Spread of the Exotic Zebra Mussel

Why is she blogging about zebra mussels? Zebra mussels are an invasive species. They were first detected in the Great Lakes in 1988, in Lake St. Clair, located between Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario. It is believed they were accidentally introduced into the lakes in the ballast water of ocean-going ships traversing the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Now to the point. Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) was first identified in the Great Lakes. VHS is a virus that has caused significant die-offs of different species of fish. I have heard it said that the spread of VHS might mimic that of the zebra mussel. I found this web site that follows the spread of the zebra mussel through the years. Take a look. Interesting.

United States Geological Survey Florida Integrated Science Center

Genetic Research by USGS on Great Lakes VHS Strain

Winton and co-authors Gael Kurath and William Batts recently authored a new USGS fact sheet that describes important genetic information about isolates of VHSV from Great Lakes region (see http://wfrc.usgs.gov/pubs/factsheetpdf/vhsfs2011108.pdf).Other strains of the VHS virus are found in continental Europe, North Pacific Ocean, North Atlantic Ocean, Baltic Sea and North Sea.

"This Great Lakes strain appears to have an exceptionally broad host range," said Winton. "Significant die-offs have occurred in muskellunge, freshwater drum, yellow perch, round goby, emerald shiners and gizzard shad."

Genetic research at the WFRC and by colleagues from Canada showed that this strain of the virus was probably introduced into the Great Lakes in the last 5 to 10 years, and that the fish die-offs occurring among different species and in different lakes should be considered as one large ongoing epidemic. The USGS genetic research also indicated that the Great Lakes' strain of the virus was not from Europe, where three other strains of the virus occur, but more likely had its origin among marine or estuarine fish of the Atlantic seaboard of North America. The strain is genetically most like samples of VHSV recovered during 2000-2004 from diseased fish in areas of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, Canada.

The Great Lakes' strain has now been isolated from more than 25 species of fish in Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, Saint Lawrence River and from inland lakes in New York, Michigan and Wisconsin. Experts fear the disease could potentially spread from the Great Lakes into new populations of native fish in the 31 states of the Mississippi River basin. Also, if VHS virus is introduced into the aquaculture industry, it could lead to trade restrictions as well as direct losses from the disease.

Tax Tips for Your 2007 Returns

I thought that it would be appropriate that my first blog for 2008 be a topic that we all love….TAXES! Annette Dunlap, MBA, with NC State University provided these tax tips for agricultural producers. Enjoy!

For explanations, or a more comprehensive list, contact your CPA or tax advisor, or check out the Internal Revenue Service’s web site (www.irs.gov), or the NC Department of Revenue web site (www.ncdor.com).

Optional Standard Mileage Rate. The rate is 48.5 cents per mile for 2007, and increases to 50.5 cents per mile in 2008. The rate for medical mileage is 20 cents per mile (up from 18 cents per mile in 2006), and the charitable mileage rate remains at 14 cents per mile, as it was in 2006.

Depreciation Methods. For property placed in service, farmers must use one of the following depreciation methods:

(1) The 150 percent declining balance method over the GDS (General Depreciation System) recovery period, switching to the straight line method when that method yields a greater deduction.

(2) The straight line method over the GDS recovery period.

(3) The 150 percent declining balance method over fixed ADS (Alternative Depreciation System) recovery periods, switching to the straight line method when that method provides a greater deduction.

(4) The straight line method over fixed ADS recovery periods.

Single-Purpose Agricultural Structures. The recovery period for single-purpose agricultural structures is 10 years. Greenhouses that have an area set aside for retail sale are considered multi-purpose agricultural structures.

Deductions for Meals. Beginning in 1998, 100 percent of the cost of business meals for employees is deductible if meals are at and for the convenience of the employer, no
longer limited to 50%.

Business Trip Expenses. Beginning January 1, 1994, business trip expenses for a taxpayers’ spouse, dependents or other individuals cannot be deducted unless those individuals are bona fide employees traveling with the taxpayer for a business purpose.

New Contribution Rules. Beginning in 2007, individuals who give separate cash contributions (gifts) of any amount are required to obtain a receipt from the organization receiving the donation. This documentation must be in writing and must be contained in the taxpayer’s file before the filing of 2007 tax returns.

Estimated Tax Payments. To avoid potential penalties, taxpayers with a 2007 adjusted gross income (AGI) of $150,000 or less should make estimated tax payments of withholdings equal to their 2006 taxes, or make prepayments equal to 90 percent of their 2006 taxes. If taxpayers’ 2007 AGI exceeded $150,000, they must pay a sum equal to 110 percent of their 2006 tax or 90 percent of their current year’s return. Similarly, if 2007 income is 40% higher than 2006, taxpayers must follow these estimated tax guidelines. Payments are due by March 1, 2008 with the tax return if no estimated tax payments were made for 2007.

Self-employed health insurance deduction. The deduction for health insurance expenses of self-employed individuals and their spouses and dependents is 100% in 2007.

Qualified long-term care insurance. (Self-employed) A qualified long-term care insurance contract will generally be treated as an accident and health insurance contract. The deduction for 100 percent of health insurance expenses of self-employed individuals applies to long-term care insurance premiums.

NORTH CAROLINA TAX CREDIT POINTERS

Property Taxes Paid on Farm Machinery. North Carolina allows a credit of up to $1,000 for the amount of property taxes paid on farm machinery by an individual farmer, general partners or an “S” corporation engaged in the business of farming. NOTE: These and other credits can be missed; however, they are now listed specifically in the North Carolina tax instruction booklet. Credits include: Gleaning credit, and a business credit to stimulate economic growth in tiered counties.

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.