08-16-2007, 06:10 PM
Georgia Fighting Satilla River Flatheads
Since completing the tagging portion of a flathead catfish control project in April, Georgia biologists have removed 2,572 flatheads from the Satilla River. In total, more than 15,218 pounds of the fish have been removed via electro-fishing. Flatheads were illegally introduced to the Satilla in the 1990s and the redbreast fishery declined rapidly as a result. The Satilla River Flathead Catfish Project team is actively searching for an effective method to either reduce the dominance or eliminate flatheads in the fishery.
Based on extensive preliminary research of similar U.S. studies concerning the restoration of native fish species, Georgia biologists determined that high exploitation of flatheads could provide an avenue for native fish recovery. So, following the March 2007 tagging study, on April 25, biologists began the process of removal by electro-fishing. The electro-fishing equipment generates a low frequency electrical current into the black Satilla waters, stunning the fish and causing their ascent to the surface. Biologists will continue to use this method of removal until a more effective method is determined.
Other methods currently being researched include the possible introduction of a triploid (3 chromosome) flatheads to limit reproduction or reduce the genetic fitness of the population. However, several years of genetic research are likely necessary to determine the safety and effectiveness of this method.
Flathead tagging efforts are ongoing and the state reminds anglers to mail in any recovered flathead catfish tags (bright orange) to the WRD Waycross office mailing address:
Georgia Department of Natural<br />
Resources, P.O.<br />
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.
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 call 1-800-241-4113.
For more information, visit www.gofishgeorgia.com (select "Fishing" then "Satilla River Flathead Catfish Project") or contact the nearest WRD Fisheries Management office.
Since completing the tagging portion of a flathead catfish control project in April, Georgia biologists have removed 2,572 flatheads from the Satilla River. In total, more than 15,218 pounds of the fish have been removed via electro-fishing. Flatheads were illegally introduced to the Satilla in the 1990s and the redbreast fishery declined rapidly as a result. The Satilla River Flathead Catfish Project team is actively searching for an effective method to either reduce the dominance or eliminate flatheads in the fishery.
Based on extensive preliminary research of similar U.S. studies concerning the restoration of native fish species, Georgia biologists determined that high exploitation of flatheads could provide an avenue for native fish recovery. So, following the March 2007 tagging study, on April 25, biologists began the process of removal by electro-fishing. The electro-fishing equipment generates a low frequency electrical current into the black Satilla waters, stunning the fish and causing their ascent to the surface. Biologists will continue to use this method of removal until a more effective method is determined.
Other methods currently being researched include the possible introduction of a triploid (3 chromosome) flatheads to limit reproduction or reduce the genetic fitness of the population. However, several years of genetic research are likely necessary to determine the safety and effectiveness of this method.
Flathead tagging efforts are ongoing and the state reminds anglers to mail in any recovered flathead catfish tags (bright orange) to the WRD Waycross office mailing address:
Georgia Department of Natural<br />
Resources, P.O.<br />
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.
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 call 1-800-241-4113.
For more information, visit www.gofishgeorgia.com (select "Fishing" then "Satilla River Flathead Catfish Project") or contact the nearest WRD Fisheries Management office.