Asian clams are yellow brown, and light brown to black with distinctive concentric ridges on the surface. The Asian clam prefers sandy bottom in shallow water. When Asian clams become established they can reach densities of 500 clams per square foot. Their excrement releases nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorous)  from the sediment into the water column. Other lakes with Asian clam infestations have experienced undesirable filamentous algal blooms. Once Asian clams become established in a lake, they are almost impossible or cost prohibitive to eradicate. Early detection - before the infestation becomes widespread - provides the best chance for eradication.

The primary objective of this trial survey was to determine if Asian clams were present in sample area of the lake.  A secondary objective was to assess the feasibility of using the diver based technique for a larger scale survey next year.

Mike Saviola, the CLA project leader, was pleased with the outcome of the survey. He believes the technique is a valid approach and can be expanded to a larger scale. Mike also thanks Christy, Jim, and Rob for volunteering their time on a beautiful weekend morning.

The decision on whether or not to proceed with future surveys has not been made. The task of finding an initial infestation before it becomes widespread is a like finding a needle in a hay stack.  If the surveys are not comprehensive and repetitive, the chance of finding an initial infestation is low. If the initial infestation is not found and Asian clams become widespread, little can be done to control their population growth. Conesus Lake has many acres of sandy lake bottom which are conducive for Asian clams.

The CLA thanks the Lake George Association for their cooperation in sharing information on how to conduct a survey.