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Spiny water flea. Photo: National Park Service
Lake George population complicates spiny water flea control
Lake George, NY, Aug 02, 2012 — There's more bad news about an invasive species threatening the North Country's waterways.
With concern mounting over how to keep the spiny water flea from infesting Lake Champlain, New York environmental officials confirmed yesterday that the non-native organism has been confirmed in Lake George.
The tiny crustacean is known to edge out native species, while also fouling fishing gear. In a statement, DEC commissioner Joe Martens said "the discovery of spiny water flea in Lake George is not welcome news."
With concern mounting over how to keep the spiny water flea from infesting Lake Champlain, New York environmental officials confirmed yesterday that the non-native organism has been confirmed in Lake George.
The tiny crustacean is known to edge out native species, while also fouling fishing gear. In a statement, DEC commissioner Joe Martens said "the discovery of spiny water flea in Lake George is not welcome news."
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Martens promised that New York State will continue fighting "to slow the spread of this and other invasive species."
Communities in the Lake George basin have been battling a rash of new invasives in recent years, including the Asian clam and Eurasian watermilfoil.
According to the Conservation Department, the spiny water flea may now reach Lake Champlain via the La Chute River which flows from Lake George through Ticonderoga into the big lake.
