Nature Done Wright

Earlier this year, thanks to a Monday Morning Mystery photo by Walt Staab (above), I discovered that what folks thought were eels in Lake Appert were actually an invasive species called Oriental Weatherfish.

I contacted the state Department of Environmental Protection's Mark Boriek about addressing the problem. He writes:

Last week, I was in the area so I took a lap on the perimeter trail of Lake Appert.

I'm certain that we could not launch our big, heavy trailered electrofishing boat.

Even if we were able to launch it, the lake is too shallow for us to motor around. 

 From one of the towers, I saw a Great Blue Heron standing in the middle,………maybe 1.5' deep.

 Nearby, I saw the dorsal fin/upper body of a big carp above the water line.

 Backpack electrofishing wouldn't be any better. With the soft bottom we would sink in knee deep, or deeper.

 Your best bet is to trap them.

 And, with any method there's no way to get every last one out.

 As you know, herons eat them, as do fish, snapping turtles, etc. Trapping, at best, may reduce their numbers.

 (Thanks, Mark!)