Appendix E: Field Scientist Report 



Punta Mangrove. Sampling in Punta Mangrove was planned before the sampling mission to 

 Cuba, but it has to be canceled because of severe weather conditions. On October 9 and 10, 

 hurricane Winifred hit the state of Michoacan between Lazaro Cardenas and Punta Mangrove, 

 severely damaging several routes and bridges. 

 CUBA 



Cayo Culebra (10/14/92). Access to the sampling site is by car to Surgidero located about 50 

 km from La Habana on the south side of Cuba. From Surgidero, the access to the sampling site is 

 by boat. The sampling site is located about 15 nautical miles from Surgidero on Cayos Las 

 Cayamas, Batabano Gulf. Bivalves (hognomon alatus) were attached to the roots of mangroves. 

 Contamination:: Although the coastal area surrounding the Gulf is an area with intensive 

 agriculture (sugar cane, banana), the sampling site seems isolated and free of contaminants. 



Conclusions and Recommendations 



Field sampling for the Initial Implementation Phase of International Mussel Watch required 

 detailed pre-planning, good communication with Host Country scientists and extensive logistical 

 support for the IMW Field Scientist. This equipment (all pre-cleaned) was transported via airline, 

 bus, and auto as a part of the Field Scientists carry-on luggage. An "official" letter of introduction 

 from the program was sometimes useful to the Field Scientist when passing through national 

 customs. 



Access to adaquate freezer space throughout a sampling mission is essential to the success 

 of the program (frozen samples remain safely frozen for several hours in the travel chests used in 

 Latin America). If freezer space (or electrical power) is anticipated to be erratic in any part of the 

 global region being sampled, some other method of sample storage (e.g., grind with silica gel) 

 may need to be used. Multiple sample storage methods should not be used in a single region. If 

 the storage method adds weight or bulk to the sample, the length of a sampling mission will 

 necessarily be shortened, adding to the expense and duration of the program. 



Logistical assistance and local knowledge at each site was also a critical component to the 

 success of the field sampling in this global region. Without the generous support of Host Country 

 scientists who donated (in varying combinations) labspace, freezer space, ground transportation, 

 boat transportation, technician assistance and specific local knowledge, this project could not have 

 been accomplished. Host Country scientists who participated in this effort are listed in Appendix 

 F. At some sites where there was no local contact, sampling in remote areas was personally 

 hazardous and probably, in hindsite, should not have been attempted. In all cases, lack of a local 

 contact made the sampling more time consuming and less efficient. Where no local contact is 

 available, the Field Scientist should travel with a companion even though this will add to the cost 



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