Invasive Algae Found
In Maryland - Potentially Destructive
Didymo found in Gunpowder Falls
Annapolis,
Md. — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today
announced that a new invasive, non-native algae has been found in
Maryland for the first time. The algae, commonly known as Didymo, was
found by anglers in Gunpowder Falls in Baltimore County. Didymo mats,
also called “rock snot,” look slimy, but feel like wet cotton or wool,
and can be white, yellow or brown.
“This alga has the potential to disrupt ecosystems in waters it invades
by choking out bottom-dwellers and removing food organisms for game fish
and other aquatic species,” said Don Cosden, Assistant Director of DNR’s
Fisheries Service. “When Didymo takes over, many species are impacted.”
Although there is no human health risk associated with Didymo, DNR is
developing an aggressive plan of attack to deal with this invader, and
asks anglers and outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy Maryland’s waters to use
extra precautions when moving from one stream or lake to another. Once
Didymo is established, it can cover and suffocate a stream bottom, and
movement of a single cell can contaminate a new waterway.
Felt bottom boots and waders commonly used by anglers are the worst
culprits in the spread of aquatic invaders. Anglers are strongly
encouraged to replace these boots with non-porous materials. New boots
made of a sticky rubber material are safer for the aquatic environment
and are much easier to clean.
Anglers and other recreational users of Gunpowder Falls and surrounding
waters are especially urged to make sure they don’t contribute to the
spread of Didymo or any other aquatic invasive species. The public is
asked to clean anything that comes into contact with stream water by
scrubbing away all dirt and debris before leaving a stream. At home,
disinfect equipment by soaking in a 5% salt solution (1 lb/ 5 gal) for
several minutes, or scrub well with dish detergent and rinse well. If
disinfection is not possible, let equipment dry completely for at least
48 hours. Anglers may want to consider having two sets of equipment in
order to move safely from one spot to another.
Didymo is an algal diatom that forms long stalks which combine to form
heavy, thick mats that can smother a stream bottom. The stalks can
persist for two or more months after the diatoms die, causing habitat
damage for an extended period of time. Originally found in Scotland and
extreme northern Europe and Asia, Didymo has been transported worldwide.
Recently, the species has been found in the northeast and mid-Atlantic
regions of the United States. In many cases, anglers have unknowingly
transported the diatom on their fishing gear.
DNR urges anyone who observes Didymo to contact Don Cosden at
410-260-8287 as soon as possible.
For more information on Didymo and other invasive species, visit
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/invasives/.
