There are numerous types of invasive species and nuisances that currently threaten our freshwater streams. These problems can be transmitted from one waterway to the next in the damp felt soles of anglers’ shoes, as wellas the linings of the shoes, breathable waders, fly lines and flies can also conceivably spread it — and, of course, so can birds and animals.
The most challenging is the Didymosphenia geminata, commonly referred to as "didymo", is a freshwater microscopic diatom. It is found in streams and rivers in much of North America. Didymo increasingly poses a threat to aquatic ecosystems because it forms extensive mats on stream beds. Didymo attaches to the streambed by a stalk. These stalks have a rough texture similar to wet wool and mimic strands of toilet paper, as opposed to other algal species which feel "slimy". Often called the "Rock Snot" algae.
Newspapers in the New York have called the algae “ferocious” and raised the possibility of trout “annihilation.” Sen. Chuck Schumer even hiked to the water’s edge beneath the Five Arch Bridge in black topcoat and yellow necktie to announce he would ask for $20 million to fight invasive species. It can now be found in the Esopus River, the East and the West Branch of the Delaware River, the Battenkill River in New York But it can also be found in the Clinch River and the South Holston Rivers in North Carolina as well as Virginia and several western states as well.
Trout Unlimited has asked that felt soled boots be phased out of production by 2011 and many manufacturere are working with Vibram and others to come up with sticky rubber soles that will provide the traction necessary for trout fishing, yet prevent the spread of these invasive species.
What can we do?
Remove all visible mud, plants, fish/animals -Before leaving any body of water, it is important to examine all your equipment, boats, trailers, clothing, boots, buckets etc .
Do not release or put plants, fish or animals into a body of water unless they came out of that body of water.
Eliminate water from all equipment before transporting anywhere -Much of the recreational equipment used in water contains many spots where water can collect and potentially harbor these aquatic hitchhikers.
Clean and dry anything that came in contact with the water:
* Wash your dog with water as warm as possible and brush its coat.
* Use hot (< 40° C or 104° F) or salt water to clean your equipment.
* The following recipes are recommended for cleaning hard-to-treat equipment that cannot be exposed to hot water:
* Dipping equipment into 100% vinegar for 20 minutes will kill harmful aquatic hitchhiker species.
* A 1 % table salt solution for 24 hours can replace the vinegar dip.