Since 2004 sediment sample are taken yearly to follow the development in both the control area and in the research area.

Micromollusks are most often found by the careful searching of sediment samples which have been taken from "promising-looking" areas.

Once sediment samples are clean and dry, they are searched under the microscope.

When at least some minute shells are seen on close visual inspection, a sediment sample taken at that spot may contain many more.

Their sediment samples were rich with crushed fresh-water shells, bleached by the sun when they had covered the original beaches.

The mission, known as Deep Freeze, had scientists on board who took sediment samples from the ocean floor.

One sediment sample was collected from the low lying area to the east of the bermed area.

They found clamshell dumps and started taking sediment samples.

Under-sea robots with mechanical arms that can scoop up sediment samples have also been developed.

For now, the state plans to take more water and sediment samples to test for Pfiesteria.