The goal of this research project is to better understand the effectiveness and limitations of current boat decontamination protocols and to possibly test alternative methods. Data will be gathered to determine if mussel DNA is detected on infested boats that have been decontaminated and to determine if mussels survive, and if DNA persists inside mussels that have been exposed to a range of temperatures experienced during the decontamination process. The effectiveness of dip-tank methods for decontamination may also be examined.
