07-06-2007, 04:10 PM
There have been recent concerns in parts of the US, Canada, and New Zealand about a diatom species called didymo (also known as 'rock snot'!). It affects freshwater rivers and streams only, and "pristine" reaches are not safe from this invader.
Didymo has not reached NH, but it's on the move and easily spread by even just once cell of the alga breaking off and drifting downstream in infested reaches. It is also very easily spread by waders, fishing gear, and other gear that touches the bottoms of streams in infested areas.
Please be on the lookout for didymo and if you see it in New Hampshire, contact Amy Smagula at DES, 603-271-2248 or asmagula@des.state.nh.us.
EPA has an excellent website on didymo, which includes tips on how to check your gear and keep it clean; visit http://www.epa.gov/region8/water/didymosphenia.
Didymo has not reached NH, but it's on the move and easily spread by even just once cell of the alga breaking off and drifting downstream in infested reaches. It is also very easily spread by waders, fishing gear, and other gear that touches the bottoms of streams in infested areas.
Please be on the lookout for didymo and if you see it in New Hampshire, contact Amy Smagula at DES, 603-271-2248 or asmagula@des.state.nh.us.
EPA has an excellent website on didymo, which includes tips on how to check your gear and keep it clean; visit http://www.epa.gov/region8/water/didymosphenia.