Sports

Rock snot is nothing to sneeze at

By Dick Nelson

After announcing the presence of the invasive algae didymo (Didymosphenia geminata) in the West Branch of the Delaware River downstream from the Cannonsville Reservoir, indicating that the main stem of the Delaware River is now infested as well, New York is plotting its next step in the war against this aquatic algae.

Also known as “rock snot”, this is the latest recorded incident of this aquatic nuisance species in New York State. Didymo has also been verified in the Batten Kill and the East Branch of the Delaware River downstream from the Pepacton Reservoir.

The discovery of didymo in these waters is particularly troubling given its proximity to other famous trout streams, most notably the Beaver Kill and Willowemoc Creek, and the tendency of anglers to fish multiple streams over the course of a day or weekend.

The algae, which has also become a nuisance in New Zealand and the Rocky Mountain states, has the potential to bloom into thick masses with long stalks, blanketing the bottoms of some streams, threatening aquatic insect populations and possibly fish, although at this point there has been no certain link proven between the presence of the didymo and the decline of a fish population.

Much is unknown about didymo, including what damage — ecologically or economically — it might do and how to get rid of it once it appears. Its ecological impacts are unclear, but I would expect because it’s so aggressive and so dominating, it probably does have impacts on the suitability for fish habitat and on dissolved oxygen.

From what I’ve read, it’s basically another living organism that’s occupying limited space and resources that could be supporting natural flora and fauna.

Another worry about rock snot is the negative effect it might have on the state’s freshwater fishing industry. Although the combination of low water conditions and high fuel prices have been keeping a substantial number of fishermen away from state streams, it’s unlikely that many anglers will be anxious to fish in waters alongside a plant that has been described as “looking similar to a sewage spill in a water body, where wet toilet paper is streaming in the flow”.

So far no one has come up with a way to eradicate or kill didymo once it has become established in a river. What they do know is that once introduced to a new stream that has clean, fast-moving water, didymo can spread quickly and coat the rocky bottom with thick, gooey brown mats of algae.

Although fly-fishing rivers have been the hardest hit, fishermen aren’t the only possible modes of transportation. While the microscopic algae can survive for days in cool, damp conditions, porous materials such as neoprene waders and felt soles used by wading anglers are prime suspects in the spread of didymo among streams. But according to state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) aquatic experts, boats, kayaks and canoes also can spread the algae if not cleaned properly.

You can, however, stop it from spreading. The DEC is advising fishermen, boaters and anyone else using the rivers to remove all visible clumps from their gear, clothing, shoes and boats and to scrub boats and soak clothes in hot water and soap for 30 minutes, making sure the solution of water and bleach completely penetrates thick absorbent items such as felt-soled waders and wading boots, and that they are thoroughly dry before the next use.

Speaking of streams and waders, the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum (CFFCM) has combined its Annual Summerfest, Angler’s Market, and Jubilee Day to create the largest single day event in its 27-year history.

Traditionally held on the last Saturday of August, the Anglers Market and Summerfest has been moved up to next Sunday beginning at 8:30 a.m.

“This single event brings out the best in fishing treasures discovered over the past year from the closets, attics and basements. Every year, attendees search over 100 tables in the quest to find that unique outdoorsy thing, hard to find fly-tying material, fly-fishing collectible, gadget or obscure book. Combined with the highly successful Jubilee Day, it will be a Super Sunday in the Catskills,” said CFFCM Executive Director Jim Krul.

The day’s activities will include a kids-only (12 and under) fishing derby at 11:30 a.m. at the CFFCM pond with prizes for first fish, most fish, largest fish and smallest fish. Youngsters are required to bring their own tackle and favorite baits.

Other features include a bamboo rod casting clinic with Mike Canazon and the Bamboo Guys; the Fly Fishing Antique Road Show will be held from noon until 1 p.m. For more information on how to participate or become a vendor, contact the CFFCM at 845-439-4810 or visit the Web site at www.cffcm.net.

News and Notes: A retirement party will be held for DEC wildlife biologist Dick Henry at the Quarry Steak House, Route 81, West Coxsackie on Aug. 17, beginning with a reception party (Dick’s buying a keg) at 1 p.m. A family style Roast Beef and Chicken Cordon Bleu dinner will follow at 2 p.m., but if you’d like to attend you’ll have to get your reservation check in the mail by Friday, although I’m sure that if you call in advance, they’ll honor your commitment. Tickets are $26 per person (tax and gratuity include), with an optional monetary donation for a gift. Checks should be made payable to Elizabeth DeJoy and mailed to NYSDEC Wildlife Unit, 65561 Route 10, Stamford, NY 12167. For more information contact DeJoy at 607-652-7367.

Henry spent most of his 41-year career as a big game wildlife biologist in Region 3 before being transferred to DEC Headquarters in Albany and becoming Region 4 Wildlife Manager in 2005.


The Saugerties Fish and Game Club, 168 Fish Creek Road, Saugerties, will host a two-part gun hunter education class on Saturday and next Sunday beginning at 9 a.m. To preregister call 845-247-3412.


The Roe Jan Creek Boat Club will hold its annual Chicken Barbecue next Sunday beginning at 3 p.m. (Grounds open at 1 p.m., Clam Bar 1:30 p.m.). Admission is $12 for adults, $6 for kids 5-12 and free to youngsters under age 5. For more information contact Dick Wambach at 845-417-5377 or by e-mail at richardlw47@gmail.com.

Dropping anchor ’til next time.

Reader Comments

Submit a Comment