Susquehanna River water quality study

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection released an all-new educational video about the ongoing water quality study on the Susquehanna River.

“This video illustrates the complexity and rigorous nature of a technical and time-consuming scientific study,” DEP Secretary Chris Abruzzo said. “With a renewed focus on public education, resources like this video are essential to teach Pennsylvanians about this important issue.”
 
Since beginning the study in 2012, DEP scientists and staff, in cooperation with other federal and state agency personnel, are conducting an analysis of the Susquehanna River’s water quality, water flow, sediment, pesticide and hormone levels, invertebrates and fish tissue.

The investigation was broadened in 2013 to include tributaries to the Susquehanna River and its West Branch, as well as the Juniata River. The study was also expanded to explore the cause of a number of issues affecting smallmouth bass in certain areas of the river.

In 2012, DEP staff spent 187 cumulative work days sampling on the river. In 2013, that number grew to 927 cumulative staff days. There were more than 2,600 water quality samples collected on the Susquehanna River by DEP staff in 2013.
 
Samples are being studied and analyzed by DEP’s Bureau of Laboratories, the U.S. Geological Survey and Central Michigan University.

DEP continues to work in partnership with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat and the Susquehanna River Basin commissions on portions of the study.

DEP staff is currently examining the samples collected in 2013 before the start of the 2014 sampling season. This summer marks the third year of the study, and a sampling plan is being developed in advance of the summer sampling season. Sampling efforts on the Susquehanna River will remain ample until DEP has collected enough data to draw conclusions about the overall health of the river and what, if any, action is needed.

DEP worked with Commonwealth Media Services to produce this video. It is the second in a new series of educational videos DEP is developing as part of its Public Participation and Education Initiative launched last fall.

For more information visit www.dep.state.pa.us and click the “Susquehanna River Study Update” button.

Great Lakes Ice Balls

Check out this video of ice balls forming in Lake Michigan. This is caused by wave action tossing ice chucks around on the shore until they get formed into these ice balls. In effect, the lakes makes its own snowballs.

This isn't an unusual occurrence, but experts say the right conditions are needed, like cold weather and water. :)  By any measure, it's one of those cool things that you happen upon every so often.

New Citizen Science Website

EPA Launches New Citizen Science Website

Resources Available to Conduct Scientific Investigations in Communities

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has revamped its Citizen Science website to provide new resources and success stories to assist the public in conducting scientific research and collecting data to better understand their local environment and address issues of concern. The website can be found at www.epa.gov/region2/citizenscience.

“Citizen Science is an increasingly important part of EPA’s commitment to using sound science and technology to protect people’s health and safeguard the environment,” said Judith A. Enck, EPA Regional Administrator. “The EPA encourages the public to use the new website as a tool in furthering their scientific investigations and developing solutions to pollution problems.”

 

The updated website now offers detailed information about air, water and soil monitoring, including recommended types of equipment and resources for conducting investigations. It also includes case studies and videotapes that showcase successful citizen science projects in New York and New Jersey, provides funding opportunities, quality assurance information and workshops and webinars.

The EPA Region 2 Citizen Science Program, which covers New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and eight federally recognized Indian Nations within New York State, welcomes the efforts of citizen scientists to better understand and protect the environment. By providing the tools to increase the quality of the data collected and assist in its interpretation, the EPA is helping the public achieve greater levels of environmental protection.

Visit http://www.epa.gov/region2/citizenscience today to explore the new Citizen Science website and sign up for our mailing list to receive regular updates on Citizen Science from EPA Region 2.

 

New York Proposes New Regulations to Prevent the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species

DEC Proposes Regulatory Changes to Prevent the Introduction of Aquatic Invasive Species at Boat Launches

 Public Comments Accepted Through February 24

 

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is proposing new regulations to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) at DEC boat launches, DEC Commissioner Joe Martens announced. The proposed regulatory changes require boaters to remove all visible plants and animals from boats, trailers and associated equipment and to drain boats before launching at or leaving a DEC boat launch and waterway access.

 

DEC will accept public comments on the proposal through February 24, 2014. The full text of the proposed regulation can be found on DEC's website at www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/propregulations.html.

