Fishing Report from the Department of Environmental Protection | WTIC News/Talk 1080

WTIC News/Talk 1080 - Fishing Report from the Department of Environmental Protection: "DIDYMO REMINDER": Anglers are reminded to take precautions to prevent the spread of the highly invasive freshwater alga Didymosphenia geminata, known as “Didymo”, into CT waters. Last year (2007), the presence of didymo was confirmed in several popular trout streams, the upper Connecticut River (NH/VT), White River (VT), Batten Kill (NY/VT) and the East and West Branches of the Delaware River (NY/PA). These were the first official reports of didymo in the northeastern United States. This microscopic algae can develop massive blooms, sometimes extending for several miles of river. These blooms can smother aquatic plants, aquatic insects and molluscs, alter stream flow characteristics and fish habitat, and impact food webs. Dense mats of didymo can also reduce recreational and aesthetic values of affected rivers.

Humans can unknowingly spread didymo. The microscopic cells can cling to fishing gear, waders (felt soles can be especially problematic), boots and boats, and remain viable for months under even slightly moist conditions. Although didymo has not yet been found in CT, it has been found in near-by states. It is recommended that anglers, especially those who also fish streams outside Connecticut, practice CHECK, CLEAN, DRY procedures.

· CHECK: Before leaving a river, stream or lake, 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. If you find any later, clean your gear and dispose of all material in the trash.

· CLEAN: Soak/spray & scrub boats and all other “hard” items for at least one minute in either very hot (140°F) water, a 2% bleach solution, or a 5% dishwashing detergent solution. Absorbent materials such as clothes and felt soles on waders should be soaked for at least 40 minutes in very hot water (140°F), or 30 minutes in hot water (115°F) with 5% dishwashing detergent. Freezing thoroughly will also kill didymo.

· DRY: If cleaning is not practical, after the item is completely dry to touch, wait an additional 48 hours before contact or use in any other waterway.

The above procedures will also be effective against other unwanted organisms.