Lake Tahoe East Shore Asian Clam and Metaphyton Delineation and Control

The expanse of non-native Asian clam populations with the concurrent appearance of metaphyton (unattached algae) along Lake Tahoe’s east shore beaches has become an increasing concern. Due to the high nutrient concentrations from clam excretions and their stimulatory effect on algal growth, nuisance algae is starting to accumulate underwater and on beaches having negative aesthetic impacts. Five beaches were surveyed in summer 2023, using SCUBA and UAV imagery, to delineate the extent and density of Asian clams and any associated metaphyton growth. A metaphyton removal pilot study to determine the effectiveness of removing metaphyton algae before contaminating beaches was conducted.