ROCK SNOT HITS WEST VIRGINIA

(07/10/2008)

Rock Snot comes to Mountain State Invasive rock snot has arrived in West Virginia. The Department of Natural resources says the invasive algae - also called didymo - was found recently in the Elk River near Webster Springs. The agency says it found the didymo while investigating reports from anglers who spotted algae mats. The samples have been confirmed as didymo by Maryland authorities. The algae can create some serious damage to habitat and aquatic organisms. Though native to northern North America, didymo is now found in the western U.S., Maryland, New York, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Virginia. The DNR says the algae can stick to paddles, boats, even felt-soled wading boots. They recommend scrubbing and disinfecting boots and fishing gear. Didymosphenia geminata, commonly known as didymo or rock snot, is a species of diatom that grows in warm and shallow water. If it overgrows, it can form large mats on the bottom of lakes, rivers and streams. It is not considered a significant human health risk, but it can affect stream habitats and sources of food for fish and make recreational activities unpleasant. It is considered a nuisance organism or invasive species. The microscopic algae can be spread in a single drop of water.

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