Yellowstone, Didymo & Eco-Toxicology

CAN WE WIN ONE?
Answers Coming Soon - We Hope

.. The diatom Didymosphenia geminata has been spreading slime and destruction in New Zealand waters at a rapid rate. It is also gaining an ever-widening presence in North America. The common name is ROCK SNOT, and it fits.
.. After spending $12,000,000 on research, New Zealand is conducting it's first field tests with an eradication procedure that may just help conquer this slimy devil.
.. The Southland Times from New Zealand has a story today about the field research that led to this trial.
.. Eight study sites on the Princhester Stream will be treated with a chelated-copper compound called Gemex. This poison is the best, (so far,) in the battle. Monitoring of the results will also include observing effects on not only didymo but native algae, water invertebrates and fish.
.. The research is being conducted by Dr. Sue Clearwater, an eco-toxicologist for the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa). Results should be available soon.
.. Rock Snot is one of the Five Invasive Threats currently known to threaten Yellowstone National Park. We have mentioned Rock Snot in previous posts and now look to this research in New Zealand for hope in being able to win one small battle.

________________

.. Stop Hitchhikers has just posted news about other invasive species. There is a possible $9,000,000 to control Asian Carp, an increase in VHS in the Great Lakes, and the concern about over control of non-native species.