PRESS RELEASE: OARS Intern Discovers Invasive Turtle Species in Merrimack River

August 10, 2024

by Sarah Kwan, Director of Communications & Development, OARS | August 10, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lowell, MA—A new invasive species has been identified in the Merrimack River, marking a significant regional environmental development. OARS 3 Rivers Environmental Intern Nathan Callan recently discovered a Chinese Softshell Turtle near the confluence of the Merrimack and Concord rivers. This marks the first recorded sighting of this species in the Merrimack River watershed.

Callan, while fishing for carp on August 8, 2024, encountered the turtle and initially suspected it to be an unusual variant of the snapping turtle due to its grayish color but noted it was “lacking some of its telltale features,” which raised his suspicion. Upon sending photographs to Massachusetts Fish and Wildlife, the turtle was confirmed by herpetologist Michael Jones as a Chinese Softshell Turtle.

Chinese Softshell Turtle sunning itself at the edge of the Merrimack River, captured by OARS Environmental Intern Nathan Callan during its first recorded sighting in the watershed.

The Chinese Softshell Turtle, native to East Asia, is recognized for its soft, leathery shell and distinctive facial features. It has previously been reported in the Charles and Mystic Rivers, but this is its first documented presence in the Merrimack River system.

The discovery is particularly concerning because of the highly carnivorous turtle’s invasive nature. Invasive species can outcompete native wildlife for resources, potentially disrupting local ecosystems. Given the turtle was found less than a mile upstream from the confluence with the Concord River, it raises the possibility that it could spread further into the SuAsCo watershed, if not already present.

Michael Jones from MassWildlife plans to investigate further, hoping to locate additional individuals and assess the extent of the population. This effort aims to gauge the potential impact on local biodiversity and take necessary measures to mitigate any adverse effects.

The discovery highlights the ongoing challenges of managing invasive species and underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring by environmental organizations and the public alike. For now, the presence of the Chinese Softshell Turtle serves as a reminder of the delicate balance within our river ecosystems and the need for continued observation and conservation efforts.

Call to Action

If you are paddling on the Merrimack, Sudbury, Assabet, or Concord rivers, please keep an eye out for this invasive turtle. If you spot one, report it to Massachusetts Fish and Wildlife (Mass.Wildlife@mass.gov) to aid in their efforts to track and manage this species.

Support the critical work of protecting our local rivers and ecosystems by contributing to OARS 3 Rivers and the Merrimack River Watershed Council—your local watershed organizations dedicated to safeguarding these precious natural resources for future generations. Visit OARS 3 Rivers (oars3rivers.org) and the Merrimack River Watershed Council (merrimack.org) to make a difference today.

—

For more information or to learn how you can support efforts to restore our rivers, please contact Sarah Kwan, OARS Director of Communications and Development, at skwan@oars3rivers.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INFORMATION CONTACT:

Sarah Kwan, Director of Communications & Development | 978·369·3956 | Skwan@oars3rivers.org

River Log

~30%

of the SuAsCo rivers watershed is wetlands, crucial for wildlife habitat and water quality

~30%

of water samples in the SuAsCo rivers watershed contain PFAS, leading to increased monitoring and remediation by local authorities and environmental groups

~70%

of dams in the SuAsCo watershed are over a century old, requiring extensive upkeep and presenting obstacles to river restoration and fish passage

>40%

of the land within the watershed is publicly accessible, offering recreational opportunities such as hiking, boating, and birdwatching to the community

~15%

of the land in the SuAsCo rivers watershed is covered by impervious surfaces such as roads, rooftops, and parking lots. This contributes to stormwater runoff and water pollution issues