The Internationa] Mussel Watch 



(iv) split samples will be analyzed both by the participating national laboratories and by the 

 laboratories responsible for analyses of samples from a particular region (Analytical Centers). 



(v) provision for one or two confirmatory laboratories (laboratories with access and routine 

 operation of higher level confirmatory analytical procedures) which would undertake to identify 

 unknown, interfering or suspected co-analyzed components, or samples of unusual composition at 

 high levels of precision and confidence. 



Future Proposed Actions 



The implementation of the Mussel Watch program involves three successive steps: 



(1) the establishment of an Project Secretariat, including an Executive Officer to coordinate field 

 collections and maintain a communications network with identified participating laboratories and 

 their scientists in up to 100 countries where samples will be collected. The Secretariat will also 

 establish a data center and maintain close contact with the Analytical Centers and the participating 

 national labs. The central analytical laboratories, in collaboration with two designated confirmatory 

 laboratories (i.e. Drs. Farrington and Duinker) will intercalibrate, establish the quality control 

 procedures specified in the chemical manual (Appendix D), and coordinate their laboratories for 

 receipt and timely analysis of samples from the field. 



(2) the sampling and analyses of samples from ea. 80 stations in Central and South America has 

 begun (1992); 



(3) data assessment and publication of the initial results by late 1993. Efforts to collect data on 

 production and use of pesticides in the participating countries will be accomplished as an ancillary 

 task by Host-Country scientists during the Initial Implementation Phase. Each of these steps will 

 be developed in detail as the Project progresses. 



Such an international venture will require the assistance of international agencies to 

 establish collaborations with communities of the participating countries. Support from the United 

 Nations Environment Program and from the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of 

 UNESCO has been sought and granted. Clearly, seed money is inadequate to carry out a 

 substantial and definitive program to reach the above stated goal and Member State support, in 

 excess of international seed monies, is required. 



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