Thread Rating:
  • 0 Vote(s) - 0 Average
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Foreign Fish Found In Maine Lake
#1
Foreign Fish Found In Maine Lake

SEBAGO LAKE, ME--The discovery of northern pike in Maine's second-largest lake has sparked concerns that the predatory fish could overwhelm native populations of salmon and trout.

State biologists failed to find additional pike last week as they used special equipment designed to stun fish and draw them into a buoy. The survey followed last week's discovery of a mature northern pike in Sebago Lake by two regional fisheries biologists.

State officials believe the fish was illegally stocked in Sebago Lake or its adjoining waterway. They say that based on limited sampling, the pike was most likely introduced fairly recently, and its numbers are still relatively small.

Northern pike, which are non-native to Maine, live in some ponds in the central part of the state but had never previously been found in Sebago or its connecting waters.

State biologists plan to continue sampling Sebago to get a better sense of the problem's scope. They also plan to print posters to alert anglers to the discovery of pike.

Officials are encouraging anyone who catches northern pike in Sebago Lake to kill the fish, keep it for later examination and then contact the state wildlife department. They're also asking anyone with information about who's responsible for the illegal stocking to contact the department immediately by calling (207) 287-6008.
[signature]
Reply


Forum Jump:


Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)