For Release: Thursday, October 30, 2008
Spiny Water Flea Confirmed in First "Inland" Water
Previously Found in Great Lakes, the Invasive Species Now in Great Sacandaga Lake
The spiny water flea, an aquatic invasive species, has been confirmed as present in the Great Sacandaga Lake in the southern Adirondacks, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today. Previously, it had been identified in the Great Lakes. This is first time the spiny water flea has been confirmed in an "inland" body of water.
"Unfortunately, another invasive species has spread in the waters of New York State," said Steve Sanford, chief of DEC's Office of Invasive Species. "We are doing our best to alert fishermen, boaters and all users of New York waters to the presence of the spiny water flea and to promote practices that minimize the spread of theses non-natives."
Native to Eurasia, spiny water fleas are crustaceans that can have a huge impact on aquatic life in lakes and ponds due to their rapid reproduction rates. In warmer water temperatures, these water fleas can hatch, grow to maturity, and lay eggs in as few as two weeks. But that is not the only challenge presented by this invasive species. Sometimes, its eggs can remain in a dormant state for years before hatching, making tracking it and limiting its spread very difficult.
The spiny water flea feeds on tiny crustaceans and other zooplankton - putting them in direct competition with fish and other native aquatic organisms for this important food source. In addition, the tail spines of the spiny water flea hook on fishing lines and foul fishing gear.
Spiny water fleas were first found in Lake Huron in 1984; a year later in Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. The most likely source for their introduction is ballast water discharges from ocean-going ships that traveled up the St. Lawrence Seaway and into the Great Lakes.
This is the first confirmation of their presence in non-border body of water in New York State. It is not known how or when they were introduced into Great Sacandaga Lake. The adult, larvae, or eggs may have been brought in by bait bucket, bilge water, live well, boat, canoe, kayak, trailer or fishing equipment.
Currently, there are no successful means to control or eradicate this and many other aquatic invasive species, so preventing their spread is the only way to limit their impact. It is very important that boaters, anglers and other recreational enthusiasts take precautions to avoid transporting this and other invasive species, particularly after leaving a water body known to have an aquatic invasive species. DEC strongly recommends the following precautions:
INSPECT & CLEAN your fishing and boating equipment and remove all mud, plants and other organisms that might be clinging to them.
DRY your fishing and boating equipment before using it on another body of water. Drying is the most effective "disinfection" mechanism and is least likely to damage sensitive equipment and clothing. All fishing and boating equipment, clothing and other gear should be dried completely before moving to another body of water. This may take a week or more depending upon the type of equipment, where it is stored and weather conditions. A basic rule of thumb is to allow at least 48 hours for drying most non-porous fishing and boating gear at relative humidity levels of 70 percent or less.
DISINFECT your fishing and boating equipment if it cannot be dried before its use in another body of water. Disinfection recommendations vary depending on the type of equipment and disease or of concern. Be particularly aware of bilge areas, livewells and baitwells in boats. These areas are difficult to dry and can harbor invasive species.
Last year, DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis announced the formation of a new "Office of Invasive Species" that helps bring together biologists and foresters to develop ways to combat invasive species, and work with universities, other state agencies and non-profit organizations to support research and raise public awareness. From zebra mussels to Eurasian water milfoil to Sirex wood wasps, hundreds of non-native plants and animals have invaded New York - especially in the last decade, likely linked to the rise in global shipping - posing threats to ecosystems. See the DEC website for more information on invasive species and how you can stop their spread.
USGS Spiny Water Flea Fact Sheet link can be found on the right column of this page.
