Protocol Testing!

If you are familiar with science at all, you know that methods and protocols can be a huge source of headachs during any experiment. To validate the invasive aquatic species survey through Notre Dame this summer, we had to preform a grueling 'protocol testing and callibration' period in North west Indiana. During the protocol testing period, we went to specific lakes and preformed several different protocols in order to compare the results to find the best method. The overall purpose of this summer survey is to identify an effective, early detection system for manaegment agencies to combat the invasion of harmful,alien aquatic species. Such a system is only valuable if it can be recreated, easily and fairly inexpensively. Snorkel surveys might not be the best option for an agency to locate invasive species, especially if they can retrieve the same information by throwing a rake from shore or by boat. So far, there have been many instances where we have dove a lake and found invasive species that we didn't find by throwing a rake. But, if you know anything about science, you have to statistically identify significant differences in data and results in order to make official - and the most inclusive - decisions. The wrong decision might allow a cheaper procedure now, but could lead to a more expensive monetary procedure later if the method wasn't accurate and allowed a possible invasive to flourish and take over.

(Images TOP left: Alex preforming Notre Dame rake toss method. TOP right: The 'sophisticated' equipement used to record species and track the divers movements and path through a lake. LEFT: Myriophyllum spicatum, Eurasian Milfoil, one of the most invasive species we have seen all summer. This species can monoculturize a lake and create dense, tall mats under water that can shade out native species and get caught in fishing gear and boat propellers.)

For comparison and analysis, over the last week, the crew preformed:

- our normal procedure (diver and kayaker for half an hour collecting plants around the boat ramps).

- repeated the normal procedure with each crew member diving (to determine variability differences between the divers)

- an Illinois rake toss method (six tosses total from the ramp at various angles).

- Notre Dame rake toss protocol (rake toss along the shore line every 10 meters for 50 total meters).

-and Department of Natural Resource boat rake toss protocol (throwing a rake from a motorized boat at 25 random spots surrounding the general boat ramp area).

In general there were differences from each method, and while diving may be more expensive and involve more man power and specialty, from my perspective as a diver, we can visually see invasive in the water and report them more accurately and effectively then any of the rake methods can. But we will have to wait and see what the scientific analysis will say.

(Images TOP right: Lake Backwater -Webster. Erick in the motor boat about to preform the DNR boat rake toss protocol, this method was very time consuming. TOP left: Mike kayaking for Alex in a grove of yellow water lilies.

Below left: Native musk-grass (Chara spp.) and its little red reproductive structures. And it really does smell musky. Right: INVASIVE curly-leaf pond weed (Potomogeton crispus) can be very stiff and scattered throughout a lake making it hard to locate by rake tossing and sometimes hard to find when diving. This can be a big nuisance for boaters if it gets too out-of-control. )