Invasive Species Watch: Urgent - Protect Partridge Lake from Spiny Water Flea Invasion | Partridge Lake Property Owners Association

Partridge Lake Community, a new threat looms: the spiny water flea, a tiny invasive crustacean confirmed in nearby Newfound Lake. This pest, smaller than a fingernail, disrupts ecosystems by devouring zooplankton, harming fish, and promoting murky algae blooms. Boaters and anglers are key to stopping its spread to our lake.

Dozens of spiny water fleas on a line. — Dozens of spiny water fleas are entangled on a fishing line. The animals, which are smaller than a fingernail and invasive in the Northeast, are often transported between water bodies on fishing tackle. (Photo by Emily DeBolt/New York Department of Environmental Conservation)

Why It’s a Problem

Spiny water fleas form spiny, jelly-like clumps that hitch rides on boats, trailers, and fishing gear. They reduce zooplankton by up to 50%, unbalance the food chain, and are nearly impossible to eradicate once established.

Boaters’ Role in Prevention

Clean: Scrub boats, trailers, and gear with hot water or mild bleach solution.
Dry: Allow 1½ hours to kill adults, 4–6 hours for eggs.
Drain: Empty bilges, live wells, and motors before leaving any lake.
Inspect: Check for jelly-like clumps with spines, especially after visiting other lakes.

A single spiny water flea is pictured atop a pencil eraser. The animals, though small, can have big impacts on the environments they invade, said zooplankton experts. They are currently known to be present in three New Hampshire lakes. (Photo by New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services)

Act Now

Report sightings to Lila or Liz (weedwatchers@partridgelake.org) and join our monitoring efforts. Clean, drain, and dry your gear to keep Partridge Lake clean.

For a full description of the recent finding please refer to this original article .

Thank you!
Liz and Lila