Vanessa Washington

Killer Snakehead Fish Returns

outdoorlife-editor — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:26:36 -0400

Last month, biologists were stunned by the discovery of several Asian snakehead fish in Meadow Lake in the borough of Queens. A total of five snakeheads were caught, including one 28 inches long, while the scientists conducted a routine sampling of the fish in the lake.

The Department of Environmental Conservation considers the northern snakehead fish to be a top predator. Known for its insatiable appetite and rows of sharp teeth, the native Asian fish can devour every fish in a pond or lake where it lives if left unchecked.

The Asian snakehead fish first sparked concern when they were discovered living in a Maryland pond in 2002. They are said to be able to breathe air and walk on land.

New York officials have said their first priority is to determine how severe the infestation is.

The appearance of the voracious fish comes just one month after the New York State Invasive Species task force released a report detailing the state's continuous battle against nonnative plant and animal species.

The lake will remain closed to fishing will biologists continue to trap the predator fish.

Shark Repellents: Minimizing the Great White Threat

outdoorlife-editor — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:26:36 -0400

In the wake of recent shark attacks in Florida, many Americans can't help but wonder when it will be safe to go back into the water.

Across the Atlantic, fearful South Africans express the same concerns. Last month, a medical student was eaten by a 16-foot great white off Cape Town.

Meanwhile, scientists have been working on developing tools aimed at deterring the monster predators, and subsequently reducing the risk of shark attacks. Among the new methods, electronic beach shields and chemical repellents show the most promise.

An electronic-shield system would function by creating a barrier of low-level underwater electric signals. Sharks, unlike humans and other marine creatures, are extremely sensitive to these electrical fields.

Chemical repellents use natural chemical signals to confuse sharks. According to researchers, the chemical signals would shift the animals from hunting mode to flight mode. In the event of an attack, a small amount of the chemical substance can clear an area of sharks for up to 15 minutes.

Ironically, the new repellent systems could also help save sharks from deadly encounters with commercial fishing vessels and shark nets.

New England Shellfish Areas to Reopen

outdoorlife-editor — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:26:36 -0400

More than two-thirds of the shellfish beds in Massachusetts were closed due to an outbreak of red tide in early May. Today state officials will reopen many of the region's shellfish beds, after being plagued by the worst outbreak the area has seen.

The openings signify that the toxic algae bloom has finally been swept out to sea in most areas. In an effort to keep people from eating infected clams, mussels, oysters, and scallops, state officials closed shellfish beds between Maine and Cape Cod until they could be certain the bloom had cleared up.

News of the reopenings could not come sooner for the hundreds of shellfishermen who were forced out of work due to the red tide outbreak. The shellfish industry, which earns much of its revenue from Cape Cod vacationers who pay big bucks for the region's soft-shell clams, lost an estimated $3 million a week due to the closings.

Although all the major shellfish beds are reopening, some restrictions still apply. Catching surf clams and whole scallops is off limits since these species take longer to purge the red tide toxin from their meat. Areas where mostly surf clams are caught will remain closed until the bloom moves further offshore.

Despite the inconveniences posed to fishermen, oyster, and clam farmers, the outbreak caused no health consequences among New England residents.

Fish Fight

outdoorlife-editor — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:26:36 -0400

What was supposed to be a Fourth of July weekend vacation quickly turned dangerous for 18-year-old Stephen Schultz of Marietta, Georgia when he went deep-sea fishing with his family off the coast of Panama.

The teen sustained several injuries when a 600-pound black marlin lunged forcefully toward his face.

Remarkably, Schultz's sister Allison caught the entire ordeal on tape. It is believed to be the first time that an event like this was ever captured on film.

Schultz had been wrestling with the fish for about 25 minutes before the terrifying turn of events. And then, within seconds, the giant fish leapt out of the water and toward the back of the boat. The marlin's bill crashed right into the left side of Schultz's face, immediately knocking him to the ground.

The teen lay in a pool of blood as the family and crew rushed to his aid. After a two-hour boat ride back to Panama, followed by an airplane ride, Schultz received medical attention at the National Hospital in Panama City. He suffers from four broken bones in his nose, as well as several deep cuts in his throat and mouth.

Despite the incident, Stephen, Allison, and their father Robert Schultz say they would go fishing again.

Aleutian Cackling Goose Population on the Rise

outdoorlife-editor — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:26:36 -0400

The Aleutian cackling goose population, which once dwindled, is now so numerous that the bird has been taken off the Oregon endangered species list.

With numbers soaring at more than 64,000 birds, the cackling goose population is considered fully recovered. The population reached a low of about 800 birds in the 1960's.

