Walleyes Forever |
 attract a lot of weeds
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can harm your waters
Montana and other western states have been battling the spread of whirling disease since 1995, hoping to slow the spread of the parasite which proves so deadly to rainbow and other trout species. In 2004, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks initiated boat checks on all tournament fishermen to try to protect the state from zebra mussels and Eurasian water-milfoil. But possible invaders don't stop there and tournament fishermen are just a small fraction of the anglers that need to get actively involved. Live bait illegally brought into the state could include unwanted species like silver carp, bighead carp, grass carp, ruffe or round goby. Unwashed boats or trailers could bring seeds or sprouts of other unwanted vegetation. On this page, we'll take a look at some resources to help you learn what we're up against and what you can do to protect our waters no matter where you fish. By EILEEN RYCE Montana FWP Aquatic Nuisance Species Coordinator You have heard about whirling disease and New Zealand mud snails. Now meet a new threat-the zebra mussel. Responsible for millions of dollars in damage to waters, shorelines, crafts, irrigation pipes, water treatment facilities and power plants in 20 states and two Canadian provinces, zebra mussels are present in the Missouri River in South Dakota and are heading our way. In a preemptive move this summer, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will inspect and help all organized fishing tournament participants to wash boats and trailers at wash stations set up near launch sites. The washing and inspections will make sure all boats are free of exotic hitchhikers and help anglers learn what to look for when inspecting their boats in the future. Zebra mussels can blanket entire shorelines with their sharp shells and foul smell, ruining a day at the lake or on the river and threatening the Montana tourist economy. They stick to boat hulls, fittings, plants. They can invade bilges, live wells and motors and the fact they survive out of water for several days means they can be transported from infested waters fairly easily. Zebra mussels also consume the same food as some of our game fish and could negatively impact game fish such as yellow perch and walleye. Zebra mussels are every recreationist's concern-and everyone can do something to help stop or slow their spread. Here is information useful to all recreationists in preventing the spread of zebra mussels.
* Most are under an inch long, but they can be up to two inches long. * The adults usually grow in clusters attached to hard surfaces. * The young mussels on the surface of boats look like black pepper and feel like sandpaper.
* Remove all plants, sediment and tiny organisms that cling to your boat and trailer. * Drain all water from your boat, including from the motor, live well and bilge. Do not transfer any water from one water body into another. * Never release live bait into a water body or transport aquatic animals from one water body into another. Always discard of unwanted bait with household trash in the landfill. Likewise, dispose of fish carcasses with trash. * Wash your boat, trailer and all fishing gear and equipment. High-pressure hot water is best. * Air-dry your boat and equipment for as long as possible between fishing trips.
* Take the mussel with you and store it in rubbing alcohol. * Contact your regional FWP office or call the FWP Aquatic Nuisance Species Coordinator at 406-453-2275 immediately.
 At least 20 percent of illegal fish introductions documented by FWP have occurred in the past 10 years. In total there have been more than 400 unauthorized introductions in waters across the state involving 49 fish species. Illegally introduced species can: * harm native, wild and stocked fish populations; * spread disease; * impact water quality and aquatic habitat; * increase fishery management costs by requiring planting more fish or even chemical rehabilitation to maintain or restore a fishery; and * diminish fishing opportunities in the state. Protect the environment from illegal fish introductions and nuisance species by taking these common sense precautions: * don't move live fish, aquatic insects, or other aquatic organisms from one water to another for any reason; * don't release aquarium fish into streams and lakes; * don't release live baitfish into streams and lakes. When FWP identifies an illegal introduction, it investigates, may prosecute the violator and will require restitution for costs of removing the introduced species and re-establishing the original fishery. If you witness such a crime, please report it by calling TIP-MONT at 1-800-TIP-MONT (1-800-847-6668). |
