"Rock Snot" Continues its Rampage
by Jeremy Elton Jacquot, Los Angeles on 08.26.07
Having already successfully invaded New Zealand and large regions of the American West and South, the "rock snot" — an algae that resembles a "clump of soiled sheep's wool" — is now setting its sights on completing its invasion of New England's waterways. Just over the last decade, Didymosphenia geminata has appeared in river bottoms and on rocks throughout California, Washington, Alaska, Wyoming and several other states and has so far shown no signs of weakening.
Similarly to most invasive algae, "rock snot" has the potential to bloom in thick masses and fully blanket the bottoms of streams — threatening the ability of other aquatic species to survive by smothering all possible food sources. According to biologists who've studied it, there are no easy ways to eliminate it: the only solution is hindering its spread — a tall task when one considers that a single cell is enough to facilitate its transfer to other waters. Local and national authorities are most concerned about the potential effects the algae could exert on New England's fish populations. "Once you remove (insects), young fish don't have anything to eat. Growth is slowed at best, and at worst they could starve to death," said David Deen, a Vermont lawmaker.
Of great concern to scientists is also the fact that "rock snot," once a rare species, has seen its numbers grow exponentially over the last few decades. Traditionally a resident of high-altitude, low-nutrient rivers, the algae has now become ubiquitous in rivers in Missouri and Arkansas, leading many to wonder what factors have helped spark its spread. Some suspect drought, dammed rivers and changes in sunlight may play a significant role.
Though the algae is only in its early stages in New England, environmental groups and government agencies are taking no chances, urging fishers and other river users to keep their equipment and boats spotless. They plan on implementing further measures as they continue tracking its spread. "I think all of the Northeast is tuned in to see what the effects will be, so they can start taking preventive measures," said Mary Russ, the executive director of the White River Partnership.
Via ::LiveScience: 'Rock Snot' Clogging U.S. Waterways (news website)
See also: ::Sucking Invasive Algae Off of Reefs, ::Burn it Where You Buy it to Stop Invasive Species
Image courtesy of Toby Talbot
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i recently did some work for a garden center. that crap was in all of the fountains that had been sitting there for awhile. it's really gross when it's out of the water, too. it dries up into a sticky green gel that doesnt look like it will ever biodegrade. im sure that some of it get's out, on to the roads, and into some lake..... it's horrendous.
'Rock Snot' should be researched thoroughly in the laboratories to find out how it functions. The possiblity that it can be useful as a generator of energy should be considered. Possibly even as a source of protein as the population of Earth hits 'Malthus' projected 10 billion in about 2050. More education in the 'Hard Sciences' are needed. You know, Math, Engineering, Biology. We have more than enough people in the political, legal and humanitarian field. 'Soylent Green' anyone?
Yes, all seemingly indestructible invasive species (dandelions, lampreys, zebra mussels, blackberries, etc) should be researched with regard to how to harvest and use them for fuel, feed, or bioproducts.
If you can't beat 'em, use 'em!
Definitely the cause is global warming. The warmer the planet, then conditions are better for algae, fungus et al to grow. If we only ratified the Kyoto Protocol, this could have been avoided. Next year, vote Bush out of office! Save the planet!