Mussel Monitoring

Microscopic image with many circular things stuck to each other
Microscopic quagga veligers (larvae) viewed at 5x via cross-polarized light microscopy.

NPS

Lake Powell is intensively monitored for mussels by the National Park Service, and other agencies. Numerous water samples are taken from the lake and analyzed using scientifically proven methods each year.

The Glen Canyon Water Laboratories use early detection methods, including cross-polarized microscopic analysis, and the deployment of artificial substrates with the cooperation and affiliation with external research parties. Sampling occurs at designated routine uplake and downlake sites like marinas and dams.

 
Jar filled with water and mussels.
Quagga mussels collected off a boat on Lake Powell.

NPS

The Glen Canyon water lab continues to analyze water samples taken from Lake Powell to determine the range and extent of mussel colonization in the lake. Measurements are taken from mussels found on vessels, structures, and canyon walls to reconstruct population dynamics. This data makes up one of the first studies of an early mussel infestation in a water body the size of Lake Powell.

Last updated: March 3, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 1507
Page, AZ 86040

Phone:

928 608-6200
Receptionist available at Glen Canyon Headquarters from 7 am to 4 pm MST, Monday through Friday. The phone is not monitored when the building is closed. If you are having an emergency, call 911 or hail National Park Service on Marine Band 16.

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