Amendment to List of Species Affected by the APHIS VHS Federal Order

On November 8, 2007, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) amended the list of species affected by the Federal Order on Viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS). The stakeholder announcement describing the changes to the list can be viewed at:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/

This is a direct link to the new list:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_dis_spec/aquaculture/downloads/vhs_fed_order.pdf

Common carp is not included on this amended list. But you can view the species that are. Be aware that species are being evaluated if they are susceptible to VHS.

Comments from Meeting about NC Wildlife Regulation Changes

On December 11, 2007, a meeting was held with two North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission biologists about proposing regulation changes on the wild harvest of common carp in North Carolina waters. Nine carp pond owners were in attendance representing 5 carp ponds. The discussion was initiated last year in response to Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia outbreak in the Great Lakes region. In the past, many common carp have been hauled from this region and stocked into North Carolina carp ponds. Carp pond owners realized the importance of stopping the spread of this disease into North Carolina. But, it also left them with a problem of where to go now to get fish. It was suggested to try to harvest in North Carolina where the fish would not have to be transported long distances as well as keep exotic diseases out.

Here are some of the highlights of the meeting:

Common carp is classified as a non-game fish. Regulations are a less stringent since it is not considered a game fish. If it is taken for some purpose other than bait, it is regulated by a special device license. Special devices vary by county. Time of harvest vary by county. Many of these regulations originate within the county, and some regulations are politically driven.

Carp pond owners want common carp greater than 15 lbs. Twenty years ago it was common to get 19-20 lb fish. Today they average 15 lbs. Haulers are traveling as far away as South Dakota to get fish. Many of these carp are seined with mile long seines.

In North Carolina, carp were once harvested from Alligator River and the Currituck Sound. Also, harvest was permitted using 12 foot hoop nets. Now, 6 foot hoop net is permitted. Twelve foot hoop nets would be desired to harvest common carp in local lakes (Catawba chain of lakes, Yadkin and Pee-Dee chain as well).

Some carp pond owners cull their fish. Some owners cull carp 12 lbs and under.

Protocol for regulation changes:

In January, public meetings are held by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. At these meetings, proposed regulation changes can be entered into public record. Recommended regulation changes can also be sent in writing to the Wildlife Commission. They must be submitted before July. An internal review is down from staff’s recommendation and public input. Biological and enforcement staff reviews the comments where regulations are pared down. The Commissioners take staff recommendations. In January when public hearings are held, people can submit comments about proposed regulation changes.

Please feel free to comment. If you know ANY history about the harvest of common carp in North Carolina, please comment. I will add and update this post as more information is gathered.

2007 Highlights

As we get to the end of the year, it's time to reflect on two big highlights that occurred in 2007. The first event was a personal accomplishment. As I get older, I feel like I have to prove myself (like most people). I am bigger, faster, stronger, smarter? ! Yea right! In order to memorialize my entry into another decade, I decided to challenge myself physically. The Assault on Mount Mitchell^tm is an annual bike ride from Spartanburg, SC to Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi River. The ride is ~100 miles. The first 72 miles which ends in Marion has 4,500 feet of climbing. The last 30 miles has 6,500 feet of climbing. Eleven thousand feet of climbing overall.

To get a number to the top is a challenge in itself. One thousand bike riders are permitted to ride to the top. You first have to ride The Assault on Marion/Mitchell^tm the prior year in order to get on the list of eligible riders to Mitchell. The Assault on Marion^tm occurs on the same day as the Assault on Mount Mitchell^tm. This ride ends in Marion. With only a limited number of tickets available, it is a crap shoot if you will get a rider number. I was lucky. I got a number.

After training and riding many miles in the Spring, I was ready for the ride on June 11, 2007. The 32nd Assault on Mount Mitchell^tm. I rode with others from Marion. We all finished. A lucky feat in itself since anything can happen that is beyond your control. I was lucky enough that I got some good advice from an Assault finisher a few days prior to the ride. Who knows maybe I will do it again in '08.

The 2nd highlight of '07, my five year old started kindergarten. He loves school. Eat, sleeps, and breathes it. He was ready for the challenge. I really only have positive things to say about the education he has received. He is reading simple books only after 12 weeks in kindergarten. I feel dumb. I hope the positive experience continues!

Pond Owners-Now is a good time to lime.

Lime is used to increase alkalinity. Common liming material is calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) or agricultural limestone. Other liming materials include calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂)--hydrated lime, slaked lime, builder's lime--and calcium oxide (CaO)--burnt lime, unslaked lime, quick lime. Calcium hydroxide and calcium oxide are not recommended unless you are applying to an empty fish pond because they can drastically change pH. They are also highly caustic which makes them dangerous to handle. You can purchase lime either in bulk which is cheaper or bagged which is easier to handle especially for small ponds.

