Game Commission Offers Update On Wild Turkey Banding Study
April 30, 2008
HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Game Commission and National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), along with wildlife officials in Ohio and New York, are continuing a joint four-year study to estimate the spring gobbler harvest rates in each of the three states.
“In Pennsylvania, as spring gobbler hunters prepare to head into the woods tomorrow, we are pleased to report that we have successfully banded 332 gobblers, which is 10 percent more than our banding goal,” said Mary Jo Casalena, Game Commission wild turkey biologist. “We are indebted to the NWTF for covering the cost of Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at Penn State to coordinate this tri-state effort and analyze the data.
“Mild winter weather made turkey trapping conditions difficult in Ohio, and the state consequently banded only 222 of the 300 it sought. The tri-state annual goal of 900-banded males was exceeded because Pennsylvania banded 332 and New York banded 350. In Pennsylvania, we banded 149 adult gobblers and 183 juveniles (jakes). New York banded 150 adults, 200 jakes and Ohio banded 79 adults, 143 jakes.”Â
To date, Casalena noted the three states have banded 2,613 male turkeys: 668 in Ohio, 914 in Pennsylvania and 1,031 in New York. She added that the study will allow comparisons of harvest and survival rates among the three states, with their varying harvests, hunter numbers and hunter densities.
“Age-specific harvest rate information will enable wild turkey managers to predict the effect of spring turkey seasons on the age-structure of the male turkey population,” Casalena said. “Recent research has found that harvest rates vary among age classes of wild turkeys and can greatly influence the number of adult gobblers in the spring harvest.”
The leg-bands being used for the harvest rate study are rivet bands - an aluminum band that is secured using a stainless steel rivet. Past research has typically used standard aluminum bands that are simply squeezed closed, but these sometimes fall off. Therefore, a sub-study on band retention rates also is being conducted. National Band & Tag Company has donated a selection of standard leg bands to evaluate how well each of four different types stay on wild turkeys. The retention rates of standard butt-end aluminum, anodized aluminum, enameled aluminum and stainless steel bands will be evaluated.
Casalena noted that hens caught during the trapping efforts are part of the study. However, she noted that the Game Commission is taking the opportunity to gather breast feathers from both male and female turkeys for the Northeast Wildlife DNA Laboratory at East Stroudsburg University. The feathers are being used to help build a forensic DNA database and will be placed in a long-term DNA archive for future studies.
During the spring 2007 turkey season, 340 gobblers were reported harvested in the three states; 128 in Pennsylvania, 84 of which were banded in 2007, and 44 of which were banded in 2006.
Each year, Game Commission wild turkey banding teams trap in new locations to spread the sample across the state’s 22 Wildlife Management Units.
“Although we’ve only completed our third year of a four-year study - and the data haven’t been analyzed in detail yet - preliminary results indicate that the retention rate of all four types of butt-end bands may be unsatisfactory,” Casalena said. “Of the turkeys recovered that were banded with both the rivet and butt-end bands (one band per leg), less than 50 percent still had the butt-end bands; that is, we lost more than 50 percent of the butt-end bands. As additional birds are banded and harvested, we will be able to estimate band retention over time. No rivet bands have been lost to date.”
Game Commission personnel plan to capture, band and release where caught at least 300 birds for each year of the four-year study. The agency’s annual goal is to capture, band and release 50 wild turkeys in each of the state’s six geographic regions. The Pennsylvania Chapter of the NWTF is contributing funds to cover the cost of equipment and bait.
Each aluminum leg band is secured to a male turkey’s leg, and each band has a unique letter-number combination. All bands are imprinted with a toll-free telephone number with which to report a harvest or recovery of a band.
“Perhaps the most exciting news for spring turkey hunters is that half of the birds being banded also have information on the band indicating that a reward of $100 will be paid for reporting the band,” Casalena noted. “Though the chance of harvesting a bird wearing a $100 band is low, the information being gathered is nonetheless significant. We also appreciate NWTF’s willingness to cover the cost of the rewards. So far, $11,300 has been paid to Pennsylvania turkey hunters for reporting.”
Dr. Duane Diefenbach, who is heading up the study at the Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, said that the study will enable the team to estimate reporting rates by comparing the number of $100 reward bands reported to the number of non-reward bands reported. Reporting rate estimates help biologists determine harvests and may enable them to compare results from previous studies not using rewards.
