Marine mussels produce a byssal adhesive assembly for attachment to surfaces in the marine environment. The byssus is characterized by an array of adhesive plaques, each attached to threads that are anchored inside the animal. Here we describe a rapid method for determining detachment force, area, and overall adhesion of mussel plaques. Adhesion forces for mussels attached to glass, aluminum, acrylic, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and Silastic (R) T2 are reported. This method may aid in the development of new adhesive materials and antifouling surfaces.