American Experts Condemn Importation Of Bass

Taupo Times, Volume XIV, Issue 38, 18 May 1965, Page 2

American Experts Condemn

Importation Of Bass

[ "New Zealand has a fishery that is practically unique in the world. In my opinion it is one that should be vigorously safeguarded against 'contamination' with fish species other than trout." So says Robert C. Nord, survey director of the Upper Mississippi River Conservation Committee.

Mr Nord, along with other American experts, was writing to Tongariro and Lake Taupo Angling Club. "I think that the best argument I can offer against stocking bass is that in this country we spend so much money and effort in trying to reclaim

trout waters. It is diffi- ' cult to understand why anyone would want to jeopardise the superb trout fishery by introduction of a species that is almost certain to be harmful. "Even if the intentions are good to confine the bass to certain waters I have the apprehension that the

species would eventually get into good trout waters. Probable disadvantages seem to far outweigh the possible advantages." Dauren R. Donaldson, Professor of Fisheries, University of Washington College of Fisheries, says: "The question you raise as to whether I think large mouthed bass should be introduced to New Zealand waters presently stocked with rainbow and brown trout can be answered very simply . . . NO. Most fishermen do not realise that with the introduction of bass into water that is suitable for trout there will be a reduction of the trout catch by at least oneseventh. In our North-west States the major management problem is to remove bass, perch, sunfish and catfish that are by accident or by misguided intent released in our trout waters. The annual bill for such removal in the State of Washington is at least 100,000 dollars." Monte Richards, Area Fisheries Biologist, Dept. of Fish and Game, 518 Front Street, Idaho, State of Idaho, U.S.A. . " We have found it impossible to prevent unauthorised transfer of fish from one body of water to another. Unauthorised introduction of fish species into waters unsuitable for particular species is one of our major problems. _ It would appear from : the acreages in your letter that the possible damage to your exeellent trout fishery would far outweigh the possible benefits from the introduc-

tion of bass. I have consulted other fisheries. workers in this area and they concur in my opinion." Jack E. Heinphill, Regional Snper visor, Branch of Fisheries Management Serviee. "I have discussed the question concerning the advisability of the introduction of large-mouthed bass into N.Z. with my fishery associates, and all agree that New Zealand would be unhappy with the large-mouth-ed bass in years to come. "This is based almost entirely on the experience we have had in this country with the spread of various species by anglers or other unthinking individuals. "This would not be a danger if you did not have such ideal habitat for the production of trout — and yet these very ecological conditions are also ideally suited for largemouthed bass. "Should the bass be introduced and gain access into your better trout waters one course of events could be accurately predicted. First, for as long as five to 10 years, bass fishing would be exceptionally good. This would be followed by an almost complete disappearance of the native forage fishes. "With their demise, bass population would be reduced to a level that would be unacceptable to the angling public. At that time the total production of largemouth bass in the larger waters would probably fall to less than 10 pounds per surface acre. If you could harvest 50 per cent. of this population you would have no more than five pounds per acre remaining as a basic brood stock. "My opinion, for what it is worth, is that any individual who would introduce bass into some of the world's most classic trout waters would be doing a dis-service to New Zealand and to the sport and food fish resources of your nation. "In the States of Wash- ! ington, Oregon and Idaho, which eontain classical trout waters of somewhat less productivity than those in New Zealand, largemouth bass are considered a trash fish and elaborate and expensive rough fish eradication procedures are routinely applied for their control. People being what they are, it would be extremely naive to assume that the spread of a species by unauthorised stocking can be controlied by regulation."