“For many game species we have estimates of how many animals are harvested, but what we typically lack is knowing the harvest rate - the percentage of the population taken by hunters - because we lack population estimates,” Diefenbach said. “This study, for the first time, is providing an estimate of harvest rates for gobblers in Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania.
“In addition to estimating harvest rates of male turkeys during the spring season, the research also will enable the Game Commission to estimate annual survival rates of male turkeys and provide a better estimate of the statewide population.”
Casalena also points out that the multi-state approach provides a larger sample and, ultimately, a better understanding of the variability in harvest rates.
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Content Last Modified on 4/25/2008 11:46:42 AM
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Remaining Fish to Be Removed from Roslyn Lake
April 30, 2008
CLACKAMAS, Ore. – Beginning next week, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Portland General Electric will attempt to remove the remaining fish from Roslyn Lake before it is drained. Where possible, the fish will be relocated to other waterbodies.
Roslyn Lake, located near Sandy, will be drained over the next few weeks. Once emptied, Portland General Electric, which owns the lake, will restore the lake bed to its natural contours. Removal of the Marmot and Little Sandy Dams upriver has eliminated the need for the lake.
 “We removed the bag limit at the lake in January to give local fishermen access to all of the fish that are in the lake before the water is gone,” said Todd Alsbury, ODFW District Fish biologist. “As we collect fish next week, we will transport the native species back to their natural home in the river. We’ll take the non-native species and any remaining hatchery trout to nearby lakes and ponds to give anglers another chance to catch them.”
Roslyn Lake holds several fish species including hatchery rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, mountain whitefish, suckers and, possibly, brown bullhead.
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 - Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife -
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Spring Bighorn Sheep Survey Shows Healthy Population
April 30, 2008
Western North Dakota’s bighorn sheep population is in good shape, based on observations during the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s annual bighorn sheep survey in March.
Brett Wiedmann, department big game biologist in Dickinson, said biologists counted 282 bighorn sheep – 93 rams, 147 ewes and 42 lambs. This year’s total represents a 9 percent increase from 2007 and 33 percent higher than the five-year average.
In addition, the north unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park was holding approximately 25 sheep.
“Following a major die-off in 1998 that decimated our population to only 130 animals, it has been our objective to once again reach and maintain a minimum of 300 bighorns in the state,” Wiedmann said. “We are very encouraged to have reached our goal this year.”
Each summer, typically in August, Game and Fish Department biologists count and classify all sheep. The following March, the spring survey is conducted for biologists to go back and recount lambs to determine lamb recruitment.
“We need to check on their health after the winter,” Wiedmann said while noting the first year is vital for survival because of predators and winter conditions. “Since last fall’s survey, lamb recruitment was 33 percent, about average for North Dakota. We also found there were about 63 rams per 100 ewes. We are in good shape.”
The population level appears to be an indication of how many apply for the opportunity to hunt bighorn sheep in the badlands. “Just look at the numbers,” Wiedmann said. “Our bighorn sheep population is larger than it has been in a number of years, and this year we had a record number of applicants (more than 10,000) that put in for the five sheep licenses. Encouragingly, we have significant number of young rams, so once they mature a bit, we also hope to reach our goal of issuing eight licenses annually.”
 - North Dakota Game and Fish Department -
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Boats Must Display Orange Decals
April 30, 2008
North Dakota boats displaying a green registration decal have an expired license, reminds Nancy Boldt, boat and water safety coordinator for the state Game and Fish Department.
The current registration, which runs from Jan. 1, 2008 through Dec. 31, 2010, is an orange decal. All boat registrations with a green decal expired Dec. 31, 2007.
Boat registrations can be renewed online at the Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov. To renew a boat registration, access the online services link and click on “watercraft registration and renewals.”
Also, anyone buying a new or used watercraft can register online and generate a 10-day temporary permit that is valid until the registration is processed.
Renewal notices for the current three-year period were mailed in December. Boat owners who have not received a renewal notice, or have misplaced it, should contact the department at 701-328-6335.
 - North Dakota Game and Fish Department -
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Paddlefish Snaggers Reminded of Possible Burn Ban
April 30, 2008
Anglers planning on participating in the state’s paddlefish season should check with local authorities for possible burning restrictions.
Several counties in western and central North Dakota have had burn bans, and recent moisture has allowed some to rescind burn restrictions. If burn bans are in place, open burning, including campfires, is prohibited.
