The Ithaca Journal - www.theithacajournal.com - Ithaca, NY
theithacajournal.com
Back Article published Oct 4, 2007
Nuisance algae didymo confirmed in the East Branch of the Delaware River, Suspected in the West Branch
ALBANY – Didymo, the invasive nuisance algae that forms slimy mats in freshwater streams, has been confirmed in the East Branch of the Delaware River, an important spot for trout fishing in the state, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced today.
In addition, based on samples taken near the Route 191 bridge in Hancock, Delaware County, didymo (Didymosphenia geminata) is suspected to be present on the West Branch of the Delaware River as well.
These are the latest recorded incidents of this aquatic nuisance species – also called “rock snot” - in New York State. Early this summer, didymo’s presence was confirmed in a section of the Batten Kill in Washington County.
The Delaware tailwaters are one of the premier trout fisheries on the East Coast, and are a popular destination for large numbers of anglers. The discovery of didymo in these waters is particularly troubling given their proximity to other famous trout streams, notably the Beaver Kill and Willowemoc Creek, and the tendency of anglers to fish multiple streams over the course of a day or weekend. The microscopic algae – an invasive species to New York - can survive for many days in cool, damp conditions. Porous materials such as neoprene waders and felt soles used by wading anglers are prime suspects in the spread of didymo among streams.
Didymo cells can produce large amounts of stalk material that forms thick mats on stream bottoms. The appearance of these mats has been compared to brown shag carpet, fiberglass insulation, or tissue paper (a picture can be seen at Didymo Found in Lower Section of Batten Kill in Washington County - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation ). During blooms these mats may completely cover long stretches of stream beds and persist for months. The stalk material produced by didymo is slow to break down and may persist for up to two months following its peak growth. These mats alter stream conditions, choking out many of the organisms that live on the stream bottom, potentially causing a ripple effect up the food chain affecting trout and other fish.
Didymo has historically been limited to cold, nutrient-poor, northern waters, but in recent decades has been expanding its range and its tolerance to warmer and more productive streams. Once introduced to an area, didymo can rapidly spread to nearby streams. Anglers, kayakers, canoeists, boaters and jet skiers can all unknowingly spread didymo by transporting the cells on boats and other gear. There are currently no known methods for controlling or eradicating didymo once it infests a water body.
Anglers, canoeists, kayakers, boaters, or others who witness and suspect the presence of didymo in state waters are advised to contact DEC with the location so that samples can be taken to document and monitor the algae’s spread. DEC continues to urge anglers and other water recreationists to Check, Clean and Dry to prevent the introduction and spread of didymo.
Check -- Before leaving a river or stream, remove all obvious clumps of algae and look for hidden clumps. Leave them at the affected site. If you find any later, do not wash them down drains; dispose all material in the trash.
Clean -- Treatment varies depending on what needs to be cleaned. Be sure that the solution completely penetrates thick absorbent items such as felt-soled waders and wading boots.
Non-absorbent items
· Detergent or salt: soak or spray all surfaces for at least one minute in a 5% solution (by volume) of dishwashing detergent or salt (7 ounces of detergent or salt added to water to make one gallon); or
· Bleach: soak or spray all surfaces for at least one minute in a 2% solution (by volume) of household bleach (3 ounces of bleach added to water to make one gallon); or
· Hot water: soak for at least one minute in very hot water kept above 140 °F (hotter than most tap water) or for at least 20 minutes or in hot water kept above 115 °F (uncomfortable to touch).
Absorbent items require longer soaking times. For example, felt-soled waders require:
· Hot water: soak for at least 40 minutes in hot water kept above 115 °F; or
· Hot water plus detergent: soak for 30 minutes in hot water kept above 115 °F containing 5% dishwashing detergent.
Dry - If cleaning is not practical, after the item is completely dry to the touch, wait an additional 48 hours before contact or use in any other waterway. Check thick absorbent items closely to assure that they are dry throughout. Equipment and gear can also be placed in a freezer until all moisture is frozen solid.
If cleaning, drying or freezing is not practical, restrict equipment to a single water body.
