For the past ten years, dedicated volunteers have come together to survey the Upper Saranac Watershed for invasive Asian Clams. This August, twelve volunteers participated in the effort, which involved sieving through sandy areas along the shorelines of Upper Saranac Lake and Fish Creek Ponds—similar to panning for gold. Collectively, they analyzed nearly 600 sediment samples, searching for any signs of the invasive species.
The good news is that there are currently no known infestations of Asian Clams in the Upper Saranac Watershed. Prevention remains our top priority, but early detection offers the best chance for swift eradication if they are ever discovered. Although we remain optimistic that Asian Clams have not made their way into the watershed, these annual surveys play a vital role in confirming whether they’ve been introduced.
The Upper Saranac Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers who participated in this year’s survey, as well as in past surveys. This year’s efforts were conducted in memory of Leslie Moquin and James Van Ness, two dedicated volunteers who are no longer with us but whose passion for protecting the lake continues to inspire.
Why We Must Keep Asian Clams Out of Upper Saranac Lake: Asian Clams, if left unchecked, can reproduce at an alarming rate, causing significant ecological and economic damage. They contribute to harmful algae blooms, negatively impact water quality, and can severely disrupt tourism and recreation. Infestations also threaten property values, obstruct drinking water pipes, and pose human health risks. Additionally, the sharp shells of the clams can cause injuries in swimming and beach areas.
Originally brought to the U.S. through the bait and aquarium trade, Asian Clams have spread rapidly due to their ability to hitch a ride in watercraft or bait buckets. They have no natural predators in our ecosystem, allowing their populations to grow unchecked. A single clam can reproduce twice a year, releasing up to 4,000 juveniles annually, with densities reaching 6,000 clams per square meter.
In the unfortunate event that Asian Clams are introduced to Upper Saranac Lake, we want to find out as soon as possible to begin eradication efforts immediately.
For more information about Asian Clams, our volunteer efforts, and this year’s full report, please visit the Upper Saranac Foundation’s website at: Asian Clam Survey.