Even if a burn ban has been lifted, caution is advised with open fires so that a wildfire doesn’t develop.
Snagging is legal in all areas of the Yellowstone River in North Dakota, and in the area of the Missouri River lying west of the U.S. Highway 85 bridge to the Montana border, excluding that portion from the pipeline crossing (river mile 1,577) downstream to the upper end of the Lewis and Clark Wildlife Management Area (river mile 1,565).
North Dakota’s paddlefish snagging season opens May 1 and is scheduled to continue through the end of the month. However, depending on the overall harvest, an early in-season closure may occur with a 36-hour notice issued by the state Game and Fish Department.
For more information on the state’s paddlefish season, access the Game and Fish Department’s website at gf.nd.gov, or refer to the 2008-10 North Dakota Fishing Guide.
 - North Dakota Game and Fish Department -
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New Civic Justice Corps Offers Meaningful Summer Conservation Work to At-risk Youth
April 30, 2008
CATONSVILLE, MD –  One day after signing legislation that protects Maryland’s environment, the health of the Chesapeake Bay, and helps secure Maryland’s energy future, Governor Martin O’Malley today announced the expansion of the Maryland Conservation Corps (MCC) – the state’s award winning AmeriCorps program – to include a summer job program for underserved and court-involved youth.Â
“Our new Civic Justice Corps will create paid summer jobs and meaningful outdoor experiences for at-risk youth, while contributing to the preservation and restoration of our state parks,” said Governor O’Malley. “These young people will not only learn the value and benefits of service and find a connection with nature; they will also develop job skills to prepare them for our increasingly green economy.”
Joined by Lt. Governor Anthony Brown, Department of Natural Resources Secretary John Griffin and Department of Juvenile Services Secretary Donald DeVore, Governor O’Malley made the announcement at Patapsco Valley State Park, where he participated in stream monitoring activities with 35 Franklin Square Elementary School students from Baltimore City. The Governor joined the students on the second-day of a field trip that included an overnight camp-out, hiking, bird watching, and hands-on service learning activities. After surveying stream health of the Sawmill Branch, the students planned to survey an urban stream, to compare and contrast with Sawmill Branch and identify ways they can help improve the quality of streams within their own backyard.
“Students of all ages all across Maryland have accepted the challenge to protect our environment against global warming and over-consumption,” Lt. Governor Brown said. “We would be wise to follow the examples of our children to ensure that the Bay, the wetlands and the open space we enjoy still remain for future generations to come.”
The new Civic Justice Corps program, which will be managed by the Maryland Park Service, kicks off this summer with 200 at-risk youth from Baltimore City. Corps members are being recruited with the help of several Maryland Department of Natural Resources partners, including the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services and the Parks and People Foundation. The Maryland Park Service hopes to expand the Corps to other parts of the state and increase capacity in future summers.  Â
“Replicating this National Model in partnership with DNR and DJS offers a great opportunity for at risk youth,” said Department of Juvenile Services Secretary Donald DeVore. “This proven model reduces recidivism and provides participating youth with a unique and meaningful experience in our State Parks. These youth get the opportunity to earn money, learn more about our environment and assist in the beautification of Maryland.”
MCC AmeriCorps members and state park staff will lead projects and provide mentoring for the 24 CJC crews of 8 youth each at Patapsco Valley State Park and Gunpowder Falls State Park. Their projects will include resource conservation, trail maintenance, forest buffers planting, with training focused on team building and job skills. CJC crewmembers will also learn about the environment by participating in hands-on outdoor activities including hiking, canoeing, camping and art work.Â
“Maryland’s children are losing their connection with our natural world, an alienation that threatens the future of our natural resources and the quality of life for future citizens,” said Department of Natural Resources Secretary John Griffin. “Spending time outdoors is the best way to develop a connection to nature, and the foundation on which to build an environmental stewardship ethic.”
Building on the federal Civilian Conservation Corps established 75 years ago, and the modern AmeriCorps, the Maryland Conservation Corps and the new Civic Justice Corps will engage young adults in extensive natural resource management and park conservation projects. Managed by the Maryland Park Service since 1984, MCC provides members with opportunities for skill development and personal growth through a supportive, team-based environment, emphasizing the satisfaction of completing projects that benefit Maryland’s natural resources.
