SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif — Lake Tahoe, renowned for its crystal-clear waters, is facing a new threat from an unlikely source: tiny New Zealand mud snails.
These invasive species, no larger than a grain of rice, have spread rapidly throughout the lake, posing a significant risk to its delicate ecosystem.
"We're concerned it's a new aquatic invasive species,” said Dennis Zabaglo, invasive species manager for the bi-state Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. “From an ecological standpoint, [invasive species] are bad. But also from a tourism and recreation experience, they're very bad as well."
The snails, which can reproduce asexually, have already caused widespread damage to aquatic habitats in other areas.
The alpine lake is already home to crayfish, goldfish, large mouth bass, Asian clams and two species of invasive underwater weeds.
Their presence can disrupt the food chain, increase nutrient levels and promote algae growth, all of which can negatively impact the lake's water quality and clarity. Invaders have the potential to help turn Tahoe’s famously blue water green.
Zabaglo warns the snails are particularly resilient, as they can survive being eaten alive by fish and birds.
"Most of these aquatic invaders that are present here in Tahoe are in those areas in the near shore where our locals and visiting public experience the lake," Zabaglo explained. "The weeds, the base of aquatic weeds that we have can ruin that experience, but they also can create concentrated areas of nutrients where algae can thrive, impacting that clarity."
To combat this threat, local officials are urging visitors to take preventative measures.
The "clean, drain, and dry" protocol, which involves thoroughly cleaning and drying boats and other water equipment before and after use, is essential to prevent the spread of invasive species.
You can help prevent spreading the snails around Tahoe or to other fragile Sierra lakes nearby by making sure any equipment you put in Lake Tahoe – from beach toys to boats – gets cleaned, drained and dried before using it again.
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