World Mussel Watch data

The Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) is an internationally coordinated system for systematic operational data collection and analysis. The NOAA NS&T Program assesses the current status of, and changes over time, in the environmental health of the estuarine and coastal waters of the United States. NS&T is, therefore, part of GOOS. This contribution to GOOS is an attempt to determine the levels of contaminants in mussels and oysters collected worldwide and to compare the results with the long-term Mussel Watch programs of the United States and France. A comprehensive literature search of studies using any species of mussels and/or oysters worldwide to monitor the levels of trace metals and organic contaminants was conducted and the data compiled into the World Mussel Watch database. Data sources and statistics of the database are included. Results of the World Mussel Watch and the US and France Mussel Watch programs were compared and typical levels of some trace metals in uncontaminated mussels and oysters were calculated. 1997 NOS (National Ocean Service) ORR (Office of Response and Restoration) Library Public domain 1936