ENVS 605

What is it?

Rock snot is a species of diatom that creates growths within freshwater rivers and streams that have consistently cold-water temperatures and low nutrient levels. The cells of the diatom contain a raphe, which allows it to move on surfaces and a porefield through which a mucopolysaccharide stalk is secreted. The stalk can then attach to rocks, plants and other submerged surfaces.

 

 

Why is it a problem?

Rock snot is a native to the northern hemisphere, however has taken on invasive characteristics since the 1980’s. It can affect stream habitats as well as sources of food for aquatic life and recreational activities. Rock snot can be spread through a single drop of water. Many of the rivers in Crested Butte and Gunnison have rock snot in their waters and have for more than 50 years, according to research from the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL). Rivers include Taylor River, West Brush Creek, Cement Creek, East River, Oh-be-joyful above and below wilderness area, Coal Creek and other unnamed streams.

 

 

Management Techniques:

The University of Colorado at Boulder has discovered that high water flows significantly decrease the amount of Didymo in water systems. The control method, however, is still being researched and is not proven:

• Flushing flows has become part of management practices for dams in the U.S., and is used in New Zealand to restore didymo impacted streams. More research must be done before this method can be widely used in the U.S. for didymo control.

• The best thing we can do as of now, is to be aware of the issue and continue researching control methodologies.

 

 

What we can do:

Following these steps to prevent the spread of Didymo:

• Check before leaving the river and remove all visible clumps of algae and look for hidden clumps. Don’t wash any algae down the drain, instead dry them and soak them in bleach for at least four hours.

• Soak and scrub anything in contact with Didymo under hot water, bleach, antiseptic hand soap, or dishwashing detergent for at least one minute.

• If you cannot clean, after an item has been completely dried wait 48 hours before having it come in contact with any other waterways.

• The U.S. has banned the use of felt-soled boots in order to prevent spread.

 

 

Entities working on this invasive in the Gunnison Basin:

Rocky Mountain Biological Lab

• PDF, peer reviewed journal article about the role of low phosphorous levels and the formation of rock snot

 

University of Colorado - Boulder

• PDF, graduate thesis investigating the growth of rock snot and the impact on benthic communities

 

 

General Information on Rock Snot:

University of Colorado - Boulder

• Website with general information and management of rock snot

 

Colorado State University

• PDF, invasive species newsletter