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SCWA Chapter Local Volunteer Conservation |
This letter was written to the Aquatic Plant Management Council in regard to the introduction of grass carp to Lake Murray. On behalf of SCWA Board of Directors, Chapter Chairmen and Staff this letter represents SCWA’s opposition to the use of grass carp as a means of hydrilla control in the hopes that other options will be explored.
December 16, 2002
Mr. Steve De Kozlowski
Aquatic Plant Management Council
2221 Devine Street, Suite 222
Columbia, SC 29205
Dear Steve,
At the December 14 meeting of the South Carolina Waterfowl Association Board of Directors, the Board members voted unanimously to oppose the use of grass carp to control exotic and native vegetation in South Carolina. SCWA’s position statement is based on the following:
Grass carp pose a significant ecological threat to the waters of South Carolina. A prime example of the damage caused by these fish is evidenced in their elimination of aquatic vegetation on Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie over the past six years.
Grass carp provide an effective method for controlling hydrilla, however, the fish also consume all native submersed aquatic vegetation. There is no scientific evidence to demonstrate that grass carp can be used to control hydrilla without severely damaging or eliminating native submersed aquatic vegetation in South Carolina waters.
The environmental and ecological damage caused by grass carp amounts to millions of dollars each year on the Santee Cooper Lake system. The stocking of grass carp in Lake Murray or any other reservoir is sure to cause similar results. Grass carp in the Lake Murray system will migrate upstream and cause damage to native submersed aquatic vegetation in the creeks and rivers that feed Lake Murray.
Through the removal of submersed aquatic vegetation, grass carp degrade water quality by causing increased turbidity. The removal of native vegetation also destroys fisheries habitat and waterfowl habitat. These habitats do not recover until the carp die or are removed from the system. Ecological and economic damage from grass carp stockings in any South Carolina waters will last at least 15 years.
Based on these facts, SCWA believes that other methods of control should be considered when managing hydrilla. Other techniques include winter draw downs, aquatic herbicides and biological controls.
SCWA agrees that new techniques and technologies are needed to effectively manage nuisance aquatic vegetation. We would like to work with the Aquatic Plant Management Council to host an aquatic plant management c onference at our Wetland Wildlife Center. SCWA will donate the use of its facilities as a contribution to this effort. This conference would feature a review of existing technology with a focus on developing new technologies and solutions to managing nuisance non-native aquatic plants.
We look forward to working with you on this issue. SCWA’s Board of Directors request that the South Carolina Aquatic Plant Management Council eliminate its proposal to release grass carp in Lake Murray or in any other South Carolina reservoir or river. This letter is respectfully submitted on behalf of the South Carolina Waterfowl Association Board ofDirectors.
Sincerely,
David J. Wielicki
Executive Director
sg
cc: SCWA Board of Directors
SCWA Chapter Chairmen
SCWA Staff
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