The International Mussel Watch 



INTERNATIONAL MUSSEL WATCH 



BACKGROUND INFORMATION/QUESTIONAIRE 

 HOST-COUNTRY SCIENTISTS 



The International Mussel Watch Project will assess coastal contamination by 

 organochlorine chemicals, primarily biocides and PCBs, using bivalve molluscs in the South- 

 Central America and Caribbean region over the next year. This project may be extended to 

 other parts of the globe and to other chemical contaminants in the future. To the greatest extent 

 possible, International Mussel Watch will collaborate with existing national and regional 

 monitoring programs. In order to be successful, the Project will need the active participation of 

 working scientists in the region. These scientists will be expected to support the Field 

 Scientific Officer in planning and carrying out the sampling. Participating scientists will benefit 

 from technical assistance (e.g., data reports, methods manuals, etc.) and from access to Project 

 data. For instance, we will assemble technical information for distribution to Host-Country 

 Scientists and will supply chemical standard reference materials to those who are now 

 analyzing organochlorines in their own laboratories. Additionally, the Field Scientific Officer 

 will be a technical resource for participants and will be prepared to present a seminar to your 

 colleagues during the sampling visit. Host-Country Scientists may participate in the 

 International Mussel Watch Project at any level they choose: 



1. Sampling Assistance only 



Make local facilities available to support the sampling; participate in the 

 data-interpretation following the analyses; receive all technical 

 informational materials distributed by the Project. 



2. Sampling plus Analysis 



Assist with the sampling, as described above plus retain some sample 

 material for analysis. Receive Standard Reference Materials and 

 participate in inter- laboratory comparison discussions as well as data 

 interpretation. 



3. Informational only 



Will not participate directly, but will receive progress reports on the 

 Project at intervals. 



With this questionaire, we are seeking your confirmation that you will participate in 

 this international program. Your response will help Project staff make a 

 final determination of sites to be sampled and to develop a final list of 

 IMW participants. 



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