Invasive Spiny Water Fleas Confirmed in Winnipesaukee

[Grant]

Let's give a big, warm Forum welcome to our latest invasive species -- the Spiny Water Flea.

Here's some details on the buggers, and what they mean to the fishery. No bueno.

https://www.lakegeorgeassociation.or...d%20prevention.

[WinnisquamZ]

Maybe we can get a solid long term freeze this season and wipe them out!


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[John Mercier]

The eggs winter over.
They will move through the various waterways attached to Winnipesaukee.

[frank m.]

Sea Monkeys

[Grant]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

The eggs winter over.
They will move through the various waterways attached to Winnipesaukee.

Yeah, it looks like once you have them, you have them for good. They're already in the Adirondacks, Lake George, etc. Sounds like the biggest impact is on the fishery, which has already been hit hard. Perhaps we can convince them to gang up on the rock bass and leave the rest.

[Lake Winnipesaukee Alliance]

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Press Release (9/29/2023)

New to New Hampshire – Invasive Spiny Water Flea Confirmed in Lake Winnipesaukee

Concord, NH – This summer, state biologists from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) documented the presence of a new aquatic invasive species to New Hampshire. The spiny water flea (Bythotrephes longimanus) was documented on September 13 in the deepest location of Lake Winnipesaukee, in the Broads in Gilford, New Hampshire. Subsequent sampling also confirmed spiny water flea presence in Alton and Wolfeboro areas of the lake. State biologists believe this is a recent infestation.

The spiny water flea is a microscopic animal, also known as zooplankton, that is native to Europe and Asia. Spiny water fleas were first introduced to the United States to the Great Lakes in the 1980s. The nearest locations of other spiny water flea infestations include Lake Champlain in Vermont, and Lake George and a few other waterbodies in New York. The tiny animal was likely introduced by transient boaters who visited a waterbody with an existing infestation. Live organisms or eggs were probably transported to Lake Winnipesaukee on recreational or fishing gear or in the live well or bilge of a boat.

There are no treatments available to control this species once it is established, therefore the best, and only management option, is preventing introduction into uninfected waterbodies by cleaning, draining, and drying all vessels and recreational gear after leaving a waterbody as required by state law (RSA 487).

The spiny water flea is not harmful to humans; however, it can be a nuisance when it builds up on fishing lines. It can also negatively impact aquatic food webs by changing the plankton community which can, in turn, influence fish populations. “Some of our native fish species could be impacted by this,” said John Magee, Programs Supervisor with the Inland Fisheries Division at the NH Fish and Game Department. “At high densities, the spiny water flea can outcompete native zooplankton on which some of our native fish species rely.”

NHDES biologists have been monitoring for this species for the past eight years, anticipating eventual detection in New Hampshire. “Invasive species are very good at spreading to new locations,” said Kirsten Hugger, an Aquatic Ecologist with NHDES. “We anticipated there was potential for introduction to Lake Winnipesaukee due to boater traffic, which is why we initiated a monitoring program in 2016. However, it is still surprising and disappointing to have confirmed that spiny water flea is in New Hampshire.”

Non-native aquatic invasive animals are those that are not naturally found in New Hampshire’s lakes, ponds, and rivers. Because they are not native, they have few predators or diseases, allowing them to grow quickly and dominate the freshwater systems. Aquatic invasive species, whether invasive plants or animals, can cause impacts to native aquatic species, reduced shorefront property values, water quality impairments, and problems with the aesthetic and recreational values of waterbodies. Further expansion of the spiny water flea to other waterbodies in New Hampshire is likely over time.
Boaters and other on-water recreation enthusiasts are urged to be aware of their role in the spread of aquatic invasive species, large or small, and practice good lake stewardship activities, specifically:

CLEAN off any plants, animals and algae found on boats, trailers, and other recreational gear, and dispose of it away from a waterbody. This includes anything attached to fishing line, tackle and nets and other equipment used in fishing activities. Pressure washing with hot water is recommended. For fishing and other gear, inspect and remove any organisms you find and wash with soapy and/or hot water. Dispose of unwanted bait and associated water in the trash or on land away from water, rather than dumping it in the waterbody.

