06-20-2013, 09:10 PM
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is asking anglers and boaters to help prevent the movement of Asian carp and other invasive species into West Virginia waters, according to WVDNR Director Frank Jezioro. Aquatic invasive species pose threats to important recreational species, recreational fishing and boating, and ultimately, the economic benefits these activities provide. In West Virginia, the economic impact of fishing alone represents more than $600 million to the state's economy creating more than 7,000 jobs statewide.
"To prevent the movement and invasion of Asian carp and other aquatic invasive species, we are asking anglers and boaters not to transfer any live fish or water between water bodies," said Chris O'Bara, DNR fisheries biologist. "We also ask them to properly clean and maintain all boats, live wells, and tackle after each boating or fishing trip."
Anglers are asked not to release unused bait into any water body at the end of a fishing trip. Bait that was collected from the water that they were fishing may be released back into that same water. Properly disposing of unused bait in the trash minimizes the movement of aquatic invasive species. These measures are especially important in the Ohio River where some species of Asian carp have been collected by Wildlife Resources Section biologists.
A second way to help prevent the spread of Asian carp and other aquatic invasive species is to learn about these organisms and how to distinguish these unwanted species from the state's native species. Anglers and all outdoor enthusiasts can learn more about aquatic invasive species at wvdnr.gov/Fishing/Invasive_Species.shtm. Anglers and boaters also can provide information on potential sightings of Asian carp and other aquatic invasive species at the website.
"To prevent the movement and invasion of Asian carp and other aquatic invasive species, we are asking anglers and boaters not to transfer any live fish or water between water bodies," said Chris O'Bara, DNR fisheries biologist. "We also ask them to properly clean and maintain all boats, live wells, and tackle after each boating or fishing trip."
Anglers are asked not to release unused bait into any water body at the end of a fishing trip. Bait that was collected from the water that they were fishing may be released back into that same water. Properly disposing of unused bait in the trash minimizes the movement of aquatic invasive species. These measures are especially important in the Ohio River where some species of Asian carp have been collected by Wildlife Resources Section biologists.
A second way to help prevent the spread of Asian carp and other aquatic invasive species is to learn about these organisms and how to distinguish these unwanted species from the state's native species. Anglers and all outdoor enthusiasts can learn more about aquatic invasive species at wvdnr.gov/Fishing/Invasive_Species.shtm. Anglers and boaters also can provide information on potential sightings of Asian carp and other aquatic invasive species at the website.