Northern Snakehead - General Information - Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Summary

Dr. Joseph Love from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources discusses the northern snakehead, an invasive species first seen in Maryland in 2002. He explains the species' rapid spread across Maryland's waterways, its negative ecological impact, and the efforts to control its population. Snakeheads are predatory and can reduce fish populations, posing a threat to local fisheries. Dr. Love encourages anglers to help manage the species by reporting catches and harvesting the fish. He also emphasizes safety when handling them due to their sharp teeth and stresses that releasing live snakeheads into new waters is illegal.

Takeaways

• 😀 Northern Snakehead is an invasive species in Maryland, first observed in 2002.
• 😀 While often exaggerated by media, the species does have real ecological impacts.
• 😀 The snakehead has spread rapidly across various waterways, especially in the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay.
• 😀 Maryland biologists have conducted extensive research on the species and its effects on local ecosystems.
• 😀 The species can be found in every major tidal river in the Chesapeake Bay, and its spread is partly due to illegal introductions.
• 😀 Snakeheads are hardy and can thrive in both high-quality habitats and harsh environments.
• 😀 They are opportunistic feeders, consuming fish, amphibians, and even small mammals, including waterfowl.
• 😀 Snakeheads are known for their rapid growth, with some reaching over 20 lbs, much larger than native species like the largemouth bass.
• 😀 Despite their predatory nature, snakeheads do not cause massive extinctions, but they can reduce populations of popular game fish.
• 😀 Anglers are encouraged to target and harvest snakeheads to control their population, but live snakeheads cannot be transported or possessed.
• 😀 For safety, anglers should avoid handling snakeheads' sharp teeth and follow legal guidelines when releasing or harvesting them.

Q & A

What is the main concern regarding the northern snakehead in Maryland?

The northern snakehead is considered a threat due to its rapid spread across Maryland's waterways, its predatory behavior, and its negative impact on native fish species and ecosystems.

When were northern snakeheads first observed in Maryland waters?

Northern snakeheads were first observed in Maryland waters in 2002.

How did northern snakeheads spread to other areas of Maryland?

Northern snakeheads spread through natural dispersal and possibly illegal introductions, eventually reaching multiple river systems in Maryland, including the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay.

What are some of the key biological traits of northern snakeheads that contribute to their invasiveness?

Northern snakeheads reproduce rapidly, can spawn multiple times per year, and both parents guard the nest, which is uncommon in Maryland's native fish. Their offspring grow quickly, and adults can weigh up to 20 lbs.

How do northern snakeheads affect native fish populations?

As aggressive predators, northern snakeheads consume various fish species, including popular game fish, reducing the abundance of their prey and potentially impairing local fisheries.

What steps are being taken to control the spread of northern snakeheads?

State and federal agencies, including the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, are actively encouraging anglers to target and harvest snakeheads. Illegal transport or possession of live snakeheads is prohibited.

Why are snakeheads considered a problem for Maryland's aquatic ecosystems?

Snakeheads thrive in both high-quality and harsh environments, outcompeting native species for resources. Their predation, rapid growth, and reproductive success have led to concerns about long-term ecological damage.

How can anglers contribute to the fight against the northern snakehead invasion?

Anglers can help by reporting sightings and catches to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, participating in snakehead fishing, and adhering to regulations, such as killing any caught snakehead immediately.

What is the legal status of northern snakeheads in Maryland?

Northern snakeheads are classified as an invasive, nuisance, or injurious species. Possession or transport of live snakeheads is illegal in Maryland, and they must be killed immediately upon capture.

What makes northern snakeheads different from other sport fish in Maryland?

Northern snakeheads are more aggressive and prolific than most native fish, with the ability to spawn multiple times a year, grow larger, and survive in both freshwater and saltwater environments, unlike other species.