Last week, Gov. Ted Kulongoski signed a bill removing the bird from state protection.

Now, for the first time since 1982, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife intends to propose a full hunting season for the bird. The agency's decision couldn't come soon enough for many ranchers and farmers who watched for years as the pesky geese grazed on their fields; costing them thousands of dollars in damages done.

The rise in Aleutian cackling geese is attributed to hunting restrictions in California's Central Valley, and controlling foxes that prey on the birds' nesting grounds in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska.

Kulongoski's signature delists the bird for 180 days. The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission will act to finalize the change in August.

Mekong Giant Caught

outdoorlife-editor — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:26:36 -0400

Thai fisherman made history last month when they hauled in a record breaking 646-pound catfish from the region's Mekong River. The giant catfish is believed to be the world's largest freshwater fish ever caught.

Reaching nearly 9-feet-long, the Mekong giant catfish was landed in the northern Thailand village of Chiang Khong on May 1, 2005.

Department officials at Thai fisheries weighed the giant and confirmed that it was indeed the heaviest fish on record in the region. The region has seen its fair share of giant fish, however. The Mekong River is notorious for spawning more giant fish than any other river.

In 2003, the Mekong giant catfish was officially listed as endangered after studies showed its numbers had decreased by almost 80 percent in the last 13 years.

Fishermen attribute the species' decline largely to the environmental damage done to the fragile river habitat.

Commercial Fishermen Out of Work?

outdoorlife-editor — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:26:36 -0400

Hard times have befallen independent fisherman everywhere from Maine to Louisiana. Challenges to the industry such as foreign competition and the growth of aquaculture translate to a loss of business for those who earn their living from the sea.

A red tide outbreak has halted New England's seafood harvesting season. In Louisiana, banks are no longer accepting boats as sufficient loan collateral from shrimp harvesters and are demanding the deeds to their houses instead.

For many, the commercial fishing industry is no longer a source of steady income. It is no longer practical to invest thousands of dollars on a boat, licenses, and necessary equipment, only to work longer days for smaller catches and shrinking profits. Making matters worse, commercial fishermen must compete with the lower prices offered in frozen-seafood sections of local supermarkets.

Their fears are reflected in official reports: The US Labor Department predicts a steady decline in the number of commercial fishermen in America in the coming years.

The looming threat of the industry's eventual demise has prompted many fishermen and enthusiasts to take action. Margaret Curole, the wife of a Louisiana shrimper, is heading up an effort to unite independent fishermen from around the country and build a nationwide alliance in the form of an official organization.

Ms. Curole certainly embarks on a pioneering approach to combating the industry's challenges. If successful, this would mark the first time a national group like this has ever come together.

The goal is to promote American seafood as a high-quality product, much like organic meat and produce. Encouraging awareness among consumers may be just what the industry needs to create a specific market for American seafood.

Mississippi River Use Limited?

outdoorlife-editor — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:26:36 -0400

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants to tighten restrictions on use of an area of the upper Mississippi River. The plan is being designed to reduce human stress on the fragile river environment and improve wild habitats.

Boating, hunting, and camping restrictions will be placed along 261 miles of the river in an area that touches Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The $126 million plan would limit duck hunters to 25 shotgun s hells a day. The plan also includes charging a fee to camp on the river's small islands.

Officials agree that the tightened regulations represent the best way to protect the fragile environment that is home to about 1 million waterfowl and migratory birds. Many hunters vehemently disagree. More hunting-free zones along the river means less access to waterfowl hunters. Recent public hearings in Iowa and Wisconsin have been crowded with angry hunters who protest the idea of tightened restrictions.

The wildlife service plan is open for public comment until August 31, 2005.

End of Protection for Yellowstone Grizzlies?

outdoorlife-editor — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:26:36 -0400

Wildlife officials say they plan to propose ending protection offered for grizzly bears in Yellowstone National Park under the Endangered Species Act. For thirty years the bears have been listed as threatened in the region.

With the bear population on the rise, delisting is being considered.
Sufficient protections are provided for the bears and their habitat, says Chris Servheen, grizzly recovery coordinator with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The organization could make the proposal as early as next month, says Servheen.

Some proponents say that federal officials are too eager to end protection. Their concern is that the bears' habitat continues to be harmed by oil and gas development and the expansion of housing in rural areas.

Striking the grizzlies from the endangered list would not automatically put the bears at risk of being hunted. Rather, states would be responsible for protecting the bear population under their existing federally approved bear management policies.

For some who think the Yellowstone region's bear population has grown too large, their removal from federal protection could not come soon enough.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will make the final decision.