Alkalinity can be checked with the water test kit, but a soil sample must be taken to determine the amount of lime to be added to your pond to increase the alkalinity. Approximately 10 samples should be taken from around, the pond. To collect soil from the deep areas, use a long pole with a can attached. Mix the samples in a 5-gallon bucket. Allow the sample to dry. Soil samples are sent to NCDA Soil Testing Lab for analysis. Make sure you identify the sample as a pond sample. You can get packing and shipping materials from your local NC Cooperative Extension office. Make sure that you follow the directions for packing, or your sample may not be analyzed.

You can also determine the lime requirement by using the same application rate that people are using for crops in your area. If the rate is correct, the total alkalinity should be above 20 mg/l after 3 to 4 weeks. If not, apply more and check again in 3 to 4 weeks. For a general recommendation, ponds seldom need less than 2 tons/acre and it is not uncommon to apply 5 tons/acre. Check alkalinity in 3 to 4 weeks. If low, apply again.

Typically, lime can be added any time of year, but it is usually added in the late fall and winter to allow the lime time to react with the soil and water before spring. You need to remember that you are treating the pond bottom as well as the water so when applying the lime should be applied over the whole pond as much as possible. Lime can be applied from a boat or a platform attached to a boat, for large applications.

Discussion about NC Wildlife Resources Regulation Changes

I have invited two North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission biologists for a meeting on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 from 6-9pm in Statesville at the Iredell County Cooperative Extension Service office (444 Bristol Drive). This will give carp pond owners the opportunity to discuss your needs and desires with them. This will also provide us with the proper procedures for requesting a regulation change.

In addition to this important discussion, a carp pond owner will give his personal experience on water quality highlighting salting and liming your carp pond. Hope to see you there!

North Carolina Drought Information

I just became aware of a website with North Carolina drought information.

http://www.ncdrought.org

It is filled with information about current drought conditions. But more importantly, it contains information about water conservation tips:

http://www.p2pays.org/water/TopTen.asp

We all need to do our part in order to save this economically and environmentally important resource.

Some tips that I follow:

Tip #1: Use indoor water wisely...Turn off water while lathering, shampooing, shaving and brushing your teeth. (I have started practicing this. Not as much an inconvenience as you might think).

Tip #2: Use dry cleanup methods...Use a broom instead of a hose to wash away debris on your sidewalks and driveways. (I have always done this. Much easier to grab a broom than a hose).

Stocking Best Management Practices

It’s that time of year when many carp ponds are stocked with new fish. As of now, there are no new restrictions involving carp harvest and transport in the Great Lakes region. Even so, fish haulers and pond owners need to exercise caution when transporting and stocking fish from any region. Here are a few best management practices when stocking fish.

Transporting Fish

Ensure fish supply is disease free. No known disease problems in water source. Especially exotic diseases.

Disinfect the transport vehicle before loading stock.

Handle fish with care. Fish can be scraped and bruised. Fish can lose scales. Rough handling can cause fish to lose protective slime coat (their defense against disease). Loss of scales and open wounds is also an opening for infection.

Move fish during cooler parts of the day.

Avoid delays.

Have all required permits or licenses in order. Carry in truck in case of inspection.

Check with proper regulatory authorities for current information on laws and regulations on transporting live fish before doing interstate business.

Disinfect the transport vehicle after unloading stock.

The goal is to provide healthy fish that survive after stocking. Another goal is to stop the spread of exotic diseases.

Stocking Fish

Know your supplier.

Know where your supplier is getting your fish stock. Is it known to have disease problems? It is best to avoid disease introductions.

Handle fish with care. Do not overload dip nets. Fish can be scraped and bruised. Fish can lose scales. Rough handling can cause fish to lose protective slime coat (their defense against disease). Loss of scales and open wounds is also an opening for infection.

Handle fish during cooler parts of the day.

Temper/acclimate fish to receiving pond water temperature. For every 10 F change in temperature, temper fish for 20 minutes.

Minimize the amount of time fish spend out of water.

If possible, isolate the new stock from existing stock. Many pond owners will be unable to do this. However this would be the ideal situation. After observing fish for a period of time, stock new fish with existing fish.

If isolating new stock is not possible, it is best to avoid disease introductions.

Where was the hauler before it came to your pond? Are you the first, second, or third stop?

Good Fish Husbandry

Maintain good water quality. Maintain adequate oxygen. Lime, and salt when needed.

Avoid overstocking.

Introduction to Fish, Fitness, Family

Blogs are everywhere! It is a technology that allows information to be published more timely. When I find new information that may be useful to you, I can publish it on the blog immediately.

With newsletters, I often wait for a few articles of interest before I publish the newsletter. The newsletter will still be published for now as needed. I understand that not all people are as wired as others. But more and more we are headed that way. I did not want to be left behind. I did not want you to be left behind.

Also as budgets get tightened, mailings may be limited. To access this blog will be free as long as you have internet access. If you don't have internet access, public libraries do. Maybe you can even ask a family member or neighbor.

In addition to work-related fish blogs, I will add a little more personal blogs about my life (family) and lifestyle (fitness). You will find I enjoy riding my bike as much as I did when I was a little girl. I also will share family stories to keep my family and others who are interested informed. I love my life and don't mind sharing a little bit.

So here's to blogging! A new venture for both of us!!