Preliminary Results of Underwater Video Surveys in the Finger Lakes of New York

Session: 60. - Seeing Below the Surface: Quantifying the Underwater Environment with Image Analysis

Lewis McCaffrey, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, [email protected]
Anthony Prestigiacomo, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, [email protected]
Scott Cook, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, [email protected]
David Lemon, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, [email protected]
Web Pearsall, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, [email protected]
Aimee Clinkhamemr, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, [email protected]

Abstract

Invasive mussels of the family Dreissenidae are known to occur in the Finger Lakes of New York, and in recent years have been implicated as a possible causative agent in harmful algal blooms (HABs). While Zebra mussels have been reported in all three eastern Finger Lakes (Owasco, Skaneateles and Otisco), the presence of Quagga mussels has only been reported from Skaneateles, starting in 2010. A survey of the lakes took place with an inexpensive underwater video apparatus, followed by image analysis using ImageJ software.  The surveys showed that mussels are found on the bottom of Owasco Lake (49m). Image analysis tentatively confirms these Dreissenids as Quagga Mussels. No mussels were found below 14m in Otisco Lake, which is likely to be caused by the summertime anoxic zone. Skaneateles Lake had extensive mussels to at least 30m depth. Mussel numbers estimated by image analysis reached 16,000 per m², comparable to some of the highest noted in the literature. Under-ice deployment and underwater stereoscopy of mussels are also described.

1. Keyword
mussels

2. Keyword
remote sensing

3. Keyword
harmful algal blooms

4. Additional Keyword
Video

5. Additional Keyword
Finger Lakes

6. Additional Keyword
Winter