendix B). 3. Holding Mussels If an immediate release is not possible after tagging, mussels may either be held in a water body with adequate flow or container with ambient water and sufficient aeration. Exercise care to keep epoxy from adhering to multiple mussels and tags from dislodging. PDE-FMRP-Method (11/20/2017) Page 3
4. Release Mussels may either be free released or deployed into a structure (e.g. cage, floating basket). Release type depends on project goals. When necessary, record release information on datasheet (Appendix C). 5. Monitoring 4.1 Free Release To free release a mussel, place the mussel back into its habitat with the anterior end sticking out of the substrate. If unsure of mussel orientation, lay the mussel on its side. Where necessary, mussels can be dropped into the water where they will sink to the bottom. Avoid burying mussels. 4.2 Release through Deployment To deploy mussels into a structure, install the structure and place mussels securely inside. If deploying in a partly buried cage, ensure enough space is available for normal mussel movement to avoid burying. Place mussel into substrate such that the anterior end protrudes out of the substrate. If unsure of mussel orientation, lay the mussel on its side. Monitor mussels by surveying for their presence or absence. If found, record mussel tag information and mussel shell length (FMRPM-03). Harvest mussels for further analysis or returned to their habitat. Monitor water quality in tandem with mussels (FMRPM-04). Record all observations on a datasheet (Appendix D). 5.1 Free Release Survey Free released mussels are monitored by hand or using a collection tool such as a clam rake. If the mussels were tagged with PIT tags, a PIT tag reader can aid in detection. The PIT tag surveyor sweeps back and forth along the release bed to detect all mussels. When a mussel is detected, it is removed from the substrate and the surveyor sweeps the area once more to ensure depletion. 5.2 Deployment Survey Monitor mussels within structures by removing any securing devices and removing mussels. Harvest mussels or return to structure after recording tag information and shell length. Note biofouling and other conditions that may affect structure and mussels. PDE-FMRP-Method (11/20/2017) Page 4
Appendix A Freshwater Mussels: TAGGING Source Stream: Date: Collection Personnel: Tagging Personnel: Page of Species Plastic Tag ID PIT Tag ID Shell Length (mm) 5x Species Plastic Tag ID PIT Tag ID Shell Length (mm) Notes: PDE-FMRP-Method (11/20/2017) Page 5
Appendix B Page of Freshwater Mussels: GROUPING ASSIGN group numbers and RECORD plastic tag IDs for each group column. (Deploy stream & bed # recorded deployment day) Source Stream: Date: Grouping Personnel: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Deploy Stream Deploy Bed # Notes: Group Group Group Group Group Group Group Group Group PDE-FMRP-Method (11/20/2017) Page 6
Appendix C Freshwater Mussels: DEPLOYMENT Complete one datasheet for EACH deployment site Date: Stream: Field Personnel: Time Start: Time End: Positioning Data Waypoint Name: Sub-site 1 Coordinates Sub-site 3 Coordinates Site Coordinates (Demical ): Sub-site 2 Coordinates Sub-site 4 Coordinates Water Quality Data Air Temp C: Water Temp C: Conductivity (ms/cm): Salinity (ppt): Turbidity (NTU): DO: ph: Mussel Bag/Group # Free draw full site and LABEL sub-sites PDE-FMRP-Method (11/20/2017) Page 7
Appendix D Freshwater Mussels: MONITORING Complete one recovery survey data sheet for EACH subgroup within every survey stream (e.g. 5a, 5b ) Date: Stream: Waypoint / Subgroup: Field Personnel: Time Begin: Start Coordinates Time End: End Coordinates Water Quality Data Air Temp C: Water Temp C: Conductivity (ms/cm): Salinity (ppt): Turbidity (NTU): DO: ph: Recovered Mussel Data (if applicable) Tag ID PIT Tag ID Species Shell Height (mm) Dead/Alive Notes: PDE-FMRP-Method (11/20/2017) Page 8