DRAIN your boat, bait buckets, bilges, live wells, and other water-holding equipment away from the waterbody, leaving all drains in the open position during transport.

DRY anything that comes into contact with the water for at least five days.

For more information or to report a potential new infestation, please contact Kirsten Hugger at kirsten.a.hugger@des.nh.gov or John Magee at john.a.magee@wildlife.nh.gov.

__________________________________________________ ___________

The Lake Winnipesaukee Association will continue to provide updates as the invasive spiny water flea infestation progresses. The primary concern with the entrance of this predator into Lake Winnipesaukee is the potential for it to cause a drastic decline in the native zooplankton populations, namely Daphnia. NHDES has been conducting sampling for the spiny water flea since 2016. Read the 2016 monitoring report here.

Additional Educational Resources
Nat Geo: "This ferocious water flea is mauling the Great Lakes"
CLA: "The Battle between Daphnia and Spiny Water Flea"
NPS: "Little Things Big Problems"
NRDC: "Lake Erie’s New Invasive Species May Be Tiny, But Its Ranks Run Deep"

NHDES Press Release

[Descant]

Years ago our legislature established the Exotic Aquatic Weeds and Species Committee. Members are from the legislature, DES, Agriculture, F & G, NH Lakes, NH Rivers Council and more. Most visibly, they work to prevent and control milfoil, but they also coordinate with folks on Champlain and the great lakes. They've seen this coming from around the world as ships ply the St Lawrence Seaway and return from the great lakes. While each species requires different control approaches, at least the information flows rapidly through ther coordinating groups.

[John Mercier]

There is no control method... well... except for not allowing boats to be trailered from one body to another.

If they are in Winnipesaukee, the natural flow of water will take them downstream to the other major waterbodies in our area.

Overtime the impact on the fishing will probably be noticed, and more likely lead to fewer fishing licenses being sold. Tournaments may or may not be impacted depending on changes that could be made to limit the taking of impacted species.

[ApS]

Originally Posted by frank m.

Sea Monkeys

Sea monkeys are a kind of tiny shrimp. Gather enough of them, and you could have a meal!

Lake Winnipesaukee may have billions of them, but you have to know where to look.

Confusingly, these Spiny Water Fleas are described as "microscopic" and "up to 13mm in length". (½-inch). They might be "microscopic" as eggs.

Waiting in the wings are the invasive "ammocetes" of Vermont waters, which have cost millions in an attempt to eradicate these parasites on Lake Trout. As adult parasites, I've seen them attached to sailboat hulls.

Survivalists have cooked them up!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-HMTlw...re=emb_rel_end

(For the actual cooking part, skip to 7:48).

[The Real BigGuy]

Well, they (spiny water fleas) are in the lake and there is nothing we can do about it. However, we can work to stop their spread. If you boat or fish in other bodies of water: Wipe down your fishing gear (lines, nets, etc.), your anchor lines if you drop them, drain you bilge, live wells, & bait buckets away from the water & wipe down what you can before you leave the area. It only takes one careless or thoughtless person to spread this invasive species throughout our recreational waters!


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[Cobalt 12]

Maybe have New Hampshire " FISH & GAME " send a form style letter to all Bass Fishing Tournament Directors. Have them share it with their club or Organization. These guys are very "Pro Fish " and will have all the participants clean their boat before they sign in the morning of the Tournament. There is quite a few different States then are involved with Bass Tournament, even Meredith Rotary Salmon Derby as well. But, since THEY are here, will it have any positive results. Only time will tell.

[John Mercier]

Wiping down is always a good idea... but they are already in the major watershed in our area.

The natural current will take them downstream. So Winnipesaukee, Opechee, Winnisquam, Silver and further down are all going to be infected to some degree.