Earlier this week, Governor O’Malley signed an Executive Order establishing the Maryland Partnership for Children in Nature, a coalition of state, local, private and non-profit partners charged with promoting the well-being of youth by accelerating environmental learning and expanding opportunities for outdoor learning and enjoyment.Â
Over the course of this month, Governor O’Malley participated in a number of environmental events in celebration of Earth Week, including a groundbreaking at the Masonville Cove Environmental Education Center, a restoration project that will transform one of Baltimore Harbor’s most contaminated sites into an area that will benefit wildlife, local residents, and the port industry, and testifying in support of the federal No Child Left Inside Act at the U.S. House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education’s field hearing. Â
Governor O’Malley also announced that public lands managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources will not be considered as sites for commercial wind power generation and that public land will continue to be managed for the essential environmental, recreational and economic values they provide for all of Maryland’s families and future generations. In addition, Governor O’Malley joined Virginia Governor Kaine to announce their commitment to work together to rebuild the Chesapeake Bay’s beleaguered blue crab population by directing our regulatory agencies to take immediate steps to reduce the 2008 female harvest of blue crabs by 34 percent, and to develop long-term management strategies to ensure that the blue crab and the economy it supports continue to be an important part of our culture for generations to come.
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Opening Day Approaches for Several Prized Freshwater Species
April 30, 2008
Walleye, Northern Pike, Pickerel, and Tiger Muskellunge Season Opens on May 3 Catch-and-Release Bass Season is Open on Many of the State’s waters
With the opening of the season for many popular warmwater and coolwater gamefish species, fishing season in New York State is now in full swing. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today provided some valuable tips for anglers looking towards the May 3 opener for Walleye, Northern Pike, Pickerel, and Tiger Muskellunge, as well as the catch-and-release bass season already in progress in several state waters.
“I can think of no state in the country that can provide fishing opportunities as diverse as those found in New York,” said DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis. “Fishing is better than it ever has been in New York and I encourage all of you to go fishing and better yet, take a friend with you.”
Information on all of DEC’s fishing seasons and special regulations can be found in the Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7917.html
on DEC’s website. In addition, DEC suggests the following hotspots for the gamefish and provides additional important advice.
Many other waters throughout the State provide excellent fishing for walleye, northern pike, chain pickerel and tiger muskellunge. For more information, anglers should contact their local DEC regional office, go to the DEC fishing hotlines website at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/fishhotlines.html or visit DEC’s fishing homepage at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/fishing.html . For a listing of popular fishing waters go to www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7912.html .
Walleye
Because of the challenge they present to anglers, their large size, and high quality as table fare, walleye are one of New York’s most popular gamefish species. Walleye fisheries can be found throughout New York State, in over 150 waters from all major watersheds. DEC Regions 5, 6, and 7 (northern and central New York) contain about 80 percent of the state’s walleye waters. These regions support some of the most productive walleye fisheries in the state, including Oneida Lake, Black Lake, Tupper Lake, Union Falls Flow, Saratoga Lake, Great Sacandaga Lake, and Whitney Point Reservoir.
Anglers are also encouraged to fish Chautauqua Lake, Silver Lake, Cuba Lake, Conesus Lake, and Honeoye Lake in Regions 8 and 9, and Canadarago Lake and Otsego Lake in Region 4. In Region 3, the dam repair on Swinging Bridge Reservoir is now complete and walleye fishing here should be worth the trip. Other Region 3 opportunities exist at East Branch, Bog Brook, Diverting, and Boyds Corners reservoirs in Putnam County. All four of these waters are New York City water supply reservoirs and require a free New York City Public Access Permit. Information about the city’s permitting can be found at www.nyc.gov/html/dep/html/watershed_protection/
html/wsrecreation.html . Long Island supports two excellent walleye fisheries because of successful DEC stocking programs on Lake Ronkonkoma and Fort Pond.
Walleye are also thriving in a number of large rivers including the Allegheny, Oswego, Chemung, Susquehanna, Chenango, Tioughnioga, Unadilla, Oswegatchie, the Hudson downstream of the Troy Dam, and the Mohawk rivers. Two lower Hudson River tributaries in Ulster County - the Wallkill River and Rondout Creek - have been included in recent DEC stocking efforts and angler reports indicate the successful establishment of walleye fisheries in these waters. The Delaware River is also a productive walleye fishery, particularly the 50-mile section between Callicoon and Port Jervis.
