By Carl Gambill, Guest Writer.
Michiganders are no strangers to invasive species. For a little over three decades, the invasive form of algae called Starry Stonewort has been living inside of Michigan lakes.
As thin as fishing line, and thick as carpet, the patient invader threatens to cause local fish and plant populations to deteriorate. It also makes boating and fishing difficult, tangling itself on equipment.
An observational report done by “LakeLine Magazine” said, “It is the most aggressive aquatic plant ever observed in Michigan and is able to out-compete all other Michigan plant species.”
According to the Great Lakes division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Starry Stonewort was first found in Lake St. Clair in 1983. A fact sheet by the NOAA states that it was likely introduced to the Great Lakes by ballast water.
The alien algae originates from Europe and East Asia. The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has stated, “It is in decline in parts of Europe and endangered in the UK.”
Local fisherman Donald McSweyn talked about the tangling power of the algae saying, “It gets so thick that it gets on your prop and you have to cut it off. [With normal weeds] you can throw it in reverse and get them off. You can’t do that with [Starry Stonewort].”
The DEQ has said, “Starry Stonewort is present in over half the counties in the southern Lower Peninsula, and it may be present in many more counties than are reported.”
Eric Bacon from the DEQ reports that there are currently no efficient ways to reduce the population to manageable levels. Current methods are only temporary solutions to the problem, as the algae tends to grow back.
Bacon stated, “Starry Stonewort is viewed by the DEQ as a nuisance to recreational activities and a threat to the lake ecosystem.”
Bacon also said, “Starry Stonewort has proven to be difficult to control using currently approved chemical products. He explains most treatments have reduced the amount of Starry Stonewort, but has not removed the plant from the system. “The industry is exploring different rates of current products, and in various combinations, in order to identify a more effective control strategy,” explained Bacon.
It’s important for fisherman and recreational boaters to do their part in preventing the spread of this invasive species. The algae spreads from boaters neglecting to decontaminate their boats and equipment before moving their boats from lake to lake.
Bacon urges people to prevent the spread of Starry Stonewort by, “decontaminating all equipment used in one lake prior to moving to another lake.”
For now, Starry Stonewort continues to be a problem for citizens, businesses, and lake managers alike.