MORE DEAD: Clam Shells Litter State Boat Ramp

Update April, 2009: Mass DCR confirmed identification as Asian Clam, a new infestation localized at the state boat ramp. 14 Massachusetts lakes have been identified as having Asian Clam.  Correct timing of the winter drawdown of the waterlevel can be employed as a successful, no-cost method of control for this young infestation of the exotic, non-native invasive species. Posted March 30, 2009. Reports of shells at the state ramp came in from a fisherman and from a member of the Manchaug Pond Association Board of Directors who lives a few houses up from the State Ramp. Upon further investigation, hundreds, perhaps thousands, of tiny empty shells appeared on the shore and in the shallow water aside of the launch area at the State Boat Ramp on Torrey Road, Sutton. Photos below, taken March 20 and 22, 2009, show teeny tiny shells – open and empty. Perhaps Asian Clam (Corbicula fluminca)- Since we have not encountered before, clearly not the larger native mussel common to Manchaug Pond, and the location found is the state boat ramp strongly suggest it was brought in from a visiting boat from another lake which has the exotic invasive species. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and …