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NOAA Mussel Watch Program (MWP) is the longest-running continuous chemical contaminant monitoring program servicing the U.S.

National Mussel Watch Program Celebrating 40 Years
Infographic showing MWP accomplishments since 1986.

Since 1986, the NOAA Mussel Watch Program (MWP) has served as the longest-running continuous chemical contaminant monitoring program servicing the United States. The MWP uses bivalves as sentinel species to assess pollution in coastal waters and the Great Lakes.

The MWP now monitors a network of over 400 sites nationwide for a suite of over 600 chemical contaminants including legacy organic contaminants, trace metals, and contaminants of emerging concern. The MWP has authored over 200 publications that have been cited over 1,800 times. 

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