Corbicula Fluminea and the Site July 21

Filed under General by phil | 0 comments

Cobicula Fluminea

Charles Kelly writes:

Hey all. We had discussed diving this Sunday, but due to the clam die-off in the river it would probably be best to wait a couple of weeks to get back in. Let’s plan on diving on Sunday, August 5th at 1:00 p.m. I talked with a representative from the EPD and the clams are probably Corbicula Fluminea, an invasive clam that comes from Asia. They are having a mass die off, probably due to lack of oxygen in the water from the drought. While swimming with them doesn’t pose any life threatening problems, bacteria from the decomposing remains could cause skin rashes and you sure wouldn’t want to get it into any cuts or in your eyes. They should be gone in the next week or so, and the water quality should be great for diving again. I will keep checking conditions and keep you posted, but otherwise, I hope to see everyone on the 5th!Charles Kelly
WGUAS

Asian clam, huh? According to Wikipeidia: In Southeast Asia it is known as prosperity clam or good luck clam. Right after reaching maturity they produce eggs, followed by sperm. Even later, they produce eggs and sperm simultaneously. They can self-fertilize, and release up to 2,000 juveniles per day, and more than 100,000 in a lifetime. Juveniles are only 1mm long when discharged and take one to four years to reach maturity. At this time they are about one centimeter long. Adults can reach a length of about 5 cm.

Well, to me in the river with their little dead bodies floating to the surface, it seems like MILLIONS of them and after reading the above, no wonder. Thanks to Charles for taking the time to check on this for us and thanks to the EPD for the reassurance on when we can get back in the river.

Also speaking of the EPD, Charles reported to them the Hydrilla outbreak. They weren’t aware of it and it probably came from someone putting in at the boat ramp. I’m afraid it is too late to do anything about that though. We’ll see.

So, we’re hoping to get back in the River on August 5th. I won’t make that an Event yet until we know more about our dead little friends, so stay tuned.

Later,

Phil

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