Tuesday, April 30, 2002

Fleeing the Fleas

Tiny crustaceans known as Spiny Water Fleas (Bythotrephes cederstroemi) are annoying fishermen and worrying environmentalists in Canada and the Great Lakes region. This freshwater species, introduced from Europe and fairly recently discovered in North America, establishes huge populations that are physically disturbed by the dragging of fishing lines. The result is fishing gear covered with a slimy, smelly mess, and the potential of the species being spread in this manner to even more water sources. Another recent Canadian article discusses the negative impacts that this invasion could have on the vacation/real estate markets.

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