Monday, September 10, 2007

Didymo Found in Lower Section of Batten Kill in Washington County NY

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has confirmed that didymo is present in a section of the Batten Kill in Washington County. It is the first known presence of this aquatic nuisance algae--also called "rock snot"--in New York State.

Unlike many other aquatic nuisance plants, Didymosphenia geminata grows on the bottom of flowing and still waters. It can develop thick mats even in fast-flowing trout streams. In its presence, fishing becomes difficult, the abundance of bottom-dwelling organisms declines, and trout and other fish that feed on those organisms also decline.


Didymo clings to a rock that was submerged

Meandering for 29 miles from Vermont to the Hudson River, the Batten Kill is a celebrated trout stream, as well as a popular watercourse for kayaking, canoeing and tubing. Didymo, which resembles rotting cardboard when exposed and dried, was observed in a section around and downstream of Route 22 where it crosses near the Village of Salem. Vermont also has confirmed the presence of didymo in a section just upstream of the border with New York State.

The microscopic algae cling unseen to waders, boots, boats, lures, hooks, sinkers, fishing line, and other fishing gear, and remain viable for several weeks under even slightly moist conditions. Absorbent items--for example, the felt-soled waders and wading boots commonly used by stream anglers--require thorough attention as discussed below. Anglers, kayakers and canoeists, boaters and jet skiers can unknowingly spread didymo.

Read the entire article, including tips for prevention and control at http://www.dec.ny.gov/environmentdec/36890.html
Source: Environment DEC, NYS DEC's online newsletter

Sunday, September 09, 2007

NALMS Blue Green Algae Initiative

NALMS has taken a leadership role on the issue of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) toxicity with their Blue Green Algae Initiative. Their new website contains information on conditions favoring blooms, human/animal health issues, toxicity, and much more.
Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) blooms have been occurring throughout the world for thousands of years. Cyanobacteria produce a number of nuisance compounds, including those that are toxic or cause severe taste-and-odor problems in drinking water supplies. Cyanobacterial toxins can make drinking water and recreational use of water unsafe. Animals die yearly as a result of cyanotoxins, and though human death is not common, many people experience symptoms indicative of cyanotoxin exposure. Very little is known about the long-term side affects of ingestion of cyanotoxins, so alhtough there is a guideline set by WHO for safe concentrations, minimal concentrations could cause an effect over time.
Visit the NALMS Blue Green Algae Initiative page at http://www.nalms.org/Resources/BlueGreenInitiative/Overview.htm