Mussel Monitoring for Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP)

Would you like to gather a mussels sample for us? It's quick and easy, and it provides a great chance to keep the kids engaged in stewardship of the Sound. 

Mussels samples are needed once each month from Pigot Bay Cabin, Derickson Spit (Port Nellie Juan), and Foxfarm Bay.   

To participate in this opportunity, follow these steps:

• A few days in advance of collecting mussels, email  us at info@princewilliamsound.org to let us know you’ll be collecting mussels while out in the Sound. This will ensure we have someone ready in Girdwood to receive your samples. We will also send you specific coordinates for sample collection. 
• Mussels need to arrive at the Alutiiq Pride lab in Seward in a somewhat fresh condition. Please choose a collection time that is closest to when you will be traveling back to Girdwood (within 24 hours). This may be tricky to also align with low tide.
• Select 10 medium-sized mussels from close to the water line.
• Pry the mussels from the rocks with a screwdriver or other dull tool, being careful not to break shells or cut your hands.
• Keep the mussels cool by placing them in a cooler, refrigerator, plastic bag with ice, or simply by keeping them out of the sun.
• Deliver the mussels to PWS Stewardship Foundation representatives in Girdwood for delivery to the lab in Seward.

Thank you for your interest in monitoring for PSP!