A Smothering Threat

Fly-fishing has long been a favorite sport of conservationists. But who knew they were helping to spread a microorganism called Didymosphenia geminata, or didymo. Didymo is classified as an invasive species because it is native to British Columbia but is making its way through the United States. Its firsts report in North America was on Vancouver Island on 1989 and since then it has spread to Eastern and Southern parts of North America. The felt soles on the boots that fly fishermen wear is the main way that these microorganisms travel to different rivers and other freshwater habitats. These boots allow fishermen to keep their balance on the slippery surface of a river’s bottom. But they also help destroy the freshwater ecosystems. Didymo does this by forming clumps of algae that blooms first on rocks, and then cover the river floor with the algae, smothering all insects, which are a source of food for freshwater fish, such as trout. Bans on felt shoes have already been placed in states such as Alaska and Vermont. Not every fisherman is happy with the discovery that felt shoes have helped spread an invasive species though. Some thought that the scientists have made a mistake while others just accepted the idea and switched to rubber-soled boots instead. Also, people argued saying that the boots are not entirely responsible but also other equipments. Even though, they’re not to blame entirely it may help stop the spread of the organism, which is why some producers of these boots such as Orvis, have already switched eighty percent of its felt-soled boot production to rubber-soled boot.

This article, without question, relates to biology. One reason is because it involves the environment. Not only that but it has to do with a microorganism and in this situation, also an invasive species. Didymo is smothering freshwater environments of its insect life. This destroys the environment and causes a decrease in the fish population.

Nevertheless, this article is important to us. We are the ones that are responsible for spreading this microorganism throughout the United States. And if we do not try to stop it, we will also be responsible for ruining many freshwater ecosystems. Also this is important because freshwater fish is part of our food source, and if we do not try to protect their ecosystem, they will probably be disappearing from our market.

Source:http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/16/science/earth/16felt.html?ref=science