While DEC recommends anglers always take these precautions, it is especially important that any gear used out of state be treated before using in New York waters.
theithacajournal.com
Back Article published Oct 4, 2007
Nuisance algae didymo confirmed in the East Branch of the Delaware River, Suspected in the West Branch
ALBANY – Didymo, the invasive nuisance algae that forms slimy mats in freshwater streams, has been confirmed in the East Branch of the Delaware River, an important spot for trout fishing in the state, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced today.
In addition, based on samples taken near the Route 191 bridge in Hancock, Delaware County, didymo (Didymosphenia geminata) is suspected to be present on the West Branch of the Delaware River as well.
These are the latest recorded incidents of this aquatic nuisance species – also called “rock snot” - in New York State. Early this summer, didymo’s presence was confirmed in a section of the Batten Kill in Washington County.
The Delaware tailwaters are one of the premier trout fisheries on the East Coast, and are a popular destination for large numbers of anglers. The discovery of didymo in these waters is particularly troubling given their proximity to other famous trout streams, notably the Beaver Kill and Willowemoc Creek, and the tendency of anglers to fish multiple streams over the course of a day or weekend. The microscopic algae – an invasive species to New York - can survive for many days in cool, damp conditions. Porous materials such as neoprene waders and felt soles used by wading anglers are prime suspects in the spread of didymo among streams.
Didymo cells can produce large amounts of stalk material that forms thick mats on stream bottoms. The appearance of these mats has been compared to brown shag carpet, fiberglass insulation, or tissue paper (a picture can be seen at Didymo Found in Lower Section of Batten Kill in Washington County - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation ). During blooms these mats may completely cover long stretches of stream beds and persist for months. The stalk material produced by didymo is slow to break down and may persist for up to two months following its peak growth. These mats alter stream conditions, choking out many of the organisms that live on the stream bottom, potentially causing a ripple effect up the food chain affecting trout and other fish.
Didymo has historically been limited to cold, nutrient-poor, northern waters, but in recent decades has been expanding its range and its tolerance to warmer and more productive streams. Once introduced to an area, didymo can rapidly spread to nearby streams. Anglers, kayakers, canoeists, boaters and jet skiers can all unknowingly spread didymo by transporting the cells on boats and other gear. There are currently no known methods for controlling or eradicating didymo once it infests a water body.
Anglers, canoeists, kayakers, boaters, or others who witness and suspect the presence of didymo in state waters are advised to contact DEC with the location so that samples can be taken to document and monitor the algae’s spread. DEC continues to urge anglers and other water recreationists to Check, Clean and Dry to prevent the introduction and spread of didymo.
Check -- Before leaving a river or stream, remove all obvious clumps of algae and look for hidden clumps. Leave them at the affected site. If you find any later, do not wash them down drains; dispose all material in the trash.
Clean -- Treatment varies depending on what needs to be cleaned. Be sure that the solution completely penetrates thick absorbent items such as felt-soled waders and wading boots.
Non-absorbent items
· Detergent or salt: soak or spray all surfaces for at least one minute in a 5% solution (by volume) of dishwashing detergent or salt (7 ounces of detergent or salt added to water to make one gallon); or
· Bleach: soak or spray all surfaces for at least one minute in a 2% solution (by volume) of household bleach (3 ounces of bleach added to water to make one gallon); or
· Hot water: soak for at least one minute in very hot water kept above 140 °F (hotter than most tap water) or for at least 20 minutes or in hot water kept above 115 °F (uncomfortable to touch).
Absorbent items require longer soaking times. For example, felt-soled waders require:
· Hot water: soak for at least 40 minutes in hot water kept above 115 °F; or
· Hot water plus detergent: soak for 30 minutes in hot water kept above 115 °F containing 5% dishwashing detergent.
Dry - If cleaning is not practical, after the item is completely dry to the touch, wait an additional 48 hours before contact or use in any other waterway. Check thick absorbent items closely to assure that they are dry throughout. Equipment and gear can also be placed in a freezer until all moisture is frozen solid.
If cleaning, drying or freezing is not practical, restrict equipment to a single water body.
While DEC recommends anglers always take these precautions, it is especially important that any gear used out of state be treated before using in New York waters.
