The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (formerly VDGIF) is once again reminding anglers that the introduction of Alabama bass into our waterways represents a tremendous threat to largemouth and smallmouth bass fisheries throughout the state. Anglers are reminded that it is illegal to stock fish into a public body of water without an authorization from DWR. Furthermore, anyone with knowledge of intentional stockings of Alabama or spotted bass should contact DWR law enforcement by phone at 800-237-5712, or send an email to WildCrime@dgif.virginia.gov.
Anglers who suspect they have captured an Alabama bass should take a picture of the fish, clip off a thumbnail-sized portion of one of the pelvic fins, and store the fin clipping dry in an envelope. The pelvic fins are located at the bottom of the fish, just under the head. Anglers then should either contact DWR by phone at 804-367-1293 or send an email to fisheries@dwr.virginia.gov.
As evidence of the invasiveness posed by Alabama bass, consider that the relative abundance of largemouth bass in Lake Norman, NC, declined to less than 8 percent of their former abundance following introduction of the Alabama bass. Lakes with relatively clear water and limited vegetation, such as Smith Mountain, Lake Anna, South Holston Reservoir, and Lake Moomaw, are likely to also see declines if Alabama bass are introduced there.
Once established, Alabama bass populations often hybridize and increase to the point where stunting occurs, resulting in greater abundance of smaller bass. Fisheries are likely to shift from being dominated by 2-to-3-lb. largemouth or smallmouth bass to being dominated by 1-lb. Alabama bass...not a matter to be taken lightly.
No comments:
Post a Comment