The tournament issue is more about no fish, no tournament.
Obviously tournaments that use the surrounding water bodies not connected to Winnipesuakee could go on. But over time, depending on the natural progress, it will change the dynamics in the Lakes Region.

One of the political challenges that we've endured for quite some time is the financing of Fish & Game.
In the past, if the cost of the F&G increased at, or near, inflation... but the number of new licenses outpaced that inflationary pressure... we could keep the cost of a new license down. As growth in license sales stagnate, license cost had to increase to cover the inflationary pressures. When license sales decline, then the cost has to adjust for the inflationary pressure and the loss of license sales. It creates a type of death spiral... were the increase in license costs pushes out new growth and fringe anglers that fish only occasionally - furthering the downward cycle.

The pandemic, as bad as it was, saw a boon to outdoor recreation.

[ITD]

Hmmm, how do you stop migratory water fowl from spreading them?

[Cobalt 12]

Originally Posted by ITD

Hmmm, how do you stop migratory water fowl from spreading them?

You CAN'T.... and you WON'T. That's an easy one to answer.

[Descant]

Originally Posted by Cobalt 12

Maybe have New Hampshire " FISH & GAME " send a form style letter to all Bass Fishing Tournament Directors. Have them share it with their club or Organization. These guys are very "Pro Fish " and will have all the participants clean their boat before they sign in the morning of the Tournament. There is quite a few different States then are involved with Bass Tournament, even Meredith Rotary Salmon Derby as well. But, since THEY are here, will it have any positive results. Only time will tell.

The Bass fishing organizations have been involved with "Exotic Aquatic Invasives for years. Most of this goes through DES, although F&G, DES etc all work together. Most of the funding comes from powerboat registrations.

[John Mercier]

Even though we can't determine it was one or more powerboats, as other formats could also lead to the transfer, the program was unable to stop the infestation.

It could take a decade or more before any real impacts are felt.

[Cobalt 12]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

Even though we can't determine it was one or more powerboats, as other formats could also lead to the transfer, the program was unable to stop the infestation.

It could take a decade or more before any real impacts are felt.

I believe Fantasy land is what everyone is talking about. They will just be like ROCK BASS. We have em. We will always have em. And they will spread to every lake in the state. Newfound Lake is a prime example. New Hampshire is going to turn into every other state. I believe a lot of New Yorkers, Vermonters, people from Conn, NJ, Mass and every other state put their boats in Winni. Do you want to see where things start. Look no further. People only care AFTER it effects them.

[The Real BigGuy]

Not the tournament guys you have to worry about. They have a vested interest in the fishery and a system to “reach out” to people. It’s the casual fishermen that need to be reached. That is much harder to do.


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[Cobalt 12]

Originally Posted by The Real BigGuy

Not the tournament guys you have to worry about. They have a vested interest in the fishery and a system to “reach out” to people. It’s the casual fishermen that need to be reached. That is much harder to do.


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I disagree, It's the " CASUAL JUST PLAIN BOATER " that doesn't want to Nor knows the rules of the road. I stand by what I said earlier, " People only care AFTER it effects them ".

[John Mercier]

The little reading that I have done it states that the microscopic eggs can survive being dry. So I don't think anyone can be sure of the contamination source for sure.

Recreational boaters will be effected... as I still think Marine Patrol will have to be moved to the F&G.

[Chubby]

Originally Posted by The Real BigGuy

Well, they (spiny water fleas) are in the lake and there is nothing we can do about it. However, we can work to stop their spread. If you boat or fish in other bodies of water: Wipe down your fishing gear (lines, nets, etc.), your anchor lines if you drop them, drain you bilge, live wells, & bait buckets away from the water & wipe down what you can before you leave the area. It only takes one careless or thoughtless person to spread this invasive species throughout our recreational waters!

Your advice is “wipe down fishing lines” ?

Wait a minute…. Were you the guy who told us to wear a piece of paper on our faces for two weeks to flatten the curve in 2020 ?

