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New Invasive Algae Called 'Rock Snot' Found In Md.

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May 6, 2008 11:28 am US/Eastern

New Invasive Algae Called 'Rock Snot' Found In Md.

KINGSVILLE, Md. (AP) ― State wildlife officials say a new invasive algae species has been identified in Maryland.

The algae is called didymo, and it can choke out native bottom-dwellers. It was found by anglers at Gunpowder Falls in Baltimore County.

The algae grows in mats and has a white, yellow or brown appearance. For an idea what it looks like, consider the common name for it -- "rock snot."

Didymo is widely thought to be human-borne and spread when people don't clean boats or other supplies such as fishing boots before entering new waterways.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is asking boaters to help stop didymo's spread by cleaning any boats or supplies that were near Gunpowder Falls in a salty bath before putting them in other waterways.

(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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