Does anyone that knows think that introducing scuds/fresh water shrimp into a lake would/could do it harm?
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Does anyone that knows think that introducing scuds/fresh water shrimp into a lake would/could do it harm?
http://www.topix.com/forum/outdoors/...APASB6T5I5MVHO
http://www.flatheadlakers.org/HOTISSUE/fish_sum.htm
http://plankt.oxfordjournals.org/cgi...stract/21/1/51
Sounded like a great idea when it was tried here but didn't quite work as planned.
Phil,
Check out this site;http://business.virgin.net/british.classic/Scuds.html
Scroll down to "SCUD Fly Patterns"
Doug
I think the folks that introduced Zebra Mussels, Japanese Beetles and Grass Carp asked that same question once.Quote:
Originally Posted by ducksterman
:rolleyes:
I think the introduction of any foreign species into a body of water is not a good idea and may be illegal in your state.
AMEN, brother, AMEN!Quote:
Originally Posted by Bamboozle
"bucket biology" should be illegal too!
Contact these folks:
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/
You are paying for their biologists so ask them.
You can add Kudzu to the list! :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Bamboozle
In BC bucket biology is illegal. Also You cannot use scuds or any other aquatic creature for that matter, as bait. You cannot transport any bugs even for study without some kind of permit. No fish may be used as bait in freshwater. In my opinion,Quote:
Originally Posted by Normand
The bucket brigade needs stiffer jail terms that are enforced because so far nothing seems to deter these self appointed morons.
We even have a problem here in PA with invasive beetles in firewood. It is now illegal to bring firewood into State Parks and other areas from infested regions:
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/statepar...sadvisory.aspx
Do not under any circumstances change an ecosystem. It is a criminal act and could easily have grave consequences. Just look at the destruction of Yellowstone Lake and the native cut throat trout population by the jerks who introduced those lake trout.
Introducing a alien species into an environment almost never works as anticipated. Granted, given enough time, the ecosystem will usually adapt somewhat, but it is rarely ever really beneficial.
The one exception I can think of is the introduction of Striped Bass into large freshwater impoundments. It has been a resounding success, with little or no downside. They control shad without competing much with other species.
The introduction of Brown Trout threatened Brook and other species of trout until a balance was reached. The introduction of carp has been considered a nusiance, although they are fine game and table fish. They do modify the environment somewhat and make it hard on other fish, but again, a balance has been reached. Then there are Nutria, Zebra Mussels, Walking Catfish, Snakeheads, Big Head Carp, etc.....
On land, the introduction of Cottontail Rabbits were a threat to agriculture for many years, until a balance was reached. Then there is Kudzu, Japanses Beetles, Mimosa Trees, African (Killer) Honeybees, etc.....
In most places, it is illegal for an individual to introduce an alien species to public lands. In my state, it is a felony.
Are you sure there are no scuds already present? They are pretty wide-spread.
Den is right. Ecosystems have limited resources, to be shared by the various species, each with it's own niche. Introducing a new species upsets the entire system, from the smallest phytoplankton, to the largest predators. Even if there is an empty niche, there is usually a reason why it is not filled, and to try to do so usually results in taking resources away from other species already present. In time, a balance is usually reached, but the damage to the origiinal system is permanent, sometimes resulting in the extinction of some species.Quote:
Originally Posted by Den
Humans have never been very good at playing God. It almost always has unfortunate consequences. In this case, the old adage "If it aint broke, don't fix it." would seem to be the prudent course of action.
Gigmaster, I think that the Australians are still waiting for that magical "ecological balance" to appear regarding rabbits. Any of our good folks from Oz care to confirm or otherwise?
Ed
Thomas Austin's Legacy!Quote:
Originally Posted by EdD
I would've thought that with Australias large population of poisionous snakes, large carniverous lizards and mammals, the rabbit numbers would be kept down. I'd have thought that at least the dingos would be able to control them, much as coyotes do here in the US.
I guess that just shows that you can't keep a good rabbit down! The ecosystem will probably balance out eventually, but it will be changed forever. It's a shame, because Australia has some of the most unique biospheres on the planet.
The problem with trying to use biological agents, such as the Lepus Hemoragic Virus, is even more dangerous. There is always the chance that a virus will mutate and cross over to another species, maybe even humans, such as in the case of the Avian Flu, Ebola, and HIV. They all 3 started out as diseases effecting Birds and Simians, then mutated to where they could infect humans. It's what viruses do.
Anything you do to try and wipe out an alien species will most likely be as dangerous to the indigenous species as well. I guess what I'm trying to say is that you can't put the Genie back in the bottle once it's gotten out. That's why it's a bad idea to introduce an alien species into an environment.
I agree that bucket biology is bad. But also, there is a very strong likihood that if they aren't there now, they won't survive in the lake anyway. If the water chemistry is wrong, i.e. on the infertile side, scuds won't live there. Scuds live in alkaline waters.