Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission urges anglers, boaters to help prevent spread of invasive New Zealand mudsnails – WGAL Susquehanna Valley Pa.

Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission urges anglers, boaters to help prevent spread of invasive New Zealand mudsnails

Updated: 12:28 PM EDT Apr 21, 2022

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is reminding anglers and boaters to be aware of aquatic invasive species and prevent their spread.One species of concern is the New Zealand mudsnails. They have been detected in several popular cold-water trout fisheries in central and eastern Pennsylvania.The state Fish and Boat Commission said the snails aren't harmful to humans but can compete with and negatively impact native freshwater invertebrate species, such as other snails and aquatic insects.The snails are roughly the size of a match head and have the potential to reach densities of hundreds or even thousands of snails per square foot.They can be found on rocks and vegetation and are easily spread to new waters by attaching to waders, fishing gear and boats, the state Fish and Boat Commission said."Because they are so small, these snails can be difficult to notice. They breed parthenogenically, meaning it just takes just one snail to start a new population. It is vital for anglers and boaters to properly disinfect their gear after every fishing or boating trip, especially when moving from one water to another," Sean Hartzell, the state Fish and Boat Commission invasive species coordinator, said in a news release.During 2021 surveys, 16 streams and rivers were found to host populations of New Zealand mudsnails:Big Spring Creek, Cumberland CountyLetort Spring Run, Cumberland CountyTulpehocken Creek, Berks CountyWyomissing Creek, Berks CountySchuylkill River, Berks/Montgomery/Philadelphia countiesPohopoco Creek, Carbon CountyEast Branch Brandywine Creek, Chester CountyFishing Creek, Clinton CountyJordan Creek, Lehigh CountyTrout Creek, Lehigh CountyLehigh River, Lehigh/Northampton countiesPerkiomen Creek, Montgomery CountyBushkill Creek, Northampton CountySaucon Creek, Northampton CountyMonocacy Creek, Northampton CountyWissahickon Creek, Philadelphia CountySigns have been posted at infected waterways.The state Fish and Boat Commission said techniques known to effectively disinfect gear from New Zealand mudsnails include freezing gear for at least six hours, soaking gear in hot water greater than 120 degrees Fahrenheit for at least five minutes or soaking gear for five minutes in a one-to-one solution of water and Formula 409 Cleaner Degreaser Disinfectant. Other Formula 409 products and other cleaning agents are not known to disinfect for New Zealand mudsnails.Boats especially kayaks and canoes should be inspected upon exiting the water, and all vegetation should be removed before leaving the area.More information about disinfection can be found on the state Fish and Boat Commission website.Members of the public who observe suspected New Zealand mudsnails or other aquatic invasive species can report their sightings online.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is reminding anglers and boaters to be aware of aquatic invasive species and prevent their spread.

One species of concern is the New Zealand mudsnails. They have been detected in several popular cold-water trout fisheries in central and eastern Pennsylvania.

The state Fish and Boat Commission said the snails aren't harmful to humans but can compete with and negatively impact native freshwater invertebrate species, such as other snails and aquatic insects.

The snails are roughly the size of a match head and have the potential to reach densities of hundreds or even thousands of snails per square foot.

They can be found on rocks and vegetation and are easily spread to new waters by attaching to waders, fishing gear and boats, the state Fish and Boat Commission said.

"Because they are so small, these snails can be difficult to notice. They breed parthenogenically, meaning it just takes just one snail to start a new population. It is vital for anglers and boaters to properly disinfect their gear after every fishing or boating trip, especially when moving from one water to another," Sean Hartzell, the state Fish and Boat Commission invasive species coordinator, said in a news release.

During 2021 surveys, 16 streams and rivers were found to host populations of New Zealand mudsnails:

Signs have been posted at infected waterways.

The state Fish and Boat Commission said techniques known to effectively disinfect gear from New Zealand mudsnails include freezing gear for at least six hours, soaking gear in hot water greater than 120 degrees Fahrenheit for at least five minutes or soaking gear for five minutes in a one-to-one solution of water and Formula 409 Cleaner Degreaser Disinfectant. Other Formula 409 products and other cleaning agents are not known to disinfect for New Zealand mudsnails.

Boats especially kayaks and canoes should be inspected upon exiting the water, and all vegetation should be removed before leaving the area.

More information about disinfection can be found on the state Fish and Boat Commission website.

Members of the public who observe suspected New Zealand mudsnails or other aquatic invasive species can report their sightings online.

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Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission urges anglers, boaters to help prevent spread of invasive New Zealand mudsnails - WGAL Susquehanna Valley Pa.