June 19 - June 25
Discover Nature this week as you learn about a most unattractive invasive species.
Mmmm, rock snot. The name says it all, doesn’t it? The latest invader to threaten Missouri sounds awful, and it could be even worse than its name. Also commonly known as “Didymo”, rock snot is a type of algae that forms dense mats on stream bottoms. It has gained footholds in streams worldwide, including some of the most revered trout waters on Earth. The infestation nearest to Missouri is in the White River just south of the Missouri-Arkansas border.
The jury is still out concerning didymo’s possible ecological effects. It definitely is bad news for anglers, though. Stringy algae threads catch on hooks from dry flies to crankbaits, making fishing nearly impossible.
Contamination of recreational equipment, such as boats, life jackets and fishing gear, particularly waders, is the most common way for didymo to spread. The Missouri Department of Conservation is considering regulation changes to reduce the risk of spreading rock snot, but Missourians can take preventive action on their own right now.
To avoid spreading rock snot, remember the sequence “Check, Clean, Dry” when you leave a waterway.
• First, Check all gear and equipment and remove any visible algae. Do not dispose of algae by putting it down a drain or into bodies of water.
• Next, Clean all gear and equipment with a solution of 2-percent bleach, 5-percent saltwater or dish detergent. Allow all equipment to stay in contact with the solution for at least three minutes. Soak all soft items, such as felt-soled waders and life jackets, in the solution for at least 20 minutes. If you only fish one water body or if your gear has adequate time to dry between waters, then the chemical cleaning treatments are not necessary. Drying equipment for 48 hours will effectively kill didymo cells.
• Then, Dry all gear and equipment in the sun for at least 48 hours.
Replacing felt-soled waders with a new environmentally sensitive alternative also reduces the risk of spreading rock snot and other invasive species.
