VA Game Board to Propose Snakehead Fish Recommendations

At the August 22 meeting of the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) staff will make a recommendation that the Board include all snakehead fish species on its list of predatory and undesirable exotic species. Such a move would prohibit the importation, possession, cultivation, and sale of these animals without a special permit issued by the agency. After receiving staff recommendations, the Board will advance proposals for regulation changes to a public comment period and then take final action at its meeting on October 24, 2002.

Because of the detrimental impacts of some nonnative species to native fish and wildlife in Virginia, the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries maintains a list of wildlife that are prohibited in the state without special permits. The list includes a variety of fish, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mussels. State laws and regulations also prohibit the release of any native, naturalized or exotic animal into the wild. Even with these restrictions, VDGIF biologists have found piranhas, alligators, caimans, and other nonnative animals in the wild around the state. They speculate that most of these individuals were once pets and then released when owners could no longer care for them. Many of these species are able to survive in Virginia, potentially preying on and displacing native species, and upsetting natural ecosystems.

Snakehead fish have not been found in the waters of the Commonwealth. Department biologists sample streams, rivers and lakes across the state regularly as part of the agency's resource management programs. In light of recent attention on the snakehead, VDGIF officials are also concerned that anglers may mistake several native fish species for this non-native predator. The bowfin and American eel have several characteristics in common with snakeheads, including long dorsal fins on the tops of their bodies and elongated body shapes, making them susceptible to misidentification as snakeheads. VDGIF has received inquiries from anglers that, on further discussion, have hooked bowfin or other native fish.

While there are similarities in the appearances of all three species, VDGIF biologists note that there are key distinguishing differences. The Department is encouraging anglers to visit its web site (www.dgif.state.va.us) or one of its offices around the state to obtain a fact sheet illustrating these differences. Anglers who think they have caught a snakehead fish are asked not to release it, but to contact the nearest VDGIF office for a positive identification of the fish.

Posted: 8-16-2002