OUTDOOR BRIEFS

UNWANTED GUESTS

NDOW targets aquatic species for removal

Visitors can often see a variety of wildlife in Nevada's warm springs, but not every species one sees in those springs is welcome there. In fact, many species don't belong in the springs at all. These are non-native aquatic species, and the Nevada Department of Wildlife is clearing out the unwanted visitors.

The removal of exotic aquatic animals from warm spring areas is part of the recovery plan for spring fish species. Exotic species end up in the warm springs because these waters are a favorite site for people to dump unwanted aquarium fish, or even rear them for sale.

Indiscriminate spawning is another competitive advantage that exotic species possess. Mollies and mosquito fish have the additional advantage of bearing live young, which start competing with native fishes right away. The convict cichlid is another aquarium fish whose males guard the nest, so that 100-200 eggs will hatch successfully without being preyed upon.

Other non-native fish species that have shown up in warm springs include largemouth bass and tilapia. Both of these are predators that feed on other fish and also consume the algae that feeds those fish. Bullfrogs are another aquatic species that have invaded Nevada's waters. These large frogs eat native fish, frogs, and even small land animals that wander into their aquatic territory. The bullfrog tadpoles feed voraciously on native fish eggs. Another big problem are crayfish.

STEP FORWARD

Commission votes to open Boulder Harbor

During its Nov. 21-22 meeting in Las Vegas, the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners voted to open Boulder Harbor -- the area formerly known as Lake Mead Marina -- to fishing. When the official process is complete, this regulatory change will allow anglers in boats to fish within the now-vacated harbor area.

"To become official, this regulatory change must be filed with the Nevada Secretary of State," explained Rob Buonamici, chief game warden for the Nevada Department of Wildlife. "Once the change is approved at that level, it will take effect."

Buonamici expects the next step in the process to take about 30 days. When that is done, the public will be notified, he said. Boaters also should remember to note and follow the regulations posted on buoys within the harbor, such as those designating no-wake areas and fishing closures in areas adjacent to the launch ramp, which is still in use. Boulder Harbor is located between the Pyramid Island causeway and the water treatment plant off of Lakeshore Drive.