Rapidly Spreading Aquatic Invasive: What To Know
There have been multiple reports of dense growths of aquatic plants along the shoreline and inside docks in the Charles River Lower Basin, including in Sunset Bay and from the Cambridge Boat Club to the Head of the Charles finish line. CRWA has been in contact with the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), which has identified the plant as Najas minor or “brittle naiad.” Here’s what to know:
Hand pulling is NOT advised, as this species can reproduce from stem fragments or from small seeds that grow along its stem.
Brittle naiad is a late-blooming plant that begins spreading in late summer and dies down in the fall (PRISM). Because of this, DCR estimates that natural dieback will occur before the Head of the Charles Regatta.
As review is taking place, DCR is urging those who are on the river regularly to track the spread using iNaturalist.
