Appendix C: Specimen Collection Methods and Data Recording 



1.6 Salinity 



Surface salinity will be determined at each bivalve site using a surface-deployed probe or a 

 refractometer. 



1.7 Bivalve Sampling Methods 



In sampling for bivalves, the primary objective is to obtain a pooled sample of 

 approximately 100 individuals representative of the site. Obtaining a pooled site sample 

 ("composite") will generally occur when collection is made by dredge, or under other subtidal 

 collecting methods. Depending on the station depth and bivalve species, as well as environmental 

 conditions at a site, several different collecting techniques may be employed to obtain bivalves. 

 The methods used must be indicated on the Bivalve Observation Log. Polyethylene, or other non- 

 contaminating gloves must be worn when handling bivalves. Clean polyethylene buckets with 

 reclosable lids should be used for temporary storage of bivalves during collection and/or prior to 

 packaging. Buckets should be maintained only for bivalve storage and should be cleaned prior to 

 each use. Collecting methods are described below. 



1.7.1 Sampling Fork and Rake 



In water depths of less than 1 m, mussels may be collected using a stainless steel pitch pork 

 or stainless steel quahog rake. Clusters of mussels, attached to each other and debris by byssal 

 threads, can be pried apart using the tines of the fork or rake and transferred to a culling table or 

 tub for identification, sizing and cleaning. 



1.7.2 Tongs 



In water depths of 2 to 2.5 m, and where the bottom is relatively soft, both oysters and 

 mussels may be sampled with stainless steel tongs. The depth limitation of the tongs (maximum of 

 12 feet) relates to the length of the tong handles. Tong handles (toothed baskets generally 18 to 20 

 inches wide) are dug into the bottom with a down-jabbing motion. The bivalves are brought to the 

 surface by squeezing and lifting the tong handles. 



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