Troutnut Forum > Fly Fishing Discussion > Didymo
| Softhackle | July 24th, 2007, 10:53 pm | |
| Wellsville, NY Posts: 164 | For those of you that have not yet become aware of this stuff, here's some important information. We that love to fly fish, study insects and tie flies can be severely affected by this invasive species. I received this info today from TU. An invasive algae, commonly called rock snot, has been found in the Upper Connecticut River and in Vermont's White River. The Vermont and New Hampshire TU Councils and chapters need your help to stop the spread of didymo before it devastates wild trout populations. WHY WE CARE Didymo does not present a health hazard to humans. However its impact on native and wild trout populations has been severe in New Zealand, Quebec and other areas. The algae, which thrives in cool water temperatures, attaches itself to the gravel and rocks at the bottom of the river bed. When the algae blooms, it forms massive mats that coat the gravel and rocks (reports of 4 to 5 inch thick mats are common). These mats form a barrier for native organisms (caddis, mayflies and stoneflies) that result in their decline. Studies suggest that young, wild trout populations are severely affected. In addition, didymo is easy to spread. Each cell is very small, so they absorb easily into clothing, wading boots, and sandals as well as stick to hard surfaces like tubes, kayaks, and fishing gear. If these items are not cleaned and dried completely, the algae will live (one report had didymo surviving for 8 months on felt sole boots stored in a garage) and can be spread the next time the item is used. WHAT YOU CAN DO 1.) Soak all clothing, wading boots, sandals, etc in hot, soapy water for 30 minutes. 2.) Wash all hard surfaces like tubes, kayaks, and fishing gear with hot, soapy water as well. 3.) A 5% detergent solution is effective. Use 3/4 cups of any detergent (dish soap, antiseptic hand soap, or laundry detergent) per gallon of hot tap water to kill the algae. 4.) Learn more about didymo algae at www.biosecurity.govt.nz. For additional information about efforts in Vermont to address the problem contact Mary Russ, Executive Director, White River Partnership at 802-767-4600 orwww.whiteriverpartnership.org. Hope this brings our awareness level up! Mark | |
| "I have the highest respect for the skilled wet-fly fisherman, as he has mastered an art of very great difficulty." Edward R. Hewitt Flymphs, Soft-hackles and Spiders | ||
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| Konchu | July 26th, 2007, 12:28 am | |
| Indiana Posts: 212 | Ouch. What is the primary source for this report? | |
| GONZO | July 26th, 2007, 1:12 am | |
| "Bear Swamp," PA Posts: 1003 | Thanks for posting the rock snot info, Mark. There are so many invasive species threatening our waters these days that it is easy to surrender to feeling helpless and overwhelmed by it all. That is until one of them shows up in your favorite stream, then in addition to feeling helpless and overwhelmed, you feel damned angry. | |
| Softhackle | July 26th, 2007, 9:08 am | |
| Wellsville, NY Posts: 164 | Hi, the above information was received in an e-mail from TU, however, there are other online sources regarding the discovery of this invasive species in the north eastern US. Many rivers in the west are already fighting this stuff, and there is little that can be done to get rid of it. The best thing to do is prevent the spread of it. Here's some places to look for more info on this. http://www.wlbz2.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=65919 http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070711/NEWS01/707110369/1032 Copy and paste these into your browswer window for news reports about this. Hope this helps, Mark | |
| "I have the highest respect for the skilled wet-fly fisherman, as he has mastered an art of very great difficulty." Edward R. Hewitt Flymphs, Soft-hackles and Spiders | ||
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