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Boaters and anglers using any of these waters and western Connecticut in general should use extra care to avoid transporting water, aquatic vegetation, and possibly zebra mussels to new locations.
The zebra mussel is a black and white striped, bivalve mollusc which was introduced into North American waters through the discharge of ship ballast water. Since its discovery in Lake St. Clair (Michigan/Ontario) in 1988, the zebra mussel has spread. Chinese mitten crab was found in Connecticut waters and confirmed by DEEP and Connecticut Sea Grant in June of 2012. The crab was collected from the Mianus Pond fishway on the Mianus
Adult Chinese mitten crabs have several distinctive characteristics that aid in identification: Individuals finding a crab that they suspect to be a Chinese mitten crab should keep the crab on ice or freeze it (please do not release the crab), note the exact location it was found, and contact DEEP Marine Fisheries (860-434-6043), DEEP Inland Fisheries (860-424-3474) or CT Sea Grant (Nancy Balcom, 860-407-9107). Any crab found in fresh water should be investigated, as there are no freshwater crabs in New England. To learn more about this discovery, please visit the Chinese mitten crab press release. Additionally, an excellent website for more information on Chinese mitten crabs (and other marine invasions) is the Smithsonian Environmental Research Marine Invasions Lab.
Milfoils forms very dense mats of vegetation on the surface of the water, which can make water activities dangerous.
Eurasian water milfoil was first found in Connecticut in 1979 and can now be found in over 40 lakes and ponds in Connecticut as well as the Connecticut River. Eurasian water milfoil is a rooted, annual plant with a tan or reddish stem, submerged leaves are usually in whorls of four around the stem. It spreads through primarily through fragmentation. When Eurasian water milfoil reaches the surface, it can form a dense mat, which interferes with boating, swimming and other recreational activities, and can alter the ecosystem of the lake. These plants also produce a reddish flower that emerges from the water. Variable leaf milfoil was first discovered in Connecticut in 1936 and can now be found in approximately 30 lakes and ponds in Connecticut. Variable leaf milfoil is a rooted, annual plant with a thick red stem and has submerged leaves that are typically opposite. It spreads through fragmentation. Like Eurasian water milfoil, variable leaf milfoil can form a dense mat, which interferes with boating, swimming and other recreational activities, and can alter the ecosystem of the lake. These plants also produce flowering spikes that can emerge from the water. is one of the most common invasive plants in Connecticut. It was first
Anglers fishing in the Connecticut River, its tributaries, and elsewhere should be on the lookout for this highly invasive plant. DEEP and other organizations are involved in eradication efforts. Water chestnut is a rooted, annual aquatic plant with triangular-shaped floating and feather-like submerged leaves. Its sharp, spiny fruits wash ashore and can inflict painful wounds if stepped on. Dense water chestnut growth can make fishing, boating, swimming and other recreational activities nearly impossible.
Rock Snot (Didymosphenia geminata, Didymosphenia hullii, Cymbella Janischii) is a collective term for a group of microscopic diatoms (a type of algae) which during “blooms” (a time when the algae goes through explosive and rapid growth) and can form large mats of thick cotton-like material that covers large portions of the stream bottom. Dr. Diba Khan-Bureau is a UCONN research scientist who has studied, since 2012, the 3 different species of rock snot (diatoms that form copious amounts of mucilaginous stalks) now found in the West Branch Farmington River and is currently monitoring the growth of rock snot (e.g. Didymo). She is asking for your assistance by providing her information of the location(s) of the growth and your opinion on the changes you have seen in the river ecosystem. If you would like to help please contact Diba at diba.khan-bureau@uconn.edu. History in Connecticut - In March of 2011, an angler collected a small sample of what was believed to be “Didymo”. After its discovery, routine monitoring began in order to document any spread or additional blooms (Kahn-Bureau et. al. 2014). Through this extensive work, it was determined that the Didymo found in Connecticut was actually a new species (Kahn-Bureau et. al. 2016). This species has been named Didymosphenia hullii, after the late Dr. David Hull, former director of transplant surgery at Hartford Hospital. While working to broaden our knowledge about Didymo, a second type of “rock snot” called Cymbella janischii was discovered about 1 mile downstream of the Route 318 bridge in Barkhamsted (near church pool) (Kahn-Bureau et. al. 2016). This diatom is native to the Pacific Northwest and has only been found east of the Rocky Mountains in a few locations (closest being New York). It is likely that this alga was inadvertently transported to the West Branch Farmington by humans. As of June 2017, Didymosphenia hullii and D. geminata have been observed within the West Branch Farmington River along with an extensive bloom of Cymbella Janischii (Kahn-Bureau personal communication). Until now Didymo had been only confirmed above the confluence with the Still River, Barkhamsted. In June of 2017 both have been confirmed as far downstream as the Barkhamsted/New Hartford town line. The Cymbella bloom is prolific and widespread throughout the West Branch Farmington River Trout Management Area. Additional information can be found in our Rock Snot Brochure and a video on our CT Fish and Wildlife Facebook page Please follow the advice below to help prevent the spread of Didymo or any other potential aquatic species to new waters. What you can do to prevent the spread of didymo and many other aquatic organisms: Before leaving the water:
At home or prior to your next location:
If drying is not possible:
For more information on didymo (Rock Snot): {Didymo is a threat to trout streams.} {An image of rock snot } Content Last Updated July 2017 |
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