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What other invasive aquatic organisms are hitch-hiking in the bucket with those illegal fish?Unauthorized stocking isn’t just a problem because of the fish- there could be other invasive organisms or diseases contained in the water with the illegal fish that could have an even more devastating impact on the stocked ecosystem and beyond. |
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A few examples of what agencies are worried about: |
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Viral hemorrhagic septicemia, VHS? (virus) |
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VHS A new strain is causing an emerging disease of fish in the Midwestern U.S. with some massive dieoffs..[More] |
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Zebra mussel veligers? (< 0.002 inch) |
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Zebra and quagga mussel Colonies can reach 1 million per sq. meter, encrusting all hard surfaces, filtering entire water bodies of microscopic foods; costs already in billions per year..[More] |
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New Zealand mud snails? (< 0.04 inch) |
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New Zealand mud snail Densities can reach 750,000 per sq. meter; outcompetes prey for trout and other fishes while providing poor nutrition to fish that eat them..[More] |
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Spiny water fleas? (Bythotrephes) (< ½ inch) |
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Spiny water flea Invader of the Great Lakes, competitor with fish for plankton prey, major nuisance to sport fishing, protected from fish predation by spiny tail..[More] |
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| Strict stocking regulations are in place in most jurisdictions in part to protect the environment from these and other diseases and invasive species. Thinking about stocking some illegal fish? Do YOU want to be the guy that brings one of these nasty critters to your lake/river/reservoir and ruins the fishing for everyone? | ||
