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3. Possible Didymo in the East Branch of the Delaware

I have seen some reports that the Didymo algae has been found, now, in the East Branch of the Delaware near East Branch, NY. The potential for spreading this "rock snot" as it is called is very high. The problem is it kills off insect populations because it smothers the stream and river beds. For more information regarding Didymo, look here:

Didymo

Mark

Thanks, Mark. Good to know.

-Shawn

Oh no. I hope it doesn't spread, especially into the West Branch or Main Stem. Thanks for the alert.

Hi,
From the way I understand it they BELIEVE they have found this stuff in the East Branch. Tests are being done to confirm it, but from what I seen they are fairly sure it is there.

If I see any more information I'll let everyone know.

Mark

Most of NY's watersheds are linked by canals and channels now, are they not? This makes for a very scary situation.

I've been told that neoprene waders soak up microorganisms and carry them from one stream to another much more effectively than breathable waders do. It makes sense, but I don't know how true it is. Can someone more knowledgeable than I confirm this?

-Shawn

I've read that felt soles may transport the didymo more readily than rubber soles too.

That's interesting, because felt soles are probably much more likely to be used by serious, well-traveled fishermen than neoprene waders are (though I suppose most breathable waders still have neoprene feet).

Does anyone know a good way to decontaminate whirling or didymo organisms (or anything else) without damaging waders or boots? A mild bleaching, perhaps?

-Shawn

more on Didymo

Take a look at this page for more info and cleaning solutions. We've really got to work together to prevent the spread of this stuff.

The news is not too good:

From the Post-Standard, Syracuse
Didymo found in East and West branches of Delaware River
Posted by David Figura September 28, 2007 4:45PM

The presence of didymo, an invasive plant species commonly called "rock snot" by anglers, has been confirmed this week by DEC officials on two, well-known trout streams in the Catskills.

Steve Lorence, fisheries manager of the Region 4 DEC office in Stamford in Delaware County, said sampling by DEC aquatic biologists has confirmed the presence of the slimy, brown-colored plant on at least five sections of the West Branch of the Delaware River, including the confluence with the Beaverrkill.

In addition, it's been found near the Route 191 bridge in Deposit on the West Branch of the Delaware River.

Unlike many other aquatic nuisance plants, didymo or Didymosphenia geminata, grows on the bottom of flowing and still waters. It can develop thick mats even in fast-flowing trout streams. In its presence, fishing becomes difficult, the abundance of bottom-dwelling organisms declines, and trout and other fish that feed on those organisms also decline. It resembles rotting cardboard when it dries and rots.

Its presence in the Catskill, often touted as one of the premier trout-fishing areas of the state, could mean trouble for an area where millions of dollars in tourism related to fishing is spent each year.

The microscopic algae cling unseen to waders, boots, boats, lures, hooks, sinkers, fishing line, and other fishing gear, and remain viable for several weeks under even slightly moist conditions, according to a DEC press release.

Absorbent items--for example, the felt-soled waders and wading boots commonly used by stream anglers-- can easily spread it. Canoeists and kayakers can also unknowingly contribute to its spread.


Mark

http://www.gmtrout.com/untitled89/index.html


the above web site, among others, offers tips on how to clean your gear to avoid transplanting didymo.

That is really grim news. I keep my camper at the Oxbow in Harvard and consider the East Branch to be my "home" waters.
New Zealand has a major scourge of didymo and they are addressing that plague with chemicals on at least one big river, and as I understand it, are having some as yet undetermined degree of success.
Dick

Let's hope they have success in New Zeland, that the chemicals aren't worse than the problem, and that someone takes initiative and nips this in the bud on the Delaware.

It is definitely in the West Branch