WSTM.com - Slimy invasive algae spreads in famed fishing rivers

Slimy invasive algae spreads in famed fishing rivers

Associated Press - October 5, 2007 3:15 AM ET

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - A slimy, invasive algae is slowly spreading in New York rivers.

It's called didymo (DID-ee-moe), or more descriptively, "rock snot." In addition to being an aesthetic eyesore, thick mats of the algae may be harmful to trout populations.

Early this summer, didymo was discovered in the Batten Kill in Washington County. Now, the state Department of Environmental Conservation says it's been found in two more popular trout streams, the East Branch and West Branch of the Delaware River.

The Delaware tailwaters are premier trout fisheries, attracting large numbers of anglers. Biologists fear that the algae will be carried to other trout streams, such as the renowned Beaver Kill and Willowemoc Creek, on the boots and waders of anglers as well as on kayaks and canoes.

Didymo forms thick mats like brown shag carpet on stream bottoms, choking out many of the native stream organisms.

Biologists advise people to clean their boats and fishing gear to avoid spreading invasive species from one stream to another.