Didymo cells found in section of the Au Sable River
From: upnorthvoice.com
OSCODA COUNTY- Didymo cells have been found in algae samples taken from submerged rocks and debris at two boating access sites on the Au Sable River north of Luzerne in Oscoda County, Michigan.
Sampling conducted by Michigan Trout Unlimited in late April found several didymo cells at the Parmalee Canoe Launch off North Red Oak Road and one cell just downstream at the Whirlpool access off West Cherry Creek Road. No evidence of didymo was found in samples taken upstream at the McMasters Bridge Road access, further downstream or in a number of tributaries sampled to date.
Didymo, also known as “rock snot,” is a microscopic diatom (single-celled alga) that thrives in cold, low-nutrient streams generally considered pristine. Under the right conditions, cells can form extensive stalks, or blooms, creating dense mats that cover the stream bed and reduce habitat for macroinvertebrates including mayfly, caddisfly and stonefly nymphs, which are crucial food sources for fish.