An invasive species of clam in Lake George is spreading.
The Lake George Park Commission this week released its annual report detailing the spread of the Asian clam.
A survey conducted in late August and early September found the non-native mollusk has been found at 23 locations throughout the lake, up from 19 known sites last year.
The clam was first found in 2010 at Lake George Village. Since then the Park Commission has introduced a boat inspection program to control invasive species, but it can be costly to remove the clam once it has settled in an area.
Once settled, nutrients released by the clams can create a haven for green algae blooms. Their sharp shells are undesirable in swimming areas. And by creating calcium-rich environments, they could invite other aquatic invaders such as zebra mussels, another pest already found in Lake George.
