Is it algae? No, it's snot!
David Casaletto
Sorry, but I'm from the Ozarks and as such I am entitled to take some liberties in the title of my article. But I was informed by Tammy, a biologist that shares office space with me, that Didymo is algae, so I'm still wrong. And if you have no idea what I am talking about, read on and discover yet another invasive species on which we all need to become informed and then spread the word to help prevent new outbreaks. Didymo has already been found in the Upper White River Basin just south of the Missouri-Arkansas border in the White River.
According to Wikipedia, Didymosphenia geminata, commonly known as Didymo or rock snot, is a species of diatom that grows in warm and shallow water. If it overgrows, it can form large mats on the bottom of lakes, rivers and streams. It is not considered a significant human health risk, but it can affect stream habitats and sources of food for fish and make recreational activities unpleasant. It is considered a nuisance organism or invasive species. The microscopic algae can be spread in a single drop of water.
above picture: Didymo at its worst!
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is hosting public open-house forums in March and April to help educate anglers and boaters about the dangers of "Didymo". According to MDC Fisheries Biologist Mark VanPatten, preventing the spread of this invasive species is critical to the health of Missouri's lakes and streams. He added that recreational equipment such as boats, lifejackets, and fishing gear -- particularly waders -- are the most likely ways for Didymo to spread into Missouri. "In addition to educating anglers and boaters about the threats of Didymo, MDC is considering potential regulation changes to prevent the spread of this invasive alga," said VanPatten. "Public input in this process is very important."
Didymo feels like wet wool to touch, and is not slimy.
Public meetings will be held at or near the following Missouri fish hatcheries:
· Montauk State Park: Searcy Building, Tuesday, March 15, 6 p.m.
· Bennett Spring State Park: Hatchery Building, Monday, March 21, 6 p.m.
· Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery - Lake Tanyecomo: U. S. Army Corps of Engineers' Dewey Short Visitor Center at Table Rock Dam, Saturday, March 26, 1 p.m.
· Roaring River State Park: Emory Melton Inn and Conference Center, Thursday, April 7, 6 p.m.
· Maramec Spring Park: James Memorial Library Meeting Room, 300 W. Scioto St. in St. James, Monday, April 11, 6 p.m.
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| Wader Sterilization Station |
Just one drop of water from a contaminated river can introduce Didymo to a new stream. There are steps that can be taken to kill Didymo on equipment including waders, boat trailers, boats, inflatable craft, kayaks, canoes and possibly flies, reels and fly lines. Some of these steps are feasible and would stop the spread of Didymo if everyone practiced them. To help reduce the spread of Didymo, remember, "Check. Clean. Dry."
· Check all gear and equipment and remove any visible algae. Do not dispose of algae by putting it down a drain or into bodies of water.
· Clean all gear and equipment with a solution of 2-percent bleach, 5-percent saltwater, or dishwashing detergent. Allow all equipment to stay in contact with the solution for at least one minute. Soak all soft items, such as felt-soled waders and life jackets, in the solution for at least 20 minutes.
· Dry all gear and equipment for at least 48 hours by exposing it to sunlight.
Replacing felt-soled waders with waders that have rubber or synthetic soles can also minimize the risk of spreading rock snot and other invasive species. Protecting our waters is our responsibility. Let's all do our part!
Quote of the Week
"...Good luck and Good work for the happy mountain raindrops, each one of them a high waterfall in itself, descending from the cliffs and hollows of the clouds to the cliffs and hollows of the rocks, out of the sky-thunder into the thunder of the falling rivers."
- John Muir
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