| HOW TO HELP STOP THE SPREAD OF FISH DISEASES |
THESE STEPS WILL HELP STOP THE SPREAD OF FISH DISEASES
1. Never transport fish from one body of water to another unless legally stocking fish from a certified disease-free hatchery.
2. Never release bait from one body of water to another.
3. Do not dispose of fish carcasses in any body of water.
4. Remove all mud, aquatic plants, and other matter from all gear, boats, motors, and trailers when leaving a body of water.
Viruses need moisture to survive. Dry your boat as best as possible before launching. If possible, let the boat sit on the trailer for up to one week before putting it in a new body of water.
Between water bodies, wash boat hulls, motors, and trailers, and drain water from bilges and live wells. Sanitize live wells where bait and fish had been kept. Use a mix of two tablespoons or one ounce of unscented bleach per gallon of water. Plug your live well and use bleach solution to fill it. Let the solution sit for at least two minutes before emptying tanks, and then rinse with fresh water. DO THIS AS FAR AWAY FROM ANY BODY OF WATER. BLEACH IS TOXIC TO FISH! Always make fresh solutions of water and bleach since they lose their potency when stored.
Inform your friends about the threat and what to do. Education is key.
Inform Fish and Wildlife of any unusual fish kills or obviously diseased fish you encounter.
OUR THANKS TO KEITH LOUGHLIN (F-05) LOCA FISHING CLUB COMMITTEE MEMBER FOR HIS HELP IN GATHERING THIS INFORMATION. |
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