The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has issued a warning to fishermen, urging them to take action against an invasive and predatory fish that has the potential to wreak havoc on local ecosystems. The culprit in question is the northern snakehead, a marine creature native to Asia that has been observed in US waters.
This creature, which can grow up to three feet in length, possesses the ability to venture onto land and survive for several days by breathing in air. Its distinctive python-like color pattern sets it apart from the similar-looking native bowfin. According to the MDC, these aggressive predators pose a significant threat by preying on native species and competing for vital resources.
Reports of snakehead sightings have been on the rise since 2019, with the most recent capture occurring on May 25 in Wappapello Lake Spillway in Wayne County by a Missouri fisherman. It is believed that these creatures have made their way to American shores through releases from aquariums and fish markets, as well as through illegal uses as bait or unintentional transport by anglers and boaters, as highlighted by the New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC).
The NYSDEC has warned that snakeheads have the capacity to decisively wipe out native fish species, posing a grave threat to the delicate balance of the ecosystem. A case in point is a recent incident where an angler, upon realizing that he had caught a snakehead, left the fish unattended on pavement for hours in the mistaken belief that it would perish. To his surprise, the creature remained alive and kicking.
In response to this growing concern, the MDC has advised fishermen to take measures to terminate these invasive creatures, such as killing the fish by severing the head, gutting it, or sealing it in a plastic bag to prevent it from returning to the water or migrating to a different waterbody. Meanwhile, the NYSDEC has confirmed the presence of two snakeheads in a pair of interconnected ponds in Queens, taking steps to ensure that the population remains contained.
It is important for individuals, particularly fishermen, to be ever vigilant and report any unusual sightings of these invasive creatures. The collective effort to address this issue will be pivotal in safeguarding the biodiversity of local ecosystems and preventing further harm from being inflicted by these destructive predators. The potential impact of these invasive sea creatures on the delicate ecological balance cannot be overstated, and it is incumbent upon all concerned parties to take proactive measures to address this pressing issue.