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Zebra Mussels Found on Boat Destined for Deep Creek Lake
Department’s Launch Steward Program Successfully Interdicts Aquatic Invasive Species
For the second consecutive year, Deep Creek Lake State Park launch stewards successfully interdicted zebra mussels – an aquatic invasive species of shellfish – before they entered Deep Creek Lake in Garrett County.
On the evening of July 9, a launch steward was conducting a standard and voluntary inspection of an inboard ski boat when he came across what appeared to be a zebra mussel in a fragment of milfoil found in the boat’s intake system. Following the find, the steward informed the owners of the apparent presence of the invasive species and informed them to thoroughly clean their boat before it entered the lake, which the owners did.
The samples were later analyzed and examined by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, which confirmed the presence of zebra mussels. Read more…
Launch Steward Program Interdicts Zebra Mussels at Deep Creek Lake
Department Provides Tips to Prevent Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of zebra mussels, an invasive species of shellfish, attached to the propeller and outboard motor of a pontoon boat attempting to launch at Deep Creek Lake State Park. Launch stewards, conducting voluntary boat inspections, identified the mussels earlier this month on a vessel last used on the Monongahela River, where zebra mussels are established. The stewards were able to intercept the boat prior to launch, and removed all visible zebra mussels for examination and inspection. Read more…
Invasive Zebra Mussels Spread Downstream Toward Baltimore Harbor
DNR Calls on Public to Report Suspected Sightings
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently confirmed the presence of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymporha) in tributaries of the upper Western Shore near Middle River in Baltimore County. On August 17, 2015, a waterman alerted DNR Biologist Brenda Davis of small zebra mussels fouling their crab gear off the Gunpowder, Bush and Middle Rivers. The next day, DNR Fisheries Habitat and Ecosystem Program biologists found numerous mussels in aquatic vegetation while trawling Middle River.
More Zebra Mussels Found in Upper Chesapeake Bay
Zebra Mussels
DNR calls on boaters to help prevent further spread of this harmful invasive
As the weather warms and boating season begins, DNR reminds boaters to be on the lookout for zebra mussels and to take precautions to prevent their spread. Department biologists recently found a significant increase in this harmful invasive during their most recent zebra mussel monitoring effort in the upper Chesapeake Bay. Read more…
Blue Catfish Are Spreading Rapidly in Maryland Waters, as State Officials and the Fishing Community Work To Contain the Invasive Species
The invasive species is quickly becoming abundant in Maryland rivers
Blue catfish are big, fast predators that spread quickly and can tolerate salinity. Now in all Maryland’s major rivers, blue cats are preying on and outcompeting native fish. Photo by Winn Brewer, DNR
The first catch of the afternoon was a white catfish—saved by its wider head and a few less anal fin rays, and tossed back into the water.
The blue catfish came next—two in quick succession. “It only takes a few minutes for them to start biting,” said Capt. Marcus Wilson, whose Rock-N-Robin Charter Fishing, operated together with Capt. Robin Payne, runs blue catfishing trips on the Potomac River several months of the year.
It ended up being a slower day for the charter boat, but they often catch 50 blue catfish at a go. And with no catch limits, customers end up bringing home a lot of fish.
Anglers across the state are seeing more and more blue catfish, an invasive species that only reached Maryland waters in the 1990s and 2000s. Eric Packard, a recreational fisherman and a member of Maryland’s Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission, described it as “bizarre” how many blue catfish you can catch. Read more…
Maryland Offers Grants for Aquatic Invasive Species Removal
Department Providing up to $10,000 to Community Based Programs
Zebra mussels that were intercepted by the Deep Creek Lake Launch Steward Program. Photo by Julie Bortz, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announces a new grant program to aid in the removal of aquatic invasive species in Maryland waters.
The Invasive Species Control Proposal Solicitation is searching for community-based programs or individuals to help the department engage with the public and organizational partners in the control and removal efforts of invasive aquatic species in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Read more…
Department of Natural Resources Highlights Deep Creek Lake Partnerships; Announces $2.2 Million in Additional Funding
Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio Presents ‘State of the Lake’ Address
Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio discusses updates and issues related to Deep Creek Lake. Photo by Stephen Badger, Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio on Tuesday delivered a “State of the Lake” to homeowners, officials, and stakeholders with interest in Deep Creek Lake. The secretary also announced $2.2 million in additional funding for dredging as part of her presentation.
Speaking to the group at Garrett College, Secretary Riccio discussed the state’s long-term commitment to water monitoring at the lake, ongoing efforts to prevent and combat aquatic invasive species, and work to protect and expand the lake’s freshwater fisheries. Read more…
Deep Creek Lake Launch Stewards Prevent Aquatic Invasive Species
Boats with Zebra Mussels, Hydrilla Stopped Before Entering Water
Zebra mussel colony found on the underside of a pontoon boat at Deep Creek Lake.
Earlier this month, Deep Creek Lake Launch Stewards intercepted three boats carrying aquatic invasive species that were seeking to launch into the lake. While conducting vessel inspections, stewards noticed zebra mussels on two boats and hydrilla on a third.
The stewards informed the owners, who cooperatively agreed to properly clean and decontaminate their boats at local marinas, and be inspected again, before launching into the lake. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report: Nov. 28
Travis Long holds up a beautiful fall striped bass to prove there is still good times to be had out on the water. Photo courtesy of Travis Long
Cold winds are blowing and minds are beginning to drift from fishing, but there will still be days where the outdoors call us away from the holiday rush. For those times, there are plenty of good fishing opportunities to be found from the streams and lakes of western Maryland to the offshore waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Public-Private Partnership to Prevent Invasive Species at Deep Creek
Maryland Natural Resources, Deep Creek Watershed Foundation and Brookfield Renewable Partner
An initiative was announced today to assist with efforts in keeping the troublesome invasive species known as zebra mussels out of Deep Creek Lake.
The unique partnership between the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Deep Creek Watershed Foundation and Brookfield Renewable will bring forward a robust zebra mussel monitoring plan, which will utilize a combination of water quality sampling to assess zebra mussel suitability and visual surveys to look for the possible presence of zebra mussels at Deep Creek Lake. Read more…
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