The Great Lakes provide some of New York’s finest walleye fishing opportunities. Both Lake Erie and Lake Ontario continue to produce abundant walleye populations and trophy-class fish. The abundant 2003 year class in Lake Erie is still going strong. Fish in this year class now range between 22 and 24 inches in length. They are still a major part of the Lake Erie fishery and should continue to support quality fishing opportunities. There is also a good opportunity to catch even larger trophy size walleye from Buffalo to Barcelona. In Lake Ontario, the best walleye fishing can be found in the eastern basin in places like Henderson Harbor, Black River, and Chaumont and Mud bays. Good walleye populations can also be found in Irondequoit Bay, Sodus Bay, Braddocks Bay, Oswego Harbor, North Sandy Pond and Port Bay. The St. Lawrence River supports a quality fishery and is a recommended destination for walleye anglers. To the west, the lower Niagara River commonly produces large walleye and receives relatively little pressure from walleye anglers.
Anglers fishing Lake Ronkonkoma and Fort Pond in Region 1 and Schoharie Reservoir, Schoharie Creek and Canandarago Lake in Region 4 are encouraged to become angler diary cooperators. Angler cooperators keep track of their catches in diaries provided by DEC and this information is analyzed to assess the current status of the fisheries in these waters. Diaries are returned to the anglers along with a summary report, after the data has been analyzed. Interested anglers should contact the Region 1 office at   (631) 444-0280       or Region 4 office at  (607) 652-7366       .
Walleye mark and recapture studies are currently underway on Oneida, Canadarago and Otsego lakes to estimate the abundance of adult walleye in these waters. In addition, legal size walleye on Otsego Lake are being tagged with jaw tags to determine the harvest rate. Anglers keeping any tagged walleye are asked to return the tag to the Region 4 office. The address is on the tag. If tagged walleye are caught and released, the tag number should be recorded and forwarded to the Region 4 office.
The general statewide regulation for walleye is a 15-inch minimum length and a daily limit of 5 fish. However, many waters have special regulations where length and daily limits vary, so be sure the check the Fishing Regulations Guide.
New York has long been recognized as a priority destination for trophy pike anglers. High quality pike waters include many of the larger Adirondack lakes such as Tupper Lake, Schroon Lake, Lake George, the Saranac Lake Chain, Lake Champlain, First through Fourth Lakes (Fulton Chain), Long Lake, Upper Chateaugay and the St. Regis Chain of Lakes. Great Sacandaga Lake regularly provides a trophy pike fishery for anglers with a number of 20 lb+ fish having been caught in recent years. Further south, good pike fishing can also be found in Saratoga Lake and Round Lake in Saratoga County. Numerous pike fishing opportunities exist in Western New York including the Upper Niagara River, Silver Lake, Quaker Lake, Cuba Lake, Allegheny River, Olean Creek, Conewago Creek, Tonawanda Creek, and Olcott Harbor. In central New York anglers should try Seneca, Cayuga, Owasco and Consesus lakes. To the north the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario embayments, and the Indian River Chain of Lakes provide quality fishing.
DEC has been raising and stocking tiger muskellunge, a fast-growing cross between northern pike and muskellunge, since 1967. There are 44 waters throughout the state that are stocked with tigers and 30 of these are in Regions 6 and 7. In Region 6, First through Fourth Lakes (Fulton Chain), Horseshoe Lake and Hyde Lake are good bets. Also, an often overlooked tiger muskie fishery is found in the Mohawk River/Barge Canal from Rome downstream to Lock 16. In Region 7, excellent fishing opportunities exist at Lake Como and Otisco Lake, where the tiger muskie population has rebounded in recent years and good numbers of 30+-inch fish are present. Also, the Lower Chenango River and the Susquehanna River downstream of Binghamton have thriving muskellunge and tiger muskellunge populations. In these locations the muskellunge season also opens on May 3 to avoid confusion for anglers trying to distinguish between the two species. To the west, Conesus Lake provides a quality fishery. In the eastern half of the state, good tiger muskie waters include Middle Branch Reservoir, Greenwood Lake, Rockland Lake, Canadarago Lake, Cossayuna Lake, Lake Durant, Lake Lauderdale, and Lincoln Pond.
Chain pickerel are also very popular with a dedicated group of anglers seeking these toothy predators that typically inhabit shallow, weedy waters. Many of the best chain pickerel waters are in the southeastern section of the state (Regions 1 and 3). In Region 3 some good choices are Swinging Bridge Reservoir, Lake Superior and the Harriman Park Lakes in Rockland and Orange counties. On Long Island, the Peconic River provides some of the finest chain pickerel fishing in the state. Other New York pickerel hotspots include Lake George, Brant Lake, Saratoga Lake and Lake Champlain in Region 5 and Black River in Region 6. In Region 7, the south end of Skaneateles Lake and Tully Lake offer outstanding fishing for quality size pickerel. Good pickerel fishing in Region 8 can be found at Hemlock Lake and Canadice Lake.
Black Bass
The black bass catch-and-release season runs from Dec. 1 through the Friday preceding the third Saturday in June (June 21 in 2008) throughout the state, except waters in Bronx, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, St. Lawrence, and Suffolk counties. The regular season when bass harvest is permitted follows this special catch-and-release season, providing year-round bass angling opportunities on many waters. Exceptions to the regulation exist on Lake Champlain where the catch and release season runs until the second Saturday in June and on Oneida Lake, where the catch and release season runs from the first Saturday in May through the Friday preceding the third Saturday in June. Other exceptions exist, so anglers should check their Fishing Regulations Guide before hitting the water.
Black bass anglers are also reminded that a special black bass season has been in place for the past few years on Lake Erie to allow anglers to take advantage of the great fishing available for smallmouth bass during the early spring. From May 3 to the regular opener of the statewide black bass season on June 21, anglers may take one bass a minimum of 20 inches in length per day in Lake Erie and its tributaries. Smallmouth bass are particularly abundant in the open waters of Lake Erie, as well as in Dunkirk and Buffalo Harbors. Fish are usually in 15- to 30-foot depths along rocky drop-offs. Bass in the two-to-five-pound range are abundant, with even larger fish not uncommon.
DOH Fish Consumption Advice
DEC regularly monitors fish from throughout the state for contaminants and, based on this monitoring, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) annually updates health advisories for people wishing to consume their catch. Anglers should be aware that due to high levels of mercury in large, predatory fish such as northern pike, walleye and bass, a special fish consumption advisory has been put in place for Catskill and Adirondack waters. For more information on fish consumption advisories refer to the Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide, the DOH website http//www.health.state.ny.us/environmental/outdoors/fish/fish.htm, or contact the DOH toll-free information line at               1-800-458-1158       .
Prevent the spread of Fish Diseases and Invasive Species
Anglers are reminded that due to the detection of a serious fish disease, Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS), new restrictions on use of bait fish and transportation of live fish have been enacted. With some specific exceptions, all live bait fish sold for use on New York State waters must be certified to be free of VHS and a number of other potentially serious fish diseases. This restriction does not apply to commercially packaged and preserved dead bait fish such as salted minnows. Personal collection and use of bait fish is permitted, but these bait fish may only be used on the water from which they were collected and may not be transported off the body of water. For more information on VHS and the actions the DEC has taken to prevent its spread, please go to: www.dec.ny.gov/animals/25328.html
To reduce the likelihood of spreading diseases and invasive species DEC is providing these important guidelines:
- Be certain that your boats, trailers and other fishing gear are not transporting “aquatic hitchikers.” Boaters and anglers are reminded that they are a common mechanism by which nuisance exotic species such as Eurasian water milfoil, didymo, zebra mussels and numerous undesirable fish species are spread in New York. Anglers should never dump unused bait into a body of water unless the bait was taken from that body of water. Boaters should make certain that their trailers, boat props and other locations where vegetation may cling are clean before leaving the water from which the “weeds” were collected. Livewells and bilges should also be drained prior to leaving a launch-site. Similarly, non-boating anglers should be certain that their waders and other fishing gear are free of mud, plants, fish or animals before leaving the water they have been fishing.
- Dry all fishing and boating equipment before using it in another body of water. Drying is the most effective “disinfection” mechanism and is least likely to damage sensitive equipment and clothing. All fishing and boating equipment, clothing and other gear should be dried completely before moving to another body of water. This may take a week or more depending upon the type of equipment, where it is stored and weather conditions. A basic rule of thumb is to allow at least 48 hours for drying most non-porous fishing and boating gear at relative humidity levels of 70% or less. Drying is not recommended for disinfecting absorbent items such as felt-soled waders.
- Disinfect all fishing and boating equipment if it cannot be dried before its use in another body of water. Disinfection recommendations vary depending upon the type of equipment and disease of concern. Be particularly aware of bilge areas, livewells and baitwells in boats. These areas are difficult to dry and can harbor invasive species. Effective disinfection techniques include the following:
Hot Water: Soak equipment in water kept above 140°F (hotter than most tap water) for 1 minute or in water at least 100 F for 20 minutes. Note that hot water can de-laminate Gore-Tex® fabric and damage other sensitive clothing items. Personal steamers also can be used to disinfect equipment following the same guidelines above. Commercial hot water car washes are effective for disinfecting boats and vehicles.
Bleach: Soak or spray equipment for at least 1 minute with 2 percent bleach solution (13 oz. of household bleach with water added to make 5 gallons). Note that bleach is an extremely effective disinfection agent, but it is a caustic substance that can be corrosive to aluminum and other sensitive fishing and boating equipment.
Cleaning Agents: Detergents specifically produced for the cleaning and disinfection of fishing and boating equipment are not readily available in this country. Of the materials traditionally used to disinfect for human or animal health purposes, quaternary ammonium compounds have been found to be most effective in controlling fish viruses and pathogens. Commercial formulations, such as Parvasol® and Kennelsol®, are available through laboratory or veterinary supply companies. Household cleansers and disinfectants, such as Formula 409® and Fantastic® that contain the quaternary ammonium compound alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, also can be used to disinfect equipment. These solutions can be used full strength as a spray or as a 1:2 dilution with water for soaking. For all materials, follow label instructions and be sure to soak equipment for a minimum of 10 minutes. Absorbent equipment should be soaked, not sprayed. Felt-soled waders should be soaked for at least 40 minutes. Be sure to dispose of materials away from surface waters in accordance with label restrictions.
Special Note to Wading Anglers: Felt-soled waders and wading shoes have been identified as ways in which whirling-disease spores and didymo can be transported, and they are difficult to disinfect. Rubber and/or studded soles are readily available now, provide similar traction and are much less likely to transport these invasives.
For more information on invasive species, anglers and boaters are encouraged to refer to:
www.ProtectYourWaters.net
Other ways anglers can protect New York’s natural resources and promote increased fishing opportunities include:
- Purchasing a Fishing License and Habitat/Access Stamp. Fishing licenses can be purchased online at www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6101.html or by calling 1-86-NY-DECALS. Fishing licenses can also be purchased from various sporting license outlets throughout the state, such as town and county clerks, some major discount stores, and many tackle and sporting goods stores. When purchasing a fishing license, anglers should also consider purchasing a Habitat/Access stamp. This $5 stamp will help support the Department’s efforts to conserve fish and wildlife habitat and increase public access for fish and wildlife related recreation. For information on the Habitat/Access Stamp program go to: www.dec.ny.gov/public/329.html.
- Being certain that they know the most current regulations for the waters they intend to fish. Restrictive fishing regulations are put in place to maintain or improve fishing opportunities, but can only work if they are followed. Numerous exceptions to the statewide regulations exist in each DEC region. Regulations may be found in the revised edition of the 2006-2008 Fishing Regulations Guide issued with your license, or from www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7917.html
- Releasing a trophy to fight again. Many of our fish species, including all of our pike species, can grow to world-record proportions in New York waters. However, this can only happen if anglers release the intermediate size fish that they catch. For many anglers a five- or 10-pound pike, muskellunge or tiger muskellunge represents the freshwater fish of a lifetime. These species can attain far larger sizes in our waters, but only if they are released. Given the ready availability of fiberglass mounts, there is no longer a need to harvest these future trophies. All one needs is a photo of the fish, along with a length and girth measurement for a taxidermist to produce a quality and longer lasting mount. The fish can then be released to grow even larger and provide the same thrill for another angler in the future.
- Using non-lead fishing sinkers. Anglers and New York fishing tackle retailers are reminded that the sale of small lead sinkers weighing ½ ounce or less is prohibited in New York State. Sale of jig heads, weighted flies, artificial lures or weighted line are not included in this prohibition. Although the law does not prohibit the use of lead sinkers of this size, anglers are encouraged to seek non-lead alternatives which are readily available in tackle stores. Ingestion of lead sinkers has been linked to the death of waterfowl and loons.
