Troubling news: the invasive algae known as Didymo has been found in the Rio Espolon and Rio Futaleufú in Chile.
“USGS FORT ecologist Sarah Spaulding confirmed the identification of the diatom Didymosphenia geminata (“Didymo”) as forming extensive blooms in Chilean rivers near Esquel, Argentina.
The bloom was reported on Rio Espolon and Rio Futaleufú, for a total of more than 56 river kilometers.
Although this species was reported from Lago Sarmiento, Chile, in 1964, this is the first known incidence of formation of a nuisance bloom in South America.
Didymosphenia geminata is of concern because it is an aquatic invasive in several regions of the world.
It invaded New Zealand in 2004 and has since spread to 32 watersheds there. The species is known to survive in damp conditions for over 30 days and is considered to be transported on the gear of aquatic recreationists.”
See the full story here: Didymosphenia S. A.