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
]]>
Hey all! Just wanted to let everyone know that we have a day of diving/work planned for the West Point Site this Sunday, October 7th. We will meet at the boat ramp at 1:00. You probably won’t need more than one tank, but if you like, you may certainly bring more and dive all you want. If any of the new members need directions, let me know, and I will get them to you. As usual, I will send out an email early Sunday morning to confirm that conditions are suitable for diving, so make sure to check you email before heading to West Point. I hope to see everyone on Sunday!
I live on Lake Martin in Alabama, a beautiful 44,000 acre man-made lake with over 780 miles of shoreline. The lake was built by Alabama Power in the 1920’s. The local lore has it that the bottom was cleared prior to filling the lake. All those trees were cut, chained to the bottom and left there. I’ve dreamed of recovering those trees. Now, it seems someone is actually doing it:
