The Fish and Boat Commission Monday urged anglers at a popular Erie County fishing spot to help prevent the spread of the aquatic invasive species (AIS) commonly known as round goby.
Last week, the presence of round gobies was positively confirmed in Lake LeBoeuf in Waterford, Erie County, by a Department of Environmental Protection biologist.
“We are asking anglers at Lake LeBoeuf to do their part to protect our natural resources by following the law and not transporting round gobies from this or any other site,” said PFBC Executive Director John Arway. “Round gobies are an invasive species that can cause great harm to ecosystems. Unfortunately, we have confirmed their presence in Lake LeBoeuf.”
“Our goal is to prevent them from being introduced into other inland waters such as French Creek, which is partially fed by outflow from Lake LeBoeuf,” he added. “French Creek contains numerous threatened and endangered fish and freshwater mussel species and is one of the most ecologically diverse waterways in the Commonwealth. We want to do everything we can to protect it by preventing the spread of round goby.”
Round gobies are one of 10 non-native, invasive fish species that anglers are prohibited from possessing under fishing and boating regulations, and anglers who are found with live ones may be subject to penalties.
The PFBC, in cooperation with Pennsylvania Sea Grant, has posted signs at Lake LeBoeuf informing anglers of the restrictions on possessing and transporting aquatic invasive species, including live round gobies. Similar signs are already posted at other Erie County waters where aquatic invasive species are known to exist.
The Commission also encourages anglers to:
-- Check for and remove plants, mud, and aquatic life from fishing gear and boats before leaving any body of water;
-- Drain water from boat, live well, bilge, and bait bucket before transporting a boat;
-- Clean boat and gear with hot water or Dry everything for at least several days;
-- Do not move any plants or animals from one waterway to another; and
-- Do not use round gobies as bait.
To help stop the spread of the aquatic invasive species, anglers who catch round gobies at Lake LeBoeuf are asked to dispose of them in trash bins.
To help track the species elsewhere, anglers catching a round goby in Pennsylvania waters other than the Fairview gravel pit, Lake Erie or Lake LeBoeuf, are asked by the PFBC to immediately kill it, freeze it, and call the PFBC at 814-474-1515.
Individuals can also report the presence of aquatic invasive species through the PFBC website. This online reporting form also allows for pictures to be submitted.
Round gobies have large heads with frog-like raised eyes, mottled olive/brown body, fused pelvic fins, and a black spot on the rear of the first dorsal fin. Adults can grow up to 10 inches. Round gobies are known for their voracious eating habits, and are known to eat small darters, minnows, and fish eggs and fry as well as small mollusks.
There are concerns about these species spreading to other waterways within the Commonwealth, which could severely harm bottom-dwelling fish, including rare darter and minnow species populations, and have devastating effects on gamefish populations.
For more information, visit the round gobies webpage and the PFBC’s Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers Campaign webpage for tips on cleaning your gear.
