[bob wiltshire]

Hi,

Thanks for a great forum on which to discuss the problem of Aquatic Nuisance Species. This issue is not going away and we as anglers will see significant challenges in the coming years. We need to get ahead of the problem if we can. The Simms effort to eliminate felt is a good first step toward showing that we can look to better product design to help with the problem. However, this is just a first step and will not solve the problem by itself. Rather, we need to support all companies to search for better ways to make gear that helps to protect our waters.

Another important component of the effort is for each one of us to take personal responsibility for doing our best to avoid spreading invasive species. We need to acvocate a new ethic among all anglers that cleaning our gear is an automatic part of ever fishing trip.

i don’t find anything apart a pledge you sign. promising to clean all your fishing kit after every trip.

The Clean Angling Pledge http://www.cleanangling.org is designed to be a personal pledge that you will become a part of the community of anglers who recognize that it is up to us to take action to stop the spread.

This program is being widely adopted by agencies, companies, organizations and individuals. Anyone who is interested can also sign up to receive the Clean Angling News, a monthly electronic newsletter with information about invasives that is of interest to anglers.

Just out of curiosity, does anyone know what the lifetime of these spores/pathogens is in a dry environment?  How long would I have to dry my gear before moving to a different river to ensure that no viable spores/pathogens are transmitted?

This is a great question without a simple answer. The problem with drying is a lot like the problem of using chemicals as disinfectants. Each species is different and each has different requirements. These problem species can be plants, animals or microbes and each has unique characteristics. As an example, whirling disease spores are very tough and drying will have no impact on them. However, whirling disease TAMS are very susceptible to drying and completely drying your gear is all that is required.

At this time there are no blanket solutions to this problem. There is nothing we know of that is 100% effective for eliminating all invasive species. Therefore we all need to do the best we can to avoid any transport. That comes down to Inspect, Clean and dry after every trip. Dry your gear completely dry and you will do the most effective thing you can.

Another option is to freeze your gear in a large freezer as this will also kill most problem species.

Finally, if you routinely fish different waters on a regular basis, consider buying different waders for each water. I can hear the howls beginning already but, think about it, How many rods and reels do you have? Most of us have a variety of rods for different waters. Why wouldn’t we do the same to protect the waters we cherish.

At a minimum, think about using different boots if you travel to waters outside your home area. Many shops will rent you boots so think about leaving your boots home on your next traveling trip.

Bob Wiltshire

[Author]

Posts