New Algae Threatens New England Waterways

Everyone has heard of millfoil - an invasive plant species that can clog lakes and choke out light and nutrients, killing off fragile lake ecosystems. Millfoil is considered "invasive" or "exotic" because it is not native to New England, so no herbavores eat it, and it grows unchcekced. However, according a press release from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, there is another New England algae joining the list of invasive species threatening the area.

Nick-named "rock-snot" or "didymo" (short for its scientific name, "Didymosphenia geminate"), this plant was recently found in Vermont in the Connecticut and White River.

According to the Missouri Conservationist (an online environmental publication), the plant is originally from Europe, but is spreading on the west coast of the U.S. and Central states. The sighting in Vermont is the first in the New England area.

Local officials are on the alert in states near Vermont to try and prevent the algae from spreading. Because there are no controls currently in place for this particular invasive species, the Department of Environmental Services in several neighboring states (including New Hampshire and Maine) has advised that boaters and users of recreational lake craft such as canoes be extra careful that no algae clumps are transported between lakes, in an effort to stop it from spreading.

This algae is a diatom, not a leafy-plant, and it is one of the first micro-algal species to be invasive in its growth. The blooms can appear as mats of stringy material on the bottom of lakes. These mats are what cause the most problems by stifling other aquatic plants that provide shelter and food for fish and other native species. Scientists also speculate that the lack of the aquatic plants may severaly impact the local insect population as well, which can affect land animals such as bats and birds higher up the food chain.

Boaters, fishermen and other people using New England waterways are being advised to thoroughly check for clumps of algae on their boats, canoes, fishing equipment and other items placed in the lake, and to remove it while at the lake. Even one cell of didymo is enough to begin a new colony. If you find bits of algae later at home, throw it in the trash, not down a drain, as that can lead to a different waterway, and easily start a new colony.

Another way to eliminate the algae from items is to wash them in hot water, scrubbing off any algae, or by using a weak solution of water and bleach. Didymo can also be scrubbed off with antiseptic, salt water, or soap. Drying off items completely before putting them in another waterway can also help slow the spread.