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Divers' Attack On Clams May Slow Lake Tahoe Boats

RENO (CBS/AP) -- Scientists waging a war on an Asian clam infestation at Lake Tahoe are asking for patience on the part of boaters.

They say boaters may experience some delays entering Emerald Bay during the next six weeks while divers deploy an underwater attack on the invasive species that helps reduce Tahoe's famous clarity by promoting algae growth.

The Lake Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species Program will begin treating about five acres of the infested area next week in the largest project of its type in lake history.

The clams live on a shallow, gravel sand bar about 15 feet below the surface at the mouth of Emerald Bay on the southwest shore of the lake.

Boaters are asked to remain at least 200 feet from the project
area.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed)

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