Invasive species: Life after Sebago
Copyright © 2003 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.
When I wrote about invasive species in this paper late last March, who could have predicted that only a few short months later we would be faced with illegally introduced pike in Sebago Lake. Now that the "Bucket Biologist's" have endangered such a highly visible body of water that is in addition, one of Maine's original landlocked salmon lakes, the DIF&W's previous strategy of passive resistance is no longer acceptable to the masses.
After sitting by idly while the upper Kennebec and other waters succumbed to this threat, the DIF&W has finally mobilized and taken some actions to confront the problem. We now have specially designed signs to denote S-13 (no length or creel limit on bass), pending legislation for more S-13 (Kennebec below Wyman, etc.), increased fines for stocking illegal species, notices in the Maine Sportsmen condemning these acts, and a major DIF&W presence at Sebago.
While I applaud these actions, I am concerned that we are still not doing enough. Specifically, I am concerned about the mixed message being sent by the DIF&W in regard to the management of Indian Pond and Great Pond. In the case of Indian Pond, while Moosehead Lake above and the Kennebec River and Dead River below have an S-13 designation (no size or bag limit on bass), Indian Pond (which is in fact the primary source of bass in the watershed) has a 12-inch minimum on bass.
As a result, while volunteers work diligently in a sincere attempt to "control" bass in the upper Kennebec River, IF&W manages the bass in Indian Pond as a game fish. Specifically, members of Trout Unlimited (Somerset and Kennebec Valley chapters) and other local anglers have taken it upon themselves to design signs informing anglers of the problem, survey the area for places to put the signs, and solicit permission from the various landowners to hang the signs.
When I contacted the DIF&W for an official position, and to see what if any plans they had to address this glaring inconsistency, I was told by Director of Fisheries John Boland that while I was within my rights to start a petition to make Indian Pond S-13, the department had no plans to change it. In defense of their position, Boland told me that there are some anglers who "enjoy angling for the bass" and some area guides who actually target them commercially.
A similar situation exists on Great Pond in Belgrade where there is a 2-fish, 24-inch minimum on pike. Likewise, this is another example of the DIF&W managing an illegally introduced species for the benefit of a group of anglers who happen to fish for them. In addition to being biologically unsound, this is politically dangerous as it sends a mixed message to those who may be considering stocking their favorite species into one of Maine's waters.
If we are ever going to get serious about stopping the rash of illegal stockings now endangering Maine's waters, we must start by refusing (either voluntarily or legislatively) to manage illegally introduced fish under any circumstances. This must include both Indian Pond and the Belgrade Lakes. Until then, we are just giving lip service while sending a dangerous mixed message to potential bucket biologists (i.e., that there are good and bad invasive species).
Next is that we must adopt a policy that requires the DIF&W to act immediately and aggressively when invasive species are encountered. This includes the immediate installation of mandatory regulations (S-13 is simply not enough), DIF&W sponsored electro-fishing to remove as many invasiveness as possible, and the temporary stoppage of all harvesting of the negatively effected game fish (the worse thing we can do is harvest a stressed population).
Going forward, the department must be held responsible for establishing an ongoing maintenance plan for the effected water that utilizes volunteer help and private donations where necessary. This should include regularly scheduled electro-fishing of key areas such as dam tailraces, spawning areas, etc. In addition, the department should work with local angling groups to help organize and support periodic tournaments designed to control the illegal population.
However, what I hear from the DIF&W today are terms like "It is hopeless", we don't have the resources," or worse "We will not throw our resources at a futile project." This is not about technology or resources, this about attitude. If the technology does not exist, you develop it. If the resources do not exist, you reallocate them (what could be more important?) or find them in volunteers such as students, special interest groups, etc.
With all that has happened in the past few years, anything less is simply not acceptable. If you agree with this position, I strongly encourage you to call, write or email the department and let them know your feelings.
In addition, consider throwing your support behind groups like Trout Unlimited and SAM that are leading the charge in this war to save Maine's salmonid fishing heritage. Accepting the status quo as the only alternative available makes us part of the problem.
Bob Mallard, owner of Kennebec River Outfitters on Route 201 in Madison, can be reached at (207) 474-2500 or www.kennebecriveroutfitters.com