Each August, for the past nine years, volunteers have been surveying the Upper Saranac Watershed for invasive Asian Clams. Although we hope that Asian Clams are not in existence in the watershed, this annual survey determines if they’ve been introduced.
Twenty volunteers joined in the survey throughout August, sampling seven predetermined sites. Over 560 sediment samples were sieved and 20 hours were dedicated to identifying the presence of Asian Clams. Fortunately, no Asian Clams were found. Second to prevention, our best defense against Asian Clams is early detection for the greatest chance of eradication.
Why we don’t want Asian Clams in Upper Saranac Lake: Asian Clams can grow and spread rapidly, displacing native species, reducing biodiversity, and altering the food web. Nutrients from their excrement can degrade water quality and feed plant and algal growth. These clams create direct impacts on the recreation and tourism economy and reduce property values. In addition, they can obstruct water pipes for drinking water and may contribute to human health hazards. High concentrations of Asian Clam shells in beach or swimming areas can cause lacerations that deter users.
Asian Clams are not native to the United States and were brought here as an unwelcome import. Since then, they have spread through the bait and aquarium trade. Juveniles can be moved around in bait buckets and other areas of a boat that holds water. As with all invasive species, Asian Clams do not have any local competitors that will keep their population in check. A single clam can self-fertilize, reproduce up to twice a year, and produce 2,000 to 4,000 juveniles per year. Densities can reach up to 6,000 or more clams per square meter.
The late discovery of Asian Clams in Lake George has resulted in expenditures of over $1.5 million in efforts to eradicate them. In the unfortunate circumstance that Asian Clams are introduced to Upper Saranac Lake, we want to find out as soon as possible so we can begin eradication efforts and avoid such a cost.
The Upper Saranac Foundation thanks all those who volunteered their time and efforts for the Survey. The Foundation will continue the Volunteer Asian Clam Survey as an annual event. Similar efforts for prevention and early detection of other aquatic invasive species have also been implemented by the Upper Saranac Foundation. These efforts are intended to ensure the water quality of Upper Saranac Lake for future generations.
More information on the Asian Clam Survey can be found on the Upper Saranac Foundation’s website at: https://usfoundation.net/programs/invasive-species/asian-clams-survey/
