Environment DEC
From the December 2008 issue
Spiny Water Flea Confirmed in First Non-border Water
The spiny water flea, an aquatic invasive species, has been confirmed as present in the Great Sacandaga Lake in the southern Adirondacks, DEC announced recently. Previously, it had been identified only in the Great Lakes. This is first time the spiny water flea has been confirmed in an non-border body of water.
DEC Alerting Anglers and Boaters
"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 anglers, 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 these non-natives."
Masses of spiny water fleas can become attached to fishing lines.(Photo: National Park Service)
Native to Eurasia, spiny water fleas are small crustaceans that can have a huge impact on aquatic life in lakes and ponds due to their rapid reproduction rates and competition for food resources. In warmer water temperatures, these water fleas can hatch, grow to maturity (up to 15 mm long), and lay eggs in as few as two weeks. However, 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.
Confined to Great Lakes Until Now
Spiny water fleas were first found in Lake Huron in 1984 and a year later in lakes Erie and 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 a non-border body of water in New York State. It is not known how or when they were introduced into Great Sacandaga Lake. Adults, larvae or eggs may have hitch-hiked in a bait bucket, in bilge water, in a live well, a boat, canoe, kayak, trailer or attached to fishing equipment.
How to Check Their Spread
Spiny water fleas can stick to the sides of canoes and boats and be transported in bilge water or bait buckets.
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 and 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 the 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.
DEC Office Fights Invasive Species
Last year, DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis announced the formation of a new Office of Invasive Species (see the Invasive Species press release) 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 posing threats to ecosystems. These invasions have increased in the last decade, most likely linked to the rise in global shipping. See the Nuisance and Invasive Species page on DEC's website for more information on invasive species and how you can stop their spread. You can also see Related Links below for additional web resources on the spiny water flea.
Related Links:
U.S. Geological Survey: Spiny Water Flea Fact Sheet (leaving DEC's site)