[John Mercier]

So what is your idea to stop the spread?

[Cobalt 12]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

So what is your idea to stop the spread?

You Can't and Won't. They are HERE. There are just to many inconsiderate people out there from EVERYWHERE that just don't care. Even if they knew, the Just Don't Care. ( JDC SYNDROME ).

[Descant]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

So what is your idea to stop the spread

I prefer voluntary programs over mandatory.
We have park license plates and moose lice3nse plates to support those efforts. I'd love to see yakers and similar craft have voluntary stickers that proclaim their support for clean lakes, and funds go to DES for management/control efforts, or to NHLAKES.org to support more lake host inspections and wash stations. Without knowing, I'd suggest the kayak/canoe/sailboat population is more environmentally supportive than the average recreational boater and would participate as a matter of pride, and maybe a little peer pressure.

[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by Cobalt 12

You Can't and Won't. They are HERE. There are just to many inconsiderate people out there from EVERYWHERE that just don't care. Even if they knew, the Just Don't Care. ( JDC SYNDROME ).

I am sure that some will not... maybe even a majority.
But the fishing community is more likely to wipe down gear as they have quite a bit to lose over the recreational boaters.

Fishing before the build out of the lakes in the current grass-to-the-water-line and docks for everyone was one of the few things that allowed us to escape the rat race that NH was becoming.

[Cobalt 12]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

I am sure that some will not... maybe even a majority.
But the fishing community is more likely to wipe down gear as they have quite a bit to lose over the recreational boaters.

Fishing before the build out of the lakes in the current grass-to-the-water-line and docks for everyone was one of the few things that allowed us to escape the rat race that NH was becoming.

John, I Tournament Fished for over 25 years. Have won a lot of money. I know many many Tournament guys. And when I say this, it's not to prove anyone right or wrong, just going to state a fact. Tournament guys will wipe their boats down after fishing because they are expensive and they look awesome when we do it. ( Shiny and bright=Pretty.)

As far as anything else, NO, they do not wipe down rods/reels and equipment. Boat/Motor that's it.

[TheProfessor]

Solution.

Drain the lake. Then.
Start over.

[Grant]

Honestly, I think Canada Geese and rock bass are far worse near-term threats.

[tis]

Originally Posted by Grant

Honestly, I think Canada Geese and rock bass are far worse near-term threats.

I totally agree with you about the geese.

[John Mercier]

The rock bass can be handled by a simple focus of tournament fishing on the one species. Doing that in theory would dramatically reduce their populations.

The geese are a problem for the property owners creating their own problem.

Opechee Cove had a real problem at one time, but they stopped mowing and clearing the brush near the grassy area adjacent to the lake... and that problem is resolving itself.

But we can't protect that lake from what flows out of Winnipesaukee.

[tis]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

The rock bass can be handled by a simple focus of tournament fishing on the one species. Doing that in theory would dramatically reduce their populations.

The geese are a problem for the property owners creating their own problem.

Opechee Cove had a real problem at one time, but they stopped mowing and clearing the brush near the grassy area adjacent to the lake... and that problem is resolving itself.

But we can't protect that lake from what flows out of Winnipesaukee.

Geese like grass but it's not just that one thing. I wish it was. They like the water. Do you suggest we get rid of that?

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

The rock bass can be handled by a simple focus of tournament fishing on the one species. Doing that in theory would dramatically reduce their populations.

While I am all for Rock Bass tournaments, the fact is,you could have a Rock Bass tournament every day and you wouldn't make a dent in the population! They are very much an invasive species that have taken over small-mouth and crayfish breeding ground in the lake. That is why people don't see crayfish around their docks anymore. It has nothing to do with water quality...Small-mouth and crayfish have been forced into deeper water. Heck I have been catching small mouth while trolling for salmon in over 100' of open water! This would have been very uncommon 20 years ago...

