ST. LAWRENCE EASTERN LAKE ONTARIO PARTNERSHIP FOR REGIONAL INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT
Asian clam, Corbicula fluminea, was first collected in the United States in 1938 along the banks of the Columbia River. Since its first detection, it has been found in 38 states and the District of Columbia. The mechanism for dispersal and introduction within North America is unknown.
Impacts
Asian clam is notorious as a biofouler of electrical and nuclear power plants and industrial water systems. It has also been documented to cause problems in irrigation canals, pipes and drinking water supplies. In addition, it alters water body substrates, and competes with native species for resources.
Identification
A small light-colored bivalve (brown-yellow), some dark shell morphs exist but are limited to the southwestern United States. The light-colored shell morph has a yellow-green to light brown periostracum and white to light blue or light purple nacre.
Control and Management
Prevention:Prevention of the transport of Asian Clam is the most cost-effective means of management.
Mechanical: Mollusks can be removed from piping by passing wads through pipes under pressure.
Chemical: Molluscicides can be effective with water at ~40°C. Oxygen depletion via benthic barriers is also an option.
Photo credit:U.S. Geological Survey Archive, U.S. Geological Survey, Bugwood.org
For more information visit:
http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/factsheet.aspx?speciesid=92\
http://www.stoptheasianclam.info/
http://www.fws.gov/nevada/nv_species/invasive_species/asian_clams.htm
http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/aquatics/asianclam.shtml
PREVENTION
Prevent the introduction of invasive species into the SLELO PRISM.
EARLY DETECTION & RAPID RESPONSE
Rapidly detect new and recent invaders and eliminate all individuals within a specific area.
COOPERATION
Share resources, including funding personnel, equipment, information, and expertise.
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
Collect, utilize, and share information regarding surveys, infestations, control methods, monitoring, and research.
CONTROL
Control invasive species infestations by using best management practices, methods and techniques to include: ERADICATION (which is to eliminate all individuals and the seed bank from an area), CONTAINMENT (which is reducing the spread of established infestations from entering an uninfested area) and SUPPRESSION which is to reduce the density but not necessarily the total infested area.
RESTORATION
Develop and implement effective restoration methods for areas that have been degraded by invasive species and where suppression or control has taken place.
EDUCATION & OUTREACH
Increase public awareness and understanding of invasive species.
INNOVATION
Develop and implement innovative technologies that help us to better understand, visualize, alleviate or manage invasive species and their impacts or that serve to strengthen ecosystem function and/or processes.
Rob Williams
PRISM Coordinator
Megan Pistolese
Outreach and Education
Brittney Rogers
Aquatic Invasive Species
Robert Smith
Terrestrial Invasive Species