Ode on snot rock

O didymo (AKA snot rock);

How you’ve inspired my master’s thesis

Because no one knows how to eradicate you yet. 

I first heard about you while getting ready for the Routeburn: the reason I needed to pack extra togs. 

You slimy, yucky, ugly thing. You growing clug of snot taking over pure water, smothering rocks and plants…

Or so I imagined, as thankfully we only just heard about you in talks and saw you spelled out on signs over our 3 day tramp. 

Since Year 9 I've been a bit of a fan of algae – seaweeds are algae, they look swag, and some can be converted to sustainable energy…

I saw the most stunning seaweeds snorkelling Island Bay earlier this year.

But according to our lovely ranger,

Didymo’s an invasive algae pest in the South Island and it’s been lurking, causing problems. 

Even though we can drink water with didymo in it without consequence,

(It does not take over your brain)

Just one didymo cell in a new body of water can totally block up and change its natural ecosystem:

The algae forms a thick layer over the waterbed and stops invertebrates from eating the plants underneath, eventually dwindling the natural population…

Therefore, no double dipping your togs between rivers and lakes, without a proper clean and dry first. 

Didymo sort of reminds me of Ditto the Pokémon:

They have similar names and strange mysterious vibes. 

When we dipped in Lake Mackenzie

And the Routeburn river,

We were blessed not to see it…

If we managed to find a way to funnel it off into sustainable energy we’ll be glad

And have more fuel for our eco-jet packs.  

But for now, increase funding into didymo research and wash your togs. 

Learn more about didymo here: https://www.orc.govt.nz/environment/biosecurity-and-pests/freshwater-pests/didymo/

And remember, prevention is our best line of defence when it comes to protecting New Zealand's water bodies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtvQwlCjJbY&t=196s

To donate to didymo research and eradication work, check out this not-for-profit: https://www.nodidymo.nz/new-page

Shoutout to my fellow trampers and Josh.