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!