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The Great Lakes Fishery Commission today reported that abundances of destructive, invasive sea lampreys have been knocked down to a 30 year low in Lake Huron, a 20 year low in Lake Michigan, and to below the target level in Lake Ontario.
The commission also reported that although sea lampreys are above the target levels in Lakes Erie and Superior, the trends in both lakes follow a steady five-year decline. Sea lampreys are and always will be a constant battle in the Great Lakes and without lamprey control, the fishery would suffer significant ecological and economic harm.
The sea lamprey is one of the worst human-caused ecological disasters ever inflicted upon the Great Lakes. Sea lampreys invaded through shipping canals and, by 1939, were present throughout the system. They attach to Great Lakes fish with a tooth-filled, suction cup mouth and file a hole through the fishís scales and skin with a razor-sharp tongue. The average sea lamprey will kill up to 40 pounds (18 kg) of fish during its parasitic stage. Sea lampreys prefer trout, salmon, whitefish, and sturgeon, but they also attack smaller fish like walleye and perch.
Sea lamprey control consists of several techniques including lampricides, barriers, and traps. The commission also is experimenting with sex pheromones as a way to disrupt spawning behavior. For more information about sea lampreys and control, visit www.sealamprey.org/sealamp.
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SCHAUMBURG, IL -- The Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo featuring big name pro seminars and major tackle brand exhibits will be held Jan. 29-Feb. 1 at the Schaumburg Convention Center.
The seminar lineup includes Michael Iaconelli, Gerald "G-Man" Swindle, Jacob Powroznik, Derek Yamamoto, Tommy Skarlis, and Marianne Huskey. Numerous regional pros will also offer their expertise.
The show covers every fishing style and the pursuit of species ranging from bass to musky, salmon to trout, and panfish to pike.
The Expo packs more than 100,000 square feet of exhibits of fishing tackle, local retailers, custom rod and tackle builders, charter boat captains, fishing guides and fish camps from across North America.
The Boatyard brings displays and show deals from Lund, Crestliner, Ranger, Tuffy, Prince Craft, Sea Ark, Alumacraft, Bayliner, Avalon, Sun Tracker, Tahoe, Crest, Smokercraft and more.
The Expo features Shimano, Daiwa, Okuma, St. Croix, Temple Fork Outfitters, Gamma Fishing Line, Rapala, Plano, G. Loomis, Frabill, Ardent, Garmin, Eagle Claw, Seaguar Fishing Line, PowerPro, Raymarine, Livingston Lures, Stormr and Joe Bucher Outdoors, to highlight just a sampling.
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(Provided by Bass Pro Shops)
SPRINGFIELD, MO - Bass Pro Group announced today an agreement to acquire Fishing Holdings, LLC, a manufacturer of fishing boats that include Ranger Boats and the Stratos and Triton boat brands from Platinum Equity.
The agreement combines popular fishing boat brands that are recognized internationally. It also creates another connection between two industry leaders, Bass Pro Shops founder/CEO Johnny Morris and Ranger Boats founder Forrest Wood, who are dedicated fishermen, conservationists and entrepreneurs. Years ago the iconic outdoorsmen both began fishing on the White River and White River Chain of Lakes in the Ozarks and even fished together in the first National BASS Tournaments.
"This partnership brings added long-term stability for both companies and for the dealer networks that provide customers with quality boats at exceptional values," said Morris, who also is founder/CEO of Tracker Marine Group. "I've had the pleasure of knowing Forrest Wood many years, and I deeply respect him and his family that founded and built a solid performing business with excellent products."
Morris added that: "It's also important that our companies share comparable cultures and values and are dedicated to manufacturing quality products in the USA."
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(Provided by Minnesota DNR)
The Minnesota DNR will be using three zebra mussel-sniffing K-9 teams for the first time this year to help combat the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS).
Minnesota is the second state in the country to use trained dogs to prevent the spread of AIS. They will be used throughout the state during the open water season.
A video of the dogs is available here.
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(Provided by the U.S. Dept. Of Interior)
MILWAUKEE, WI Highlighting the reversal of decades of declining numbers, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced the results of a comprehensive national survey of outdoor recreation showing a significant increase in hunters and a double-digit increase in anglers over the past five years.
Seeing more people fishing, hunting, and getting outdoors is great news for Americas economy and conservation heritage, said Salazar. Outdoor recreation and tourism are huge economic engines for local communities and the country, so it is vital that we continue to support policies and investments that help Americans get outside, learn to fish, or go hunting. That is why, through President Obamas Americas Great Outdoors initiative, we have been focused on helping Americans rediscover the joys of casting a line, passing along family hunting traditions, and protecting the places they love.