


The invasive species was first discovered in Lake George in August 2010.
What is the Asian clam?
The Asian clam is a very small and round bi-valve clam. It is typically less than 1.5 inches in size, and can spread rapidly. A single clam can reproduce alone, and can release hundreds of juveniles per day.
Asian clams cause a number of major problems for waterways in which they become established, including the excretion of significant amounts of inorganic nutrients, particularly nitrogen that can stimulate the growth of algae and foul the water.
Officially known as Corbicula fluminea, the Asian clam is native to southern Asia, the eastern Mediterranean and Australia.
Asian clam identification sheet -pdf
Asian clams and Lake George
The Darrin Fresh Water Institute first found Asian clams off Lake Avenue beach in Lake George Village on August 19, 2010. Up to 600 clams per square meter were initially documented, covering an area of approximately 2.5 acres. A committee formed to coordinate response efforts. Representatives from the Lake George Association joined with representatives from Darrin Fresh Water Institute, Lake George Park Commission, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Adirondack Park Agency, FUND for Lake George, Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program, and Lake Champlain Basin Program — all are working together to pool resources and expertise to learn about and control the spread of the invaders.
See the bottom of the page for a list of reports and information on Asian clams.




The Asian Clam prefers sandy or gravelly bottom areas, in shallow, warm water. If a clam is found that matches the description of the Asian clam, citizens are asked to get a sample or take a photograph and call the Lake George Association at 518-668-3558 or the Darrin Fresh Water Institute at 518-644-3541.
In addition, the public can avoid spreading the Asian clam, as well as other invasive species, by following these guidelines whenever leaving a waterway:
- Check and remove any visible mud, plants, fish or organisms from boats, trailers, equipment, clothing, dogs, etc.
- Clean and eliminate water from equipment. Be sure to drain all water, including live wells and bait buckets.
- Do not use Asian clams as bait.
- Dry anything that comes in contact with the water.
- Never release plants, fish, or other animals into a waterway unless they come from that waterway.
- Wash your boat with high pressure, hot water and all equipment before entering and when leaving Lake George.
Additional Information:
- 2019 Asian clam lakewide survey final report
- 2018 Asian clam lakewide survey final report
- 2017 Asian clam lakewide survey final report
- 2016 Asian clam lakewide survey final report
- Reproduction and Growth of Asian Clams in Lake George: 2016 Report to the Lake George Association
- 2015 Asian clam lakewide survey final report
- ACORN (Asian Clam On the RuN) Understanding in-lake transport of Asian clams: Report to the LGA
- 2014 Asian clam lakewide survey final report
- 2013 Spring Post Treatment Report
- NEWS RELEASE September 10, 2013: Asian clams continue to spread despite successful matting results
- 2012 Fall treatment Report
- NEWS RELEASE February 4, 2013: Asian Clam 2012 Fall Treatment Report Released: Benthic barrier mats in place over the winter to smother Asian clams
- NEWS RELEASE March 29, 2012 Task Force releases report for 2011 Asian clam treatments in Lake George and 2012 Plan
- Lake George Asian Clam Containment and Eradication Project: Report on 2011 Activities and 2012 Plan
- NEWS RELEASE January 4, 2012: Lake Tahoe experts share research and aquatic invasive species control programs on second visit to Lake George.
- December 2011 Asian Clam Rapid Response Timeline Update
- NEWS RELEASE November 23, 2011: Fall Treatments on Lake George Tackle Invasive Asian Clams at Norowal Marina, Middleworth Bay, and Lake George Village
- NEWS RELEASE September 12, 2011: Asian clam control plan moves forward with encouraging results from the Lake George Village treatment site where 99% of clams have been killed.
- NEWS RELEASE August 9, 2011: Lakewide survey for Asian clam underway in Lake George – additional sites found.
- NEWS RELEASE July 21, 2011: Second Infestation of Asian Clams found in Lake George
- April 2011 Plan to Contain and Eradicate the Infestation of the Invasive Species Asian Clam in Lake George
- Lake George & Asian Clam: an informational flyer
- November 2010 Asian Clam Update Bulletin