The Spread And Continued Reproduction Of The Northern Snakehead

Now days times have changed. You can no longer enjoy the things you once could. It has become dangerous to waterski or to even enjoy a boat ride down the river due to the Asian carp. These fish are startled easily by boats, and small watercraft. They can jump ten to twelve feet out of the water causing damage to boats and injuring humans. I have heard of people getting cuts from the fins, black eyes, concussions, broken noses and jaws, and even knocked unconscious from this species of fish. Not only are these Asian Carp causing physical damage, they are wreaking havoc on the ecological system. The main concern from the Asian Carp is the dangerous effects that it is bringing to our ecosystem. As an avid fisherman, this is of great concern to me. This will not only affect me as a fisherman, but also possibly hunters, bird watchers, boaters, even jet skiers and water skiers are

Studies have repeatedly shown that as oxygen concentrations decrease, the abundance and diversity of fish decrease (Breitburg). Fish kills, in which large numbers of dead and dying fish float to the surface or wash onto shore, are probably the most dramatic and publicly visible manifestation of hypoxia and nutrient over-enrichment of coastal waters(Breitburg). In addition to mass mortalities that are easily observed, high mortality of fish lacking a swim bladder can occur leaving little or no visible evidence of fish at the surface or littering beaches (Breitburg). With no fish, shrimp, or crabs the Louisiana fishing market takes a huge hit that the economy feels in a major way. The gulf accounts for almost one-fifth of the countries fishing landings, which total to be three billion dollars (Petrolia). Fishing is not only a major part of Louisiana’s economy but also its culture. Without wildlife in our waters microorganism are given more opportunity to grow leading to bacteria infected waters. These bacteria infected waters could cause major health risks for those who come in contact with

An invasive species has entered Maryland’s waters and threatens to dramatically alter the balance of the aquatic ecosystem. The Northern Snakehead fish, native to Asia and Africa, is a voracious predator, competing with native fish at all stages of its life. The juveniles will consume zooplankton, insect larvae, small crustaceans and other fry fish. Adults eat fish, crustaceans, frogs, small reptiles and even birds and mammals. Snakeheads aggressively protect their young. They are also air-breathers which allow them to survive on land for as long as four days and migrate up to a quarter mile over land making control difficult. Snakeheads carry a disease, Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome, and there is concern this disease may be transmitted to native fish. The snakehead fish was probably intentionally released in the U.S. by aquarium owners and through the live food fish trade attempting to establish a local food source. To date, the snakehead fish is found in seven states with reproducing populations documented in Maryland and Florida. In Maryland, they have been captured in the Potomac River and tributaries. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Biological Resources Division of the U.S.G.S. are all involved in monitoring and eradicating the snakehead fish. Maryland anglers can help by learning to identify the snakehead fish and by removing it from the ecosystem. As further incentive, Maryland DNR has offered

The main intention of this experiment is to distinguish whether the chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) has effects on Atlantic Croaker fish. Samples from Atlantic Croaker were taken from both tributaries, one being a Bisphenol A (BPA) free tributary, and the other being filled with Bisphenol A (BPA). In which data was recorded, analyzed, and had astonishing results. The results displayed that when the female Atlantic Croaker hepatic system were exposed to high dosages of Bisphenol A they showed physical abnormalities

In Mount Judea, Arkansas, there lies a hog farm very close to the historic Buffalo River, known for its natural beauty and amazing sightseeing. On the contrast, immense amounts of green algae have been found in its water in the past few years. As a result, suspicions have been expected with the possibility of the hog manure ponds leaking into the Buffalo River. This is an enormous environmental problem, as endangering a natural, free-flowing river is constrained in any aspect. The Big Creek Research and Extension Team (BCRET) from the University of Arkansas have recently drilled deep into these manure ponds in search of a leak and have accomplished their goal. (TFW). Around 120 feet below, there lies a wet place of soil that could possibility be the cause of green algae found in the nearby river. Individuals notice how big of a problem this can become. Three women, in fact, have appealed to constrain the amount of manure spread in the nearby fields surrounding the Buffalo River. (TFW). People love to see natural beauty, which is what the Buffalo River provides. Instead, they have to burden with the fact of green algae. Green algae can affect a body of water in many ways, including the contamination of turning these

This analysis of case studies from Los Alamos National Laboratory, and the case study to predict the effects of pesticides on aquatic systems and the waterfowl that uses them. Comparing the two processes of these case studies, along with analysis of the assessments. Describing the case study on the effects of pesticides in aquatic ecosystem, the risk assessment correlated to observed field studies and evaluate the importance of this type of correlation in general for all risk assessment efforts. Breaking down the ecological and social

While the Animas disaster avoided immediate and catastrophic results, the ultimate ecological price tag will take longer to figure. The river moves so fast that it swept obvious toxins downstream quickly. Yet the long-term toxicity reached hundreds and, in some cases, thousands of times over what is considered safe for the life beneath the river’s surface. That price will be silently calculated over months and years—by the trout.