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New Hampshire Fish Consumption Guidelines Updated
April 30, 2008
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CONCORD, N.H. — State officials responsible for monitoring New Hampshire waterways and protecting public health released updated fish consumption advice that includes several new recommendations: Stocked (hatchery-grown) trout are exempt from the statewide advisory; perch are included with other species that have length restrictions regarding consumption; and four new waterbodies have specific advisories (Dubes Pond, Jackman Reservoir, Mascoma Lake and Tower Hill Pond).
Fish are a great source of low fat protein and other nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, but some fish contain mercury. Although mercury levels in fish are usually low, it’s good to follow some precautions to limit mercury exposure if you eat fish often. Infants and children are particularly sensitive to the effects of mercury since their nervous systems are still forming. That is why it is especially important for women who may become pregnant, infants and children to limit eating the fish that contain high levels of mercury.
The statewide mercury fish advisory recommends that women of childbearing age and children under age seven limit freshwater fish consumption to one meal per month, others can safely eat four meals per month. A meal equals 8 ounces of fish for adults and 4 ounces for children under age 7.
Changes in the updated freshwater fish consumption guidelines include:
- Stocked (hatchery-grown) trout contains relatively low levels of mercury. For hatchery-grown rainbow and brown trout, women of childbearing age and children can safely eat one meal per week, others can eat 6 meals per week. Lake trout and brook trout should be consumed at the rate of the statewide advisory.
 - When eating bass, pickerel, white perch or yellow perch, limit consumption to fish 12 inches or less in length while following the above guidelines.
 - Four additional New Hampshire waterbodies have specific advisories — Dubes Pond, Jackman Reservoir, Mascoma Lake and Tower Hill Pond.
“New Hampshire’s fish consumption guidelines are consistent with advice being given in other states throughout the country — eat fish, but choose wisely,” said Pamela Schnepper, Toxicologist with the DES Environmental Health Program. “New Hampshire waters offer a bounty of fish for people to eat. Our advisory serves to guide consumers about their choices.”
New Hampshire fish consumption guidelines are published on the DES website and in the N.H. Freshwater Fishing Digest, which is provided with each fishing license.
DES is currently revising the brochure “Is it safe to eat the fish we catch?” to reflect the updates; in the meantime, the updated advisory is available on a fact sheet at www.des.nh.gov/pdf/mercury_fish.pdf.
The updated Freshwater Fish Consumption Guidelines are as follows:
For all freshwater fish (except stocked trout), please follow these fish consumption guidelines provided by the N.H. Department of Environmental Services (DES):
- Pregnant and nursing women, and women who may get pregnant CAN SAFELY EAT one 8-ounce meal per month of freshwater fish.
 - Children under age 7 CAN SAFELY EAT one 4-ounce meal per month of freshwater fish.
 - All other adults and children age 7 and older CAN SAFELY EAT four 8- ounce meals per month of freshwater fish.
 - When eating bass, pickerel, white perch or yellow perch, limit consumption to fish 12 inches or less in length while following the above guidelines.
 - Stocked trout contains relatively low levels of mercury. For rainbow and brown trout women of childbearing age and children can safely eat one meal per week, others can eat 6 meals per week. Brook trout could be either stocked or from a reproducing population, therefore they should be consumed at the rate of the general statewide advisory.
 - Additional guidelines apply to freshwater fish taken from Ashuelot Pond in Washington, Crystal Lake in Gilmanton, Dubes Pond in Hookset, Jackman Reservoir in Hillsboro, May Pond in Washington, Mascoma Lake in Enfield and Lebanon, Tower Hill Pond in Candia, the Comerford and Moore Reservoirs on the Connecticut River. (Fish from these waterbodies in New Hampshire have been shown to have higher than average mercury concentrations; sensitive populations should not consume any fish, others may consume two meals per month.) Additional guidelines also apply to the Androscoggin River from Berlin to the Maine border, which is catch-and-release only.
Ocean fish and shellfish guidelines are also available; click here to view.
All dietary sources of fish-mercury should be considered together. For example, a pregnant woman may have one meal of freshwater fish, but is advised not to consume any additional mercury-containing freshwater or saltwater fish or shellfish that month.
To find more information regarding the health effects of mercury or details on waterbody-specific advisories, please call the DES Environmental Health Program at (603)Â 271-3994 or click to go to www.des.nh.gov/ARD/EHP/HRA/index.html.
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CONTACT:
Pam Schnepper, DES: (603)Â 271-3994
Jane Vachon, NHFG: (603)Â 271-3211
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