The rock bass population has been booming but will eventually taper off and decline to where they are just another species in the lake but you will never get rid of them...ever!

Dan

[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by tis

Geese like grass but it's not just that one thing. I wish it was. They like the water. Do you suggest we get rid of that?

Laconia Parks & Rec didn't drain the lake... nor did they get rid of the grass.
You just can't see the water while sitting on the grass anymore.

The buffer between the two is around five or six feet with various height shrubs, with a pretty decent density.

[Descant]

Replacing grass with shrubs and other ground cover--low bush blueberry is great--also reduces runoff. Not just fertilizer, but silt as well. And whatever petroleum products may be in upgradient roads and driveways, and salt. Waterfront lawns lead to many adverse results, not just attracting geese.

[John Mercier]

I'm not sure they actually planted anything.
It may have just been left to develop over time.

The major effort being just putting no effort in mowing/brush cutting near the bank.

[Cobalt 12]

I'm glad that everything that was addressed in this thread in resolved.

[John Mercier]

The only resolution would be a government intervention that would slow the spread to other sources.
The watershed infected is probably a goner given enough time.

The lake will become less and less productive over time. Normal course of events sped up.

It is the down line effects that will need to be resolved.

[Cobalt 12]

And Lord knows we don't want anymore Government intervention...

[John Mercier]

Because it is state property that runs through multiple municipal jurisdictions and involves a primary source, it will have to.

Fishing is under state jurisdictions, and may be the major fallout, but that will quickly rise up through the tax/fee schedule.

A noticeable secondary fallout would be the water uptake being effected.
That could be pretty costly. Also putting pressure on the tax/fee schedule.

Most residents and business feel the government as the tax/fee schedule, so as that rises... they feel the governance more.

[Cobalt 12]

It's all in the Past and out of OUR control.

[John Mercier]

So far only in the Winnipesaukee watershed as far as we know.

So they will need to act to protect the other watersheds, and to adapt to any loss caused in the Winni watershed.

The extra cost of filtration changes/maintenance will need to be eaten by those that source water from the watershed. They won't be happy.

But the state also has the problem that if the largest watershed has a depleted capacity to sustain game fish populations, it has to question any upgrades to the fishery... possibly even opting to shut it down for the longer term savings.

Also, will the bump in fishing licenses be sustained, or will the state need to reconfigure the funding mechanism of F&G sooner than it had hoped to. We are bandaging it right now... and the bump in registrations and licenses gave us a reprieve.

[Cobalt 12]

As far as we know? You need to base a plan of Facts.

They may have come down thru the waterways from Northern NH, Who knows?

Your spending people's money with out knowledge or facts. No can do!

It doesn't have to question. Shutting down will NEVER happen. Just sayin !

Reconfigure Really? No proof of anything now.

I'm out!! But I will get the last post in!

[John Mercier]

You can check the other tributaries around Winnipesaukee...
They may have come downstream.

But that would not change the outcomes.

A large reduction in game fish would impede license sales. No expenditure by the state.

It would put into question an expenditure to upgrade the fish hatchery or simply abandon it. The upgrade is required for ongoing operations per court order. Abandoning it would lower state expenditure.

Laconia may, only may, have to backwash more often for its osmosis filter... or any first line filtering system. That would also be homeowners drawing directly from the lake. Again, no expenditure by the state.

The only expenditure born by the state would be monitoring; which is already ongoing.

[ITD]

I think you guys need to get a room.

[Cobalt 12]

No Thank You.

[ApS]

WLA:

"The nearest locations of other spiny water flea infestations include Lake Champlain in Vermont, and Lake George and a few other waterbodies in New York."

"...Invasive species are pumped into the ballast tanks along with lake water. These tanks are difficult to clean and end up spreading invasive species to other lakes..."

https://www.sierraclub.org/minnesota...nd-10000-lakes

If New Hampshire follows Minnesota's lead, we might not get spiny water fleas in Lake Winnipesaukee.

Oh wait...