 |
|
KAMLOOPS
– The illegal introduction of yellow
perch, an invasive fish species in Thompson-Nicola Region watersheds, has
prompted the Ministry of Environment to close eight lakes in the area to
angling to protect valuable fisheries resources.
The
eight lakes containing stocks of yellow perch that are immediately off limits
to all angling are: Skmana, Little Skmana, Phillips, Fleming, Skimikin, Miller,
Nellie and Forest.
Yellow
perch are highly adaptive and females produce thousands of eggs for every inch
of total length. Biologists are concerned about the serious impact this species
may have on the region’s native wild fish populations and on fisheries
supported by annual stocking of trout.
The
vast majority of the spread of invasive species is the result of illegal
introductions by individuals attempting to create angling opportunities that
didn’t exist previously. Biologists are worried that the yellow perch will
degrade the region’s world-renowned recreational trout fishery valued at $250
million annually.
Fish
and Wildlife Branch biologists in the Thompson-Nicola Region intend to reverse
the current infestation rate of invasive species through a program consisting
of public education and awareness, eradication of invasive populations and
enforcement of regulations under the Wildlife Act that prohibit the transport
of live fish between water bodies. The lakes will be closed indefinitely while
a remediation plan is developed.
Where
there is evidence that invasive species were illegally introduced, officials
consider the closure of lakes as one of the key tools in dealing with the
problem because it removes the incentive for people to illegally move fish. In
addition, Fish and Wildlife Branch officials will be asking courts to impose
stiff penalties and that convicted offenders are made to pay for costly
mitigation programs in lakes where they have illegally introduced fish.
Environment Minister Barry Penner reminds the
public that it is illegal to transport live fish without prior approval of the
ministry and it is also illegal to use live fish as bait in any B.C. water.
Anyone who thinks they may have seen non-native fish being illegally introduced
into any of B.C.’s lakes and rivers should report the information through the
province’s wildlife infraction reporting hotline at 1 877 952-RAPP (7277), or
#7277 on the TELUS Mobility Network.
-30-
|
contact: |
Media Relations 250 953-4577 |
Small Lakes Biologist, Region #3 250 371-6200 |
|
|
||
|
For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
||
