Rock Snots

[Rattlesnake Gal]

:eek2: Rock Snots or Snot Rocks, :eek: can anyone tell us more about this algae nuisance?
Thanks! My dial up is not cooperating.

[Grant]

Too many nutrients in the water + warming temps = algae. It's gotten exponentially worse over the past 10-15 years. But, in my experience, once that top layer of water starts nudging the 80 degree mark, the snot starts blooming.

[GWC...]

:eek2: Rock Snots or Snot Rocks, :eek: can anyone tell us more about this algae nuisance?
It's taxonomic name is Didymosphenia geminata (Lyngbye) M. Schmidt

http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=775&fr=1&sts

[fmgate]

Didymo ("Rock Snot") has been found in two locations in the White River in Vermont as well as in part of the Connecticut River between NH and VT. From what I understand, it is an invasive species, introduced from elswhere - perhpas via the felt soles of fishing waders and hip boots. The diatom is typically indigenous to northern, colder, low nutrient/high clarity streams. Something about the species has changed that has enabled it to adapt to other environments. The following websites should be a helpful primer on the organism.

http://www.des.state.nh.us/wmb/exoticspecies/didymo/index.html
http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/library/factsheets/posters/DidymoPoster.pdf