Invasive Asian Clams

Asian Clams Found in 27 Locations on Lake George

 

 

Asian clams are dime sized
Asian claims have pronounced ridges on their shells
Asian clams compared to native clams and mussels

 

The invasive species was first discovered in Lake George in August 2010.

What is the Asian clam?

The Asian clam is a very small and round bi-valve clam. It is typically less than 1.5 inches in size, and can spread rapidly. A single clam can reproduce alone, and can release hundreds of juveniles per day.

Asian clams cause a number of major problems for waterways in which they become established, including the excretion of significant amounts of inorganic nutrients, particularly nitrogen that can stimulate the growth of algae and foul the water.

Officially known as Corbicula fluminea, the Asian clam is native to southern Asia, the eastern Mediterranean and Australia.

Asian clam identification sheet -pdf

Asian clams and Lake George

The Darrin Fresh Water Institute first found Asian clams off Lake Avenue beach in Lake George Village on August 19, 2010. Up to 600 clams per square meter were initially documented, covering an area of approximately 2.5 acres. A committee formed to coordinate response efforts. Representatives from the Lake George Association joined with representatives from Darrin Fresh Water Institute, Lake George Park Commission, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Adirondack Park Agency, FUND for Lake George, Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program, and Lake Champlain Basin Program — all are working together to pool resources and expertise to learn about and control the spread of the invaders.

See the bottom of the page for a list of reports and information on Asian clams.

 

 

Underwater shot of lake bed marked for testing for Asian Clams
People sampling for asian clams at a Lake George beachfront
Beach where mats to treat asian claims are in place
Divers lay mats in the water to treat areas with asian clams

 

The Asian Clam prefers sandy or gravelly bottom areas, in shallow, warm water. If a clam is found that matches the description of the Asian clam, citizens are asked to get a sample or take a photograph and call the Lake George Association at 518-668-3558 or the Darrin Fresh Water Institute at 518-644-3541.

In addition, the public can avoid spreading the Asian clam, as well as other invasive species, by following these guidelines whenever leaving a waterway:

  • Check and remove any visible mud, plants, fish or organisms from boats, trailers, equipment, clothing, dogs, etc.
  • Clean and eliminate water from equipment. Be sure to drain all water, including live wells and bait buckets.
  • Do not use Asian clams as bait.
  • Dry anything that comes in contact with the water.
  • Never release plants, fish, or other animals into a waterway unless they come from that waterway.
  • Wash your boat with high pressure, hot water and all equipment before entering and when leaving Lake George.

Additional Information: