Environment DEC
From the September 2008 issue
DEC Acts Aggressively to Halt Northern Snakehead in Catlin Creek
Implementing an aggressive protocol for responding to invasive species, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), treated Ridgebury Lake and Catlin Creek above County Route 6 in Wawayanda (Orange County) with an aquatic pesticide in August. This action was designed to eradicate an invasive fish called the northern snakehead, to protect clean water and to restore a healthy and productive fishery and natural community.
Native fish species are removed from the water prior to treatment with the aquatic pesticide. Special holding tanks were built to keep these fish until they could be safely released.
Special temporary emergency rules regarding the use of an aquatic pesticide, with Rotenone as the active ingredient, were enacted by DEC specifically to combat the northern snakehead. DEC notified shoreline landowners of a proposed action plan in July and followed up with additional information, including details on several changes made to the eradication plan based in part on public input.
DEC removed and held selected fish (other than snakeheads) from Ridgebury Lake prior to treatment and returned them afterward when the water was safe for the fish. Reintroduction of these fish helped accelerate natural restoration processes. DEC also provided technical support for developing and monitoring restoration of this fishery and will support additional restocking if necessary through a cooperative effort with the community.
Over 200 snakeheads were removed from the lake and creek including many juvenile fish indicating a breeding population
DEC verified the presence of northern snakehead (Channa argus) in these waters late in May 2008. It was decided that swift action to eradicate this invasive species and prevent any possible expansion beyond the headwaters of Catlin Creek was essential to protect native fish populations, natural communities and multiple clean water bodies, including the Wallkill and the Hudson River. A species native to Asia, the northern snakehead is an aggressive predator fish that has the potential for preying on and competing with native fishes throughout New York State.
