DIY Zebra Mussel Sampler
Parts and Tools
- 3-to-10-ounce weighted object
- 8 feet of paracord rope or similar polyester rope
- 2-inch diameter PVC pipe cut to 1 foot long
- Power drill and drill bit
Assembly
- Cut 2-inch diameter PVC pipe to a length of 12 inches.
- Using a drill and drill bit with diameter large enough for rope of choice, drill a hole in the middle of the PVC piece through both sides of the pipe.
- Tie rope to weight.
- 18 inches up from weight, make a knot to stop pipe from sliding down.
- Slide pipe onto rope through the drilled holes and tie knot on top to prevent pipe from sliding.
Placement
- Secure detection sampler on dock or equipment where it can be out of the way of water activities.
- Lower sampler until concrete anchor touches the bottom of lake but pipe is not laying on the bottom.
- Ensure sampler is not laying in bottom sediment.
- Hang sampler in the deepest water possible.
Monitoring
- Limit number of times the sampler is removed from the water to avoid knocking off settled organisms.
- Late summer is a good time to periodically check sampler for settled zebra mussels.
- D-shaped, altering dark and light stripes, found on hard surfaces.
- Newly settled zebra mussels will commonly measure 1-7mm.
Reporting
If you have any questions about this sampler, zebra mussels or other Aquatic Nuisance Species, please contact the Department online or at 701-328-6300.