I don’t live in this area…don’t know what it is…or was like….so I have no comment….with the exception that it amazes me in attitudes in differant parts of the country.
Quote:
Georgia DNR Launches Flathead Catfish Tagging Study
WAYCROSS, GA- Since the illegal introduction of the flathead catfish into the Satilla River in the 1990s, the once flourishing native redbreast sunfish and bullhead catfish species have experienced a significant decline.’ Given the predatory characteristics of the flatheads, if this non-native species continues to prosper, the reputation of the Satilla River as one of Georgia’s premier sunfish fisheries will certainly suffer.’ Concerned for the survival of native fish populations, the Georgia legislature recently funded three positions with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) dedicated to reducing the Satilla’s flathead catfish population and restoring the native redbreast sunfish population.“Our team is excited about the opportunity to restore the Satilla redbreast sunfish fishery back to its world-class status of the early 1990’s,” said WRD Fisheries Biologist, Tim Bonvechio, lead biologist of the flathead catfish study team.
As the first step in the effort to reduce the flathead population, WRD fisheries personnel tagged 471 flathead catfish in the Satilla River from March – April.’ Fish were collected using electrofishing methods and were tagged with a three-inch long bright orange anchor tag secured through the catfish’s muscle.’ This initial tagging study will aid biologists in obtaining important baseline information such as movement, growth, population size and total mortality.’ Such data will help WRD personnel monitor and determine the effectiveness of flathead removals.
Any angler who catches a tagged fish is asked to please mail the bright orange tag to the WRD Waycross office mailing address:’ Georgia Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 2089, Waycross, GA, 31502-2089.’ Anglers should include their name, address, phone number(s), the date of catch, the catch location (GPS coordinates if available, local landmarks, etc.), the length and weight of the fish and whether the fish was harvested or released (preferably harvested).’ Tags may also be hand-delivered to the Waycross Fisheries Office located at 108 Darling Avenue, Waycross, GA, 31502.
Similar studies conducted in other U.S. states indicate that high exploitation of flathead catfish using electrofishing methods may provide an avenue for the recovery of native fish populations.’ The recent tagging study will serve as research to help identify effective long-term methods of population control, including direct removal.
While several other factors control redbreast sunfish and other native fish abundances (i.e. water levels), the direct predation by flathead catfish could have devastating effects on native fish populations in the Satilla.’ Data trends indicate that where flathead catfish abundance is high, such as in the lower Satilla, redbreast sunfish abundance is low. The Satilla Riverkeeper and Georgia Wildlife Federation organizations have been instrumental in the development of this project and continue to work closely with WRD on this issue.’ This public-private team expects great success in the coming years as a result of this effort, including rebounds of redbreast sunfish and numerous other native species.
Unauthorized release of flathead catfish or any other fish species into public waters is illegal in the state of Georgia.’ Violators can be prosecuted.’ Exotic species can and often do have severe negative impacts on native fish.’ Those knowledgeable of illegal fish stocking are asked to please report the violations to any local WRD Fisheries Management office or contact (770) 918-6406.