Didymo or commonly referred to as Rock Snot is an extemely invasive algae that has been documented in the Bow, Red Deer and Old man rivers back in 2004 and perhaps back into the mid 90's depending on where you look.
If you don't know what Didymo is Here are a few links so you can get an idea.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Didymosphenia_geminata
http://www.orvisnews.com/FlyFishing/Video-A-Didymo-Diary.aspx
Long story short it is an invasive algae originating most likely from the NE USA. Like its nickname it grows on rocks and looks like long strands of yellow snot. It essentially deoxygenates the water, consequently damages fish and marine life habitat and blankets the floor of a river.
It is easily transportable and can survive out of water for up to 48 hours.
Being from NZ I have seen first hand what this species does to rivers, streams and lakes.
If you have been at the weir this spring yet you will notice a lot of this stuff floating around in the eddies there. The bloom has been particularly bad this spring, I am guessing due to the mild winter in Calgary this year.
I am really concerned that not due to any individuals fault but due to a lack of education and knowledge out there about this that we as a kayaking community are going to unintentionally spread this to other pristine watersheds such as the elbow, sheep, cataract etc and potentially across the border in the close by creeks of Interior BC!!!
This to me is a major issue and the word needs to be spread throughout the paddling community ASAP.
I have been in touch with Alberta Environment and they to deem this as an extremely high priority. There will very soon be signage erected at the weir location and hopefully wash bays for washing gear.
I realize paddlers have been using the bow ever since this was first found however the bloom this spring is exceeding anything yet seen in the bow and the increased usage at the weir with high concentrations of Didymo collecting and circulating in the eddies provides an easy opportunity for transport.
To eliminate the risk of transporting Didymo to another watershed all gear used must be soaked in a 5% solution for 1 minute. The Solution can be biodegradable, river friendly dishwashing soap amongst numerous other solutions. Then a quick rinse in fresh water
The other option is gear must be dried and then stay dry for a full 48 hours!!!!
I will attach a table showing results of different products for killing Didymo.
I would strongly encourage people after using the bow to start a habit of washing their gear before moving to another river!!!!!!
It would be a huge shame for our local creeks and waterways further abroad to become infected with this. It is unfortunate that this is here in the first place bit it is here to stay and like back home washing your gear is something that will just have to become the norm...
If anyone else has any more info or proven ways on disinfecting gear that is a little more environmentally friendly please share it and please share this post around.
Blair
If you don't know what Didymo is Here are a few links so you can get an idea.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Didymosphenia_geminata
http://www.orvisnews.com/FlyFishing/Video-A-Didymo-Diary.aspx
Long story short it is an invasive algae originating most likely from the NE USA. Like its nickname it grows on rocks and looks like long strands of yellow snot. It essentially deoxygenates the water, consequently damages fish and marine life habitat and blankets the floor of a river.
It is easily transportable and can survive out of water for up to 48 hours.
Being from NZ I have seen first hand what this species does to rivers, streams and lakes.
If you have been at the weir this spring yet you will notice a lot of this stuff floating around in the eddies there. The bloom has been particularly bad this spring, I am guessing due to the mild winter in Calgary this year.
I am really concerned that not due to any individuals fault but due to a lack of education and knowledge out there about this that we as a kayaking community are going to unintentionally spread this to other pristine watersheds such as the elbow, sheep, cataract etc and potentially across the border in the close by creeks of Interior BC!!!
This to me is a major issue and the word needs to be spread throughout the paddling community ASAP.
I have been in touch with Alberta Environment and they to deem this as an extremely high priority. There will very soon be signage erected at the weir location and hopefully wash bays for washing gear.
I realize paddlers have been using the bow ever since this was first found however the bloom this spring is exceeding anything yet seen in the bow and the increased usage at the weir with high concentrations of Didymo collecting and circulating in the eddies provides an easy opportunity for transport.
To eliminate the risk of transporting Didymo to another watershed all gear used must be soaked in a 5% solution for 1 minute. The Solution can be biodegradable, river friendly dishwashing soap amongst numerous other solutions. Then a quick rinse in fresh water
The other option is gear must be dried and then stay dry for a full 48 hours!!!!
I will attach a table showing results of different products for killing Didymo.
I would strongly encourage people after using the bow to start a habit of washing their gear before moving to another river!!!!!!
It would be a huge shame for our local creeks and waterways further abroad to become infected with this. It is unfortunate that this is here in the first place bit it is here to stay and like back home washing your gear is something that will just have to become the norm...
If anyone else has any more info or proven ways on disinfecting gear that is a little more environmentally friendly please share it and please share this post around.
Blair
