Didymo Network

Welcome to the Didymo Network

Didymo, also known as “rock snot,” is a growing concern for our freshwater ecosystems. To address this challenge, Michigan Trout Unlimited, in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), has launched the Didymo Network.

This collaborative initiative brings together researchers, resource managers, and passionate individuals from all walks of life to tackle the Didymo problem head-on. Our mission is to foster collaboration, share the latest research findings, explore future research and management needs, and spark creative ideas to engage more people in meaningful solutions.

Whether you’re a scientist, angler, conservationist, or simply someone who cares about protecting our waterways, the Didymo Network is for you. Together, we can build a stronger understanding of Didymo and its impacts while working toward innovative strategies to preserve the health of our coldwater ecosystems.

Join us in this important work and become part of the solution!

If you or your organization is interested in learning more about the Didymo Network, feel free to reach out to us at info@michigantu.org.

We’re excited to share the recording from the inaugural Didymo Network meeting, held on December 5th, 2024. This gathering brought together researchers, resource managers, and community members passionate about addressing the challenges posed by Didymo, also known as “rock snot.”
During this productive session, participants shared updates on recent research efforts, discussed strategies for effective gear decontamination, and explored actionable steps to reduce Didymo’s harmful impacts within the Great Lakes watershed.
Whether you’re new to the conversation or looking to stay informed about ongoing efforts, this recording offers valuable insights and highlights the collaborative spirit driving the Didymo Network.

This session brings together leading researchers, agency experts, and conservation partners from across the Great Lakes region for a focused deep dive into the emerging science of Didymosphenia geminata—better known as didymo or “rock snot.” Over the course of the morning, attendees will hear updates from Michigan EGLE, learn about Michigan Trout Unlimited’s statewide didymo research, and explore cutting‑edge findings from Lake Superior tributaries, the St. Marys River, and beyond. From eDNA applications to nutrient dynamics, native didymo ecology, microbial community interactions, and even the question of what—if anything—eats didymo, this agenda showcases the most current knowledge shaping management and protection of coldwater streams. The session concludes with an open discussion on research needs, information gaps, and next steps for collaborative action.