The International Mussel Watch 



Support by participating national laboratories is essential for an efficient sampling program as it 

 includes technician assistance, the identification of sampling sites and local support (e.g. local 

 travel, housing, etc.) of the Field Scientist. 



Also, the sampling tactics in the field must be markedly revised for an international 

 program. Whereas in national programs, samples could be shipped immediately to analyzing 

 laboratories or frozen prior to shipment, this strategy probably cannot be used in all cases in the 

 southern hemisphere and in tropical countries where trans-national shipments must be made. The 

 first implementation phase will attempt to handle frozen samples but this may not be feasible in all 

 locations. 



One special technique has been developed for the shipment of unfrozen samples. The 

 methodology developed utilizes a "mussel sand." The sample is made through the treatment of 

 homogenized mussel or oyster tissue with anhydrous sodium sulfate. The removal of water from 

 the organic tissue results in a dry-solid suitable for shipment in a stable form. The validity of this 

 technique has been tested (Dr. J. Farrington, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution) and we are 

 optimistic that this will be feasible (see Appendix D). 



Quality Assurance and Intercalibrations 



Dr. J. Farrington, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, has agreed to provide oversight 

 of quality assurance procedures and Dr. J. Duinker, University of Kiel, has agreed to act as 

 confirmation laboratory for the program. An inter-laboratory comparison exercise will be 

 conducted by the Project Secretariat for the two analytical laboratories during the Initial 

 Implementation Phase. Both Analytical Centers will also participate in an ongoing U.S. NOAA 

 Status and Trends intercalibration exercise. Intercalibration exercise for Host-Country analysts 

 will be supported by the Project as resources permit. 



Establishment of reliable quality control and assurance procedures require the following 

 components: 



(i) internal analytical quality control by analyses of Standard Reference Materials, when 

 available; 



(ii) periodic intercalibrations between the Analytical Centers, as well as the participating national 

 laboratories; 



(iii) double blind comparisons between the Analytical Centers and evaluations by reference 

 laboratories. 



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