A NEW SPECIES of "Rock Snot".
Connecticut scientists Dr. Diba Khan-Bureau of Three Rivers Community College and Inland Fisheries Division Biologist Mike Beauchene have determined the species of algae that was first reported in the West Branch of the Farmington River (2011), Barkhamsted, is a NEW SPECIES to the world. Their findings were just published in the European Journal of Phycology.
Currently, Didymosphenia hullii (name of the new species), is blooming (undergoing rapid growth) and if conditions remain favorable will continue to cover the river bottom until about mid-May. Didymo, as it is more commonly known, belongs to several species of algae which produce long stalks. These stalks form a thick mat covering much of the rocks and can be a nuisance to anglers (fouls flies and lures).
DEEP would like to encourage everyone using the West Branch Farmington River for fishing (especially during the Opening Day Riverton Fishing Derby and days surrounding the Opening Day of Fishing season on April 9th) to be extra diligent in cleaning anything that has had contact with the river bottom and water.
What can you do?
You can do you part by following a few simple steps:
CHECK & CLEAN - Before leaving a section of stream, remove all obvious clumps of algae and plant material from fishing gear, waders, clothing & footwear, canoes & kayaks, and anything else that has been in the water and look for hidden clumps. Leave them at the site.
DRY - Dry Equipment, if possible, allow for 5 days of drying time before entering new waters
TELL YOUR FRIENDS - The word must be passed along to everyone you know who uses the river. For more information including how you can identify and report didymo blooms, you can download the following documents issued by DEEP here.