Zebra Mussel Workshops

[David_...@fws.gov]

-- Please forward this invitation to anyone who may be interested --

Announcement & Invitation to the:
Dreissena Mussel Early Detection Monitoring Methods and Quality Assurance Workshops

Two workshops addressing critical impediments to the expansion of Western early detection monitoring programs

February 7–10 2012
On the Campus of
Texas Christian University Fort Worth Texas
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED (See Below)

In 2010 the Quagga–Zebra Mussel Action Plan for Western U.S. Waters (QZAP) was developed by the Western Regional Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species. One of the highest QZAP priorities identified was the expansion of early–detection monitoring programs in the Western region. Expansion of early detection programs depends critically on 1) early–detection methodologies and 2) the availability of reliable analytical laboratories to complete timely analysis of plankton samples. With support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service two workshops that will advance both of these interdependent requirements are being organized.
To maximize the efficacy and efficiency of these workshops two 2–day workshops will be held consecutively from 7–10 February 2012.
The first workshop will focus on best analytical practices and the analysis of a recently available data set derived from a community–wide methods comparison study involving cross polarized light microscopy, image flow cytometry, and Polymerase Chain Reaction–based detection assays. For more information on this study please visit: www.musselmonitoring.com.
The second workshop will focus on the design of a laboratory certification program currently being considered by Western Regional Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species.

Who Should Attend?
Technical staff and researchers involved in Dreissena spp. early detection and monitoring programs.
Resources managers and decision makers involved in the mitigation of aquatic nuisance species.
Stakeholders concerned about the spread of Dreissenaspp. in North America.

Workshop Products
The product of the first technical workshop will include a detailed report providing clear guidance for laboratories involved in analyzing plankton samples for the presence of Dreissena mussel larvae. Participants will be given the opportunity to contribute to the development of this report during and following the workshop.
The product of the second workshop will be to establish critical community support for a regulatory laboratory accreditation program and provide a roadmap for the development and implementation of such a program. Both workshops will directly address critical needs required to expand early–detection monitoring programs in the Western Region. The report from this workshop will be delivered to the Laboratory Standards working group within the Western Regional Panel. This group has been chartered to explore the development of a laboratory standards program for early detection of Dreissena mussel larvae in plankton samples.

Lodging
Lodging suggestions (which accept the federal per diem rate for DFW) may be found at www.MusselMonitoring.com.
A small block of rooms has been held at the Hilton in Downtown Fort Worth. It’s under the group name of “Bureau of Reclamation.” It is $139/night for either single or double occupancy. Tax exemption must be completed on an individual basis (if applicable otherwise full taxes will be charged. The cutoff date for this block is January 7 (this Saturday). So call today! Several other hotels also offer the federal per diem but have not held blocks for us.

Register: Please Let us Know You are Coming
Please visit www.MusselMonitoring.com to register on-line (there is no registration fee).
Space is limited, so please join the registered list today!

-- Please forward this invitation to anyone who may be interested --



____________________________________

David K. Britton
Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator
Fisheries & Aquatic Resource Conservation
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Region 2

Phone: 817 272-3714
Email: david_...@fws.gov