Maryland Snakehead Fish Scientific Advisory Panel Assembled, First Meeting Planned
ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 16, 2002) - Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary J. Charles Fox today announced the members of the Maryland Snakehead Fish Scientific Advisory Panel, and the date of their first meeting.
Chaired by Donald F. Boesch, President of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, the 13-member committee has been assembled to evaluate the risk and recommend management responses to the presence of the non-native northern snakehead fish, which was identified in a Crofton area pond in June. Secretary Fox assembled the panel after the presence of juvenile fish in the pond was confirmed last week. The panel will evaluate control and eradication options, and recommend actions related to the broader policy issues surrounding the introduction of non-native species.
“We appreciate the commitment these panel members have made to address the risks posed by the northern snakehead and to provide advice on broader, non-native species policy,” Secretary Fox said.
The first meeting will be Friday July 19 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the C-1 Conference Room in the Tawes State Office Building.
The committee members are:
Editor’s Note: Members of the media are invited to attend the panel meeting, however, no questions will be taken during the meeting. Members will be available for comment after the meeting.
- Dr. Walter Courtenay, biologist and snakehead specialist, U.S. Geological Survey
- Mary Fischbach, International Trade Specialist, U.S. Customs Service
- Dr. John Galvez, Project Leader, Maryland Fisheries Resource Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- Bill Goldsborough, Senior Scientist, Chesapeake Bay Foundation
- Jim Gracie, Chair, Maryland Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission
- Dr. Robert Hilderbrand, Research Assistant Professor, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Appalachian Laboratory
- Dr. Paul T. Jacobsen, environmental and ecological consultant, Langhei Ecology
- Catherine Martin, biologist, Delaware Department Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Division of Fish and Wildlife.
- Dr. Carys Mitchelmore, Assistant Professor, University of Maryland Chesapeake Biological Lab
- Dr. Dave Secor, biologist, University of Maryland Chesapeake Biological Lab
- Paul Shafland, director of the Non-Native Fish Research Laboratory, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- Dr. Robert S. Summers, Director, Water Management Administration Maryland Department of the Environment
DNR Officials identify source of snakehead fish
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 16, 2002