IN THE NEWS

Didymo (a.k.a. rock snot) found in Vermont and New Hampshire

Didymo is the common name for Didymosphenia geminata, an invasive freshwater diatom species (microscopic algae). Didymo can form extensive ‘blooms’ on the bottoms of rocky river beds, essentially smothering aquatic life forms such as macroinvertebrates (aquatic insects), native algae, and other organisms.

Additionally, the physical appearance of the bloom is aesthetically unpleasing, and can reduce the recreational values of a waterbody. Didymo uses stalks to attach to rocks and plants in a river system. The diatom creates these stalks, which can form masses 10-12 inches thick on the river bottom, and trail for lengths of 2-3 feet in the current. It is actually these stalks that are more problematic than the algae. The algae will eventually die off and decompose, while these stalks tend to persist for several months on the river bottom.

CHECK - Remove all visible clumps of algae and plant material from fishing gear, waders, clothing, water shoes and sandals, canoes and kayaks, and anything else that has been in the water.

CLEAN - Using HOT tap water and lots of soap: Scrub boats and other “hard” items thoroughly; Soak clothes, felt-sole waders and other “soft” items for 30 minutes!!!!

For more information: http://www.des.state.nh.us/wmb/exoticspecies/didymo/index.html

CHECK - Remove all visible clumps of algae and plant

CLEAN - Using HOT tap water and lots of soap: Scrub

or visit www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/dec.htm

or visit www.des.state.nh.us/wmb/exoticspecies

DIDYMO: LET'S HOPE FOR THE BEST

By Dianne Emerson, Fisheries Biologist/Coldwater Project Leader,

Region 1/Lancaster

Didymosphenia geminata, a.k.a. didymo or rock snot, is a diatomaceous algae that has infiltrated the Connecticut River and various tributaries. I recently attended a two-day international workshop dedicated to this microscopic gem. The information on this species is a bit overwhelming after it came to be such a nuisance in New Zealand. What was really interesting is that I found out that genetic work is being performed to determine where this species originated. It was originally believed to be from New Zealand, but the preliminary results of the genetic analysis indicate Norway to have the oldest population and North America to be older than New Zealand. That's right -- Norway! It turns out that didymo is also present in various provinces in Canada, Iceland, Poland and the United Kingdom. That being said, we on the New Hampshire/Vermont line may have received it from any one of those countries.

Didymo seems to have preferences on habitat, but can survive under a range of conditions. It prefers cool water temperatures, stable water flows and substrate and high levels of UV light. Didymo can also swim upstream and live in one drop of water, which is why it is so critical to take the steps to "CHECK, CLEAN, DRY" your fishing or recreational gear after being in waters where didymo is present. New Zealand has taken drastic measures to insure the protection of the northern island from acquiring this alga, and so far they are holding it in the southern island.

Didymo has not always been such a nuisance to fish species and habitats. In Norway and the United Kingdom, salmon and fall spawning trout species have not been impacted. In these countries that experience winter, the mats of didymo that are abundant in the summer, slough off in the fall prior to spawning. The substrate needed for egg incubation is exposed, so egg development is and has been unaffected so far. That is not to say that salmon declines haven't occurred in these countries, because they have, but the researchers do not attribute the losses to didymo. These countries have weather patterns like the United States, and we are hoping that we will experience similar results. We still need to be diligent and responsible when dealing with this alga, because we do not know what it is going to do here in the northeast. Didymo is new here and, like any invasive, its introduction can be catastrophic. Always remember -- CHECK, CLEAN, DRY!

For more info on Didymo in New Zealand and New England, visit these websites:

*http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/conservation/threats-and-impacts/biosecurity/whitebait-fact-sheet.pdf (New Zealand government)

*http://wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/Didymo_invasive.html (NH Fish and Game)

*http://www.des.state.nh.us/wmb/exoticspecies/didymo/index.html (NH Department of Environmental Services)

If you observe Didymo in New Hampshire, contact Amy Smagula at the N.H. Department of Environmental Services: 603-271-2248 or asmagula@des.state.nh.us.

 BROOK TROUT POPULATIONS AND WATER QUALITY DECLINE THROUGHOUT ENTIRE EASTERN RANGE

May 12, 2006

 New Hampshire Among Northeast States with
 Strongest Brook Trout Populations

ARLINGTON, VA -- Intact populations of wild brook trout survive in only 7% of their historical habitat in New Hampshire. These results reflect the condition of brook trout across their entire Eastern range, according to an assessment released by the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture, a coalition of state and federal agencies and several conservation organizations.

"Brook trout are the canary in the coal mine when it comes to water quality," said Gary Berti, Trout Unlimited's Eastern Brook Trout Campaign Coordinator. "The presence of brook trout in a watershed indicates that
water quality is excellent. Declining brook trout populations can provide an early warning that the health of an entire lake, stream or river is at risk."

The report, "Eastern Brook Trout: Status and Threats," is the first comprehensive assessment of the status of brook trout in the Eastern United States. These beautiful fish historically thrived in rivers and streams stretching from Maine to South Carolina, but land use pressures have fragmented their watersheds and isolated the remaining populations.

Even with the decline, New Hampshire is among the Northeast states with the strongest brook trout populations. While only 7% of habitat is documented as supporting intact populations of brook trout, brookies are
known to inhabit another 70% of their historical range. The strongest populations are located in the Upper Connecticut River system and the Magalloway and Dead Diamond Rivers.

"We are already pursuing many opportunities for conservation of remaining high-quality habitat as well as restoration of impaired streams," said Steve Perry, Fish Chief, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.
"Our collective challenge is to protect our remaining brook trout habitat and restore populations wherever possible."

"Brookies can quickly respond to habitat improvements," explained Tom Spencer, the brook trout coordinator for Trout Unlimited's New Hampshire Council. "We are already working on a collaborative project with
TransCanada Power Company to restore fish passage on Smith Brook, and we also are working with multiple state agencies to restore Nash Stream. By scaling up these programs throughout the state and region, we will see
wild brook trout returning to our streams."

This assessment represents the first stage of the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture's collaborative efforts to restore brook trout habitat. The Joint Venture was initiated in 2004 as a pilot program of the National Fish Habitat Initiative. Participants include fish and wildlife agencies from 17 states, federal partners, conservation organizations and academic institutions. The results of this assessment are being used to develop state-by-state strategies for brook trout conservation and recovery, which will be used for future management.