The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has announced that an invasive species of snail has been detected in several waterways, and the creature has now showed up in Lake Lanier.
According to Wildlife Resources Division Aquatic Nuisance Species Coordinator Jim Page, the snails were discovered in the lake during routine water testing.
“While we initially hoped that this was an individual specimen found on Lanier, further investigation indicated that this is a viable, reproducing population of snails,” Page said.
The Chinese/Japanese Mystery snails, or Cipangopaludina, were once popular additions to aquariums; however, state regulations now ban their commercial importation.
Savannah Riverkeeper Tonya Bonitatibus says that the snails could have been introduced intentionally as they are considered an Asian delicacy.
“If you go to places like Chinatown in New York City, they can be bought in the open markets, and people will release them and hope they take hold without thinking about the possible consequences,” Bonitatibus said.
According to the DNR, the snails can cause significant ecological and economic impacts, from damaging vessels and other boating equipment, to impeding access to water bodies to disrupting the natural ecosystem by displacing and out-competing native species.
The DNR also cautions against eating the snails if caught because the species can pick up parasites that can be dangerous if consumed raw or undercooked.
While most people in Georgia do not go fishing for snails, turtles and other animals will add them to their diet and several species of Midwestern waterfowl have been killed by the trematode parasite that is carried by the snail.
Bonitatibus says boaters can help stop the spread of the invasive snail by washing their vessels each and every time they pull their boats out of the water, especially if the boat is used on different waterways.
“Most kayakers don’t feel it’s necessary to wash their boats, but the snails can attach themselves and you might not even notice that you are introducing them to a new habitat,” Bonitatibus said.
Page agrees and says the public can help slow the spread of the snails by just taking precautions.
“Prevention continues to be our best tool in fighting the war on invasive species, and prevention is only achieved with the help of the public,” said Page. “Whether it’s taking time to thoroughly wash down your boat, trailer, and fishing gear after each outing on the water; choosing to not dump aquariums.
Scott Hudson is the Senior Investigative Reporter and Editorial Page Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach him at scott@theaugustapress.com
