John A. Viar
07-01-2005, 04:55 PM
Hello All
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (NHFGD) has been aware of the presence of largemouth bass in Shaw (AKA Shawtown) Pond in Freedom for at least the past five years; thank you to those who previously notified the Region 2 Office. The past stocking of largemouth bass was in no way sanctioned or approved by the NHFGD. Although there are natural means of fish movement between water bodies, the intentional and very illegal movement of various fish species, including large and smallmouth bass, has become pervasive and widespread; these activities have plagued fisheries managers not only in the Northeast, but all of North America, particularly in the past 10-20 years. Unfortunately, many examples of these illegal activities are now clearly evident in New Hampshire waters.
The motives of “bucket biologists” range from an attempt to gain increased accessibility and opportunities to fish for desired species to downright malicious spite/eco-terrorism. Even non-malicious actions such as a youngster keeping fish at pond X, and then later releasing them into pond Y closer to home because they did not want to kill them, can lead to the introduction of foreign species. Improper disposal of baitfish, particularly those trapped for personal use where many species may become mixed, is another common source of unwanted introductions.
Unfortunately, methods used in the past (e.g. chemical reclamation/rotenone) to eradicate competing species are no longer cost effective. After significant amounts of license holders’ funds have been spent in such efforts, the bucket biologists simply restock with their desired species (case history exists in NH). Mechanical methods of removal (e.g. angling, electrofishing, netting) are also not cost effective; results are typically minimal, particularly in the long run, and may even encourage higher reproduction rates in those fish that do survive.
Fortunately, in an effort to help combat illegal fish stocking, a law did go into effect this past year (see fifth bullet in bold print on page 14 of your Freshwater Fishing Digest), which makes it illegal to have live fish on your possession after you leave any NH water body. In other words, you cannot hold live fish (except permitted bait fish species) in a bucket or in a livewell while in transport. This gives a conservation officer the ability to catch a suspected “bucket biologist” en route and prior to the damage being done, whereas in the past, any species of fish taken legally could be held alive on your possession (though it was still illegal to release them anywhere except where caught).
Education is definitely a key element in curbing illegal fish stocking activity, along with keeping a watchful eye; we must all be stewards of the natural resources we so cherish – dare I even say defenders. Through methods such as website postings (such as this one), our own NHFGD website, and public outreach (last year Fish and Game presented at the Lakes Congress meeting regarding this very issue), we at Fish and Game make every attempt to inform the public as to the dangers and consequences of invasive/foreign species. However, we cannot do it alone – we encourage you to spread the word, to anglers and non-anglers alike. And although none of us can safeguard every square foot of every shoreline 24 hours a day, report any suspicious and illegal activities you may observe – take license plate numbers, note physical and vehicle descriptions, obtain digital pictures, everything you can, and report immediately to Fish and Game. You can even leave an anonymous tip on the Operation Game Thief phone line 1-800-344-4262 (this number is on the last page of your Freshwater Fishing Digest).
Thank you and let’s work together to do all we can to preserve our fisheries resources for generations to come.
John A. Viar
Fisheries Biologist I
New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
Region 2 Office
PO Box 417
New Hampton NH 03256
(603) 744-5470
jviar@nhfgd.org
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (NHFGD) has been aware of the presence of largemouth bass in Shaw (AKA Shawtown) Pond in Freedom for at least the past five years; thank you to those who previously notified the Region 2 Office. The past stocking of largemouth bass was in no way sanctioned or approved by the NHFGD. Although there are natural means of fish movement between water bodies, the intentional and very illegal movement of various fish species, including large and smallmouth bass, has become pervasive and widespread; these activities have plagued fisheries managers not only in the Northeast, but all of North America, particularly in the past 10-20 years. Unfortunately, many examples of these illegal activities are now clearly evident in New Hampshire waters.
The motives of “bucket biologists” range from an attempt to gain increased accessibility and opportunities to fish for desired species to downright malicious spite/eco-terrorism. Even non-malicious actions such as a youngster keeping fish at pond X, and then later releasing them into pond Y closer to home because they did not want to kill them, can lead to the introduction of foreign species. Improper disposal of baitfish, particularly those trapped for personal use where many species may become mixed, is another common source of unwanted introductions.
Unfortunately, methods used in the past (e.g. chemical reclamation/rotenone) to eradicate competing species are no longer cost effective. After significant amounts of license holders’ funds have been spent in such efforts, the bucket biologists simply restock with their desired species (case history exists in NH). Mechanical methods of removal (e.g. angling, electrofishing, netting) are also not cost effective; results are typically minimal, particularly in the long run, and may even encourage higher reproduction rates in those fish that do survive.
Fortunately, in an effort to help combat illegal fish stocking, a law did go into effect this past year (see fifth bullet in bold print on page 14 of your Freshwater Fishing Digest), which makes it illegal to have live fish on your possession after you leave any NH water body. In other words, you cannot hold live fish (except permitted bait fish species) in a bucket or in a livewell while in transport. This gives a conservation officer the ability to catch a suspected “bucket biologist” en route and prior to the damage being done, whereas in the past, any species of fish taken legally could be held alive on your possession (though it was still illegal to release them anywhere except where caught).
Education is definitely a key element in curbing illegal fish stocking activity, along with keeping a watchful eye; we must all be stewards of the natural resources we so cherish – dare I even say defenders. Through methods such as website postings (such as this one), our own NHFGD website, and public outreach (last year Fish and Game presented at the Lakes Congress meeting regarding this very issue), we at Fish and Game make every attempt to inform the public as to the dangers and consequences of invasive/foreign species. However, we cannot do it alone – we encourage you to spread the word, to anglers and non-anglers alike. And although none of us can safeguard every square foot of every shoreline 24 hours a day, report any suspicious and illegal activities you may observe – take license plate numbers, note physical and vehicle descriptions, obtain digital pictures, everything you can, and report immediately to Fish and Game. You can even leave an anonymous tip on the Operation Game Thief phone line 1-800-344-4262 (this number is on the last page of your Freshwater Fishing Digest).
Thank you and let’s work together to do all we can to preserve our fisheries resources for generations to come.
John A. Viar
Fisheries Biologist I
New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
Region 2 Office
PO Box 417
New Hampton NH 03256
(603) 744-5470
jviar@nhfgd.org