New Zealand mud snails discovered in Black Earth Creek
First occurrence in inland Midwest
MADISON
– The invasive New Zealand mud snail that has been a problem in western U.S.
streams has been detected in Black Earth Creek, a renowned trout stream in Dane
County.
The
discovery, the first in an inland Midwestern stream, is spurring the state to begin
rapid response procedures to try to contain the snail, and to call on waterfowl
hunters, trappers anglers and hikers to take precautions to avoid accidentally
spreading the species.
“This
is a significant and disappointing find in Wisconsin,” says Bob Wakeman, who
coordinates the Department of Natural Resources aquatic invasive species
efforts. “The New Zealand mud snail can be extremely prolific, has altered the
food chain and may be having an impact on fish populations in Western streams.”
“We
don’t know what the impact will be in Wisconsin, but we do know that there is
no good way to eradicate the snails so we are focusing on containing them as
quickly as we can and ask for citizens’ help in doing that as well.”
Wakeman
says DNR has notified partners of the discovery, and will work with citizens,
the River Alliance of Wisconsin, Trout Unlimited, University of
Wisconsin-Extension, Wisconsin Sea Grant and Dane County to contain the species
through increasing awareness of prevention steps among those who might
inadvertently help spread the snail: hunters, anglers, trappers and hikers.
Signage,
and wash stations along the area where the invasive species has been detected
are among the educational efforts likely to be used, Wakeman says.
The
department’s discovery of the snail during routine monitoring for aquatic
invasive species was confirmed earlier this month by Dr. Kathryn Perez from
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, who identified all individuals in the
samples as belonging to the “Clone 1” population, previously found only in the
western states as far east as Colorado. A “Clone 2” population also exist in
the Great Lakes, which arrived by ballast water.
The New Zealand mud snail, the size of a grain of
sand, has a black and brown shell and is capable of reaching high densities –
up to 500,000 per square meter. The snails outcompete native insects that are
food for fish and other aquatic life but are not good food sources themselves.
The
snails are listed as a prohibited species in Wisconsin, meaning it’s illegal to
buy, sell, possess or transfer them without a permit.
Although
trout season on the creek has closed for winter, hunters, hikers and trappers
visiting the Driftless area should take care to review gear disinfection
protocols – particularly for waders, where the tiny snails can cling to rubber
or mud.
“This
is why it’s so important to clean your equipment before leaving a lake or
stream -- and ask your friends and guests to do the same,” Wakeman says. “We
need everyone’s vigilance to help contain this invasive species.”
Take
these prevention steps after leaving the water to keep Wisconsin streams
healthy:
·
Inspect and remove all mud and debris that might harbor snails
from your boots, waders, boats and other gear with a stiff brush. If possible,
rinse with tap water before leaving the river. If you are going home, let your
gear freeze for 6-8 hours or dry it in a warm place (85 degree Fahrenheit) for
24 hours to kill mud snails.
·
Drain water from boat, motor, bilge, decoys and other water
containing devices before leaving water access (before launching, after loading
and before transporting on a public highway).
FOR
MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Bob Wakeman, 262-719-0740; David Rowe 608-275-3282
More
information about New Zealand mud snail
http://www.iisgcp.org/newsroom/archive/081408.htm________________________
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