Die-off of hundreds of snails brings foul smell to Lake Micmac

When Patricia Mombourquette prepared for a swim in Lake Micmac last week, she was met with a foul odor and the disturbing sight of hundreds of dead snails floating on the surface. Initially appearing as small black dots and a film on the lake, these snails were identified as the Chinese mystery snail, also known as a trapdoor snail.

“It’s a putrid smell that’s nauseating,” expressed Mombourquette, who recently moved to her lakefront property in Dartmouth, N.S. The Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council has been receiving an increasing number of reports about the Chinese mystery snail invading ponds and lakes in the area.

The invasive species likely made its way into the native ecosystem through aquarium keepers releasing them into bodies of water to get rid of them. With a single female capable of birthing over a hundred baby snails, the population can quickly grow out of control. Introducing aquatic species into ponds and lakes is illegal under the federal Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations.

Mombourquette contacted the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to report the incident. The DFO stated that mass mortality events are common for Chinese mystery snails in freshwater environments with large populations. These events can be triggered by environmental factors such as low oxygen levels and fluctuations in water temperatures. The decomposition of the snails is responsible for the unpleasant odor.

Concerned about the recurrence of this event, Mombourquette sought advice from her neighbor, Louise Jessome. Jessome, who has lived by the lake for 48 years, had never witnessed such an occurrence. After waiting to see if the situation would resolve itself, Jessome took matters into her own hands.

Armed with gloves, a garbage bag, and her boat, Jessome set out to remove the snails from the lake. Despite collecting a significant amount in just 30 minutes, more snails continued to float on the water. Describing the smell as reminiscent of rotting fish, Jessome was determined to clean up the lake.

In conclusion, the presence of Chinese mystery snails in Lake Micmac has raised concerns among residents, prompting them to take action to mitigate the impact on the ecosystem. By following proper regulations and reporting invasive species, the community can work together to preserve the natural beauty of their surroundings.