Pacemaker Fishing Forum

Mark Lewandowski of the Maryland Department of Natural Resource's Resource Assessment Service says that Water Lettuce (pistia stratiotes) was discovered in a routine survey of the Potomac River last year. Water lettuce is an exotic invasive plant that floats on the surface of the water, similar to water chesnut. Says Lewandowski, "it has the potentional for a large-scale infestation if left unchecked."

Lewandowski said the plant is native to the tropics and that it produces seeds and spreads rapidly. Currently, clumps of it may be seen floating in Mattawoman Creek on the lower Potomac River. It floats entirely, has no bottom hugging root system and can be easily picked up. The DNR and other government agencies recommend that you remove it, put it in your boat and dispose of it in a trash can or bag if possible.

Although the plant sounds kind of cute and harmless, it can impede boating and reduce fish catches because it robs the water of the dissolved oxygen that fish need to survive.

Anyone finding this plant is encouraged to call Mark Lewandowski in order that he can develop a map of current distribution. E-mail him at mlewandowski@dnr.state.md.us or call 410-260-8634.