DNR Secretary Fox Annnounces Course of Action for Snakehead Fish
ANNAPOLIS, MD (Aug. 6, 2002) - Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary J. Charles Fox announced today that he has agreed with recommendations of the Maryland Scientific Snakehead Advisory Panel to eradicate the northern snakehead from a Crofton area pond using herbicide and piscicide.
“After considering the recommendations from the panel, we are ready to act using a two-step process to move forward in eradicating the northern snakehead from this pond,” Secretary Fox said. “I want to thank the panel once again for providing their time and expertise to efficiently make these recommendations. I feel confident that this is the most effective and efficient course of action.”
When the process begins, DNR Fisheries Service staff will apply the herbicides Diquat Dibromide and Glyphosate (also known as Rodeo) to the pond to eliminate aquatic vegetation. These chemicals are likely to cause oxygen levels to drop, and a subsequent fish kill is likely. The herbicides will be sprayed on and into the water from boats crewed by DNR Fisheries Service personnel.
Approximately one to two weeks after the application of the herbicides, the Fisheries Service staff will apply the piscicide Rotenone, to eliminate remaining fish. Dead fish will be removed daily, however, unpleasant odors from decaying organic material are expected. Like the herbicides, Rotenone will be sprayed on and into the water from boats crewed by DNR Fisheries Service personnel.
DNR Fisheries Service personnel and Maryland Natural Resources Police will continually monitor the site.
Water quality levels at the pond are expected to return to normal within weeks of the herbicide and piscicide applications.
The northern snakehead was discovered in the pond in May. Subsequent fish were found and positively identified as northern snakeheads.
For the complete report by the Maryland Snakehead Fish Scientific Advisory Panel, visit the DNR Web site link: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/irc/ssap_report.html. For more information about the northern snakehead’s presence in the pond, click on http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/snakeheadinfosheet.html
For more information about the chemicals, visit the EPA Web site at: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/
Posted August 07, 2002