This situation may arise if humanity does not take steps to mend its polluting tendencies. To begin with, each individual should focus on decontaminating his or her nearest water body. For those living in Delaware, the nearest major water body is the Delaware River, which is in dire need of reform. “The Delaware River, . . . is the fifth most-polluted river in the country, according to a report released . . . by Environment New Jersey” (Augenstein). However, this issue did not arise spontaneously. A recognized problem by the early eighteenth century, Delaware River pollution remained a serious issue for the next 300 years. This mostly originated from rapid population growth and booming industrial activities (“Delaware River Water Quality”). As the years progressed, Delawareans continuously disregarded the Delaware River, and now it is immensely polluted due to an accumulation of neglect for the river. Residents polluted the river without repercussions until the river’s deterioration began to adversely affect them. Because of this, Delaware waters continued to befoul past the line of safety. “Severe pollution was most evident by the prevalence of waterborne illnesses and in the sharp decline of migratory fish populations” (“Delaware River Water Quality”). Delaware waterways are currently unsafe for commercial use due to the presence of pollutants and parasites like Giardia and Cryptosporidium in the water. These can cause significant health problems, especially in

Introduction: The Bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) in the family Salmonidae and are a char native to Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, Montana and western Canada. Compared to other salmonids, bull trout have more specific habitat requirements that appear to influence their distribution and abundance (USFWS, 2015). Bull trout were historically regarded as pests due to their voracious predatory behavior. It was thought that bull trout depleted populations of “more desirable” game fish by feeding on them when they were very small thus supposedly depleting the numbers. In fact at one point there was a bounty placed on bull trout tails in Canada to encourage fisherman to rid the waters of this “Bully,” which effectively eliminated them from certain watersheds (Donald, D. B., and D. J. Alger. 1993). At one time in the early 1900’s the Bull Trout thrived in the waterways of the Northwest. The Upper Snake Recovery Unit for the Bull trout occurs within central Idaho, northern Nevada, and eastern Oregon. Major drainages include: the Salmon River, Malheur River,

The Northern Snakehead, Channa argus, is a freshwater fish species native throughout eastern Asia but can be found worldwide due to incidental and purposeful introductions. In the United States there are many reports of several species of snakeheads that have been sold through aquarium trade in pet stores and purchased from live food fish trade (Maryland DNR, 2003). There are a total of four species of snakeheads that have been introduced in the United States: Northern snakehead (Channa argus), blotched snakehead (C. maculata), bullseye snakehead (C. marulius), and the giant snakehead (C. miicropeltes) and have though to been introduced through intentional releases from pet stores or accidental releases from the live fish trade (Maryland DNR,

The first of the possible solutions, rotenone poisoning, is considered the most effective and has already been used on one lake in the Teton. As stated earlier, the fish will be confined to certain spots of the lake where the poison would be administered, and the process should only take a couple days. The next solution would be to slowly kill off or take away the fish using various trapping methods and shock treatment. This is a much safer way of taking the fish away and restoring the natural characteristics of the wilderness, but it is a rather expensive, painstaking process. The last proposed idea is to simply let the fish be. After all, the Teton wilderness is known for its recreational fishing, and the lakes have a history of stocking that pre-dates the Wilderness Act. This would benefit the recreational purposes of the wilderness and continue to attract hundreds of visitors. Not to mention the revenue brought in from the commercial

In taking action, Organizations in the Saranac Lake area created the Invasive Prevention and Preparedness plan. This was a 116 page plan aimed at preventing various invasive species, including the Asian clam, from entering the lake. The plan detailed regional actions, enforcement of New York State prevention law and various efforts coordinated through the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program. The plan also went over watershed action. This meant active prevention at New York State DEC boat launch sites. Before the clam outbreak in Lake George, Inspection and decontamination sites in Saranac lake did not meet the Clean-Drain-Dry Standard. Upon seeing the harm the clams had on the quality of lake George, Saranac Lake took steps to increase the effectiveness of these boat launch

Another main challenge facing the Great Lakes is the threat of invasive species, specifically the Asian Carp. The Asian Carp is very dangerous to the great lakes if they were to invade the Great Lakes they would have the capability to knock out entire species of fish while having no real predators. The intrusion of this fish has the potential to ruin the lake's ecosystem altogether. Not only would it hurt the ecosystem immensely, but would drastically hurt the 7 billion dollar fishing industry in the United States. The Greats Lake Restoration Initiative has funded electronic barriers in places vulnerable to the Asian Carp, to keep the fish out of the Great Lakes. These barriers have been successful and have slowed the spread of Asian Carp in

The St. Johns River is suffering from a significant environmental disaster because of toxic substances from municipal and industrial wastewater, fertilizer runoff, failing septic tanks, and stormwater. Consequently, over 55% of the river miles, 80.4% of acres of large water bodies, 59.4 % of estuaries, and 31.4% of coastline miles do not meet water quality standards in Florida (Florida Department of Environmental Protection 119). For that matter, studying those pollution problems that the river faces is vital since one can use this information to salvage the natural resource which is at the brink of destruction.

In this case study practical a sample of 50 roach R. rutilus from a lake in Bumble Hole and Warrens Hall Nature reserve, in Springfield, Wolverhampton were used. The roach which may be found in the lower courses of the river, It tolerates organic pollution and is one of the last species to disappear in polluted waters, but is also often the most numerous cyprinid in nutrient-poor waters, is highly resistant to pollution, and adapts well to mediocre water qualities. Its total length is between 12 and 20 cm for weights between 100 and 200g with a few specimens have been known to reach 45cm with weights nearing 2.5 kg.