DNR Officials Identify Source of Snakehead Fish
ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 11, 2002) - Maryland Department of Natural Resources officials today announced how the non-native northern snakehead fish was introduced. An unnamed individual put two foot-long fish of unknown sex into the Crofton pond sometime in 2000.
Additional information about the individual is not being released. Maryland Natural Resources Police acted on a tip and received a confession from the individual, who expressed remorse. Charges cannot be filed against the individual, as the incident exceeds the two-year statute of limitations for prosecution.
“This situation again points out the responsibility we all share to refrain from purposeful release of fish to our waterways and to take great care to prevent even accidental introductions of non-native bait, plants or other species when we go fishing, boating, or otherwise venture into the natural environment,” said DNR Fisheries Service Director Eric C. Schwaab.
DNR officials discovered the presence of the species in May, after an angler caught a suspicious fish and provided a photo for identification. Since that time, the presence of additional northern snakeheads in the pond has been confirmed. Because of the predatory and non-native nature of this fish, the northern snakehead poses a potential risk of significantly disrupting the local aquatic ecosystem.
For actual photos and reporting information visit: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/fishingreport/snakehead.html
For the original annoucement visit: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/dnrnews/pressrelease2002/071002.html
For background information contact: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/
Posted July 11, 2002