 

"These proposed regulatory changes are the latest in a series of actions DEC has taken over the past few years to combat the spread of harmful invasive species, including the emerald ash borer," Commissioner Martens said. "Cooperation and assistance from the public is essential in order for these efforts to succeed. Boats, trailers and the equipment can spread aquatic invasive species from waterbody to waterbody and significantly harm recreational and commercial use of a waterbody while having a detrimental effect on native fish, wildlife and plants. This regulation is an important component of DEC's efforts to help ensure AIS-free waters remain free and additional AIS are not introduced to other waters.

 

"Boaters are advised to carefully check their boats, trailers and equipment for any plant or animal material that may be clinging to it and remove it if found. Nuisance Invasive Species Disposal Stations are provided at many DEC boat launches for this purpose. The boat should also be completely drained, including live wells, bait wells and bilge tanks, and dried before it is used in another waterbody.

 

Recommended drying times for each month of the year can be calculated at http://100thmeridian.org/emersion.asp. Additional information on aquatic invasive species and preventing their spread can be found on DEC's website.

 

Comments on the proposed regulations can be sent via e-mail to fishregs@gw.dec.state.ny.us, or mailed to Edward Woltmann, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Bureau of Fisheries, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4753. Hard copies of the full text may also be requested from Mr. Woltmann at the above address.

 

 

Schuylkill River Named Pennsylvania’s 2014 River of the Year

Once among Pennsylvania’s most heavily-polluted waterways, the Schuylkill River in southeastern Pennsylvania has undergone a dramatic recovery and has been voted the 2014 Pennsylvania River of the Year. 

Four other rivers were nominated finalists. They were: Kiskiminetas-Conemaugh rivers in the southwest; Ohio in the west; Brodhead Creek Watershed in the northeast; and the West Branch of the Susquehanna in the north central section of the state.

The general public was invited to vote online from Nov. 25 – Dec. 27, with a total of 5,527 votes being registered. Final tallies in voting overseen by the Pa. Organization of Watersheds and Rivers (POWR) showed the Schuylkill River receiving 43 percent; Kiski-Conemaugh Rivers, 21 percent; Ohio River, 12 percent; Brodhead Creek Watershed, 12 percent; and West Branch of the Susquehanna,12 percent.

“The number of waterways nominated, coupled with a vote tally that increases every year, showcases both the unique diversity of Pennsylvania’s rivers and the strong community allegiances that protect and enhance them,” said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Ellen Ferretti. “All five of these waterways have winning qualities that their supporters recognize and respect.”

The winning applicant in the competition, Schuylkill River Greenway Association, will receive a $10,000 Leadership Grant to help fund River of the Year activities. The association manages the Schuylkill River National and State Heritage Area.

"We are elated to have the Schuylkill be selected as Pennsylvania River of the Year for 2014,” said Schuylkill River Greenway Association Executive Director Kurt Zwikl.  “We are particularly pleased to be named because in last year's balloting we lost out by less than two hundred votes.

“We would like to thank the Schuylkill River Development Corp. and Montgomery County, who also nominated the Schuylkill and will partner with us in 2014 to bring some outstanding river programming to southeast Pennsylvania. It is a statewide honor to be chosen, and our thanks go out to all of the individuals and organizations that endorsed us and voted for the Schuylkill."

This is the second time the Schuylkill has been named River of the Year, having last received the distinction in 1999.

The organization plans to integrate the River of the Year message into its existing programs, including the Schuylkill River Sojourn; newer pedal/paddle events; and a bike tour series on the adjacent Schuylkill River Trail. Also, POWR and DCNR will work with the greenway association to create a free, commemorative poster celebrating the Schuylkill as the 2014 Pa. River of the Year.

The Schuylkill stretches 128 miles from Schuylkill County headwaters to its confluence with the Delaware River in Philadelphia. On the brink of becoming a wasteland, the river was targeted by the state in the Schuylkill River Project, beginning in 1945. The first major government-funded environmental cleanup saw millions of tons of coal culm dredged from the river.

In roughly half a century, one of the nation’s most polluted bodies of water has improved to a point where it now is a popular recreational destination for paddlers, trail users and anglers. The Schuylkill is a source of drinking water for 1.5 million people, and waterfront communities along its corridor now look to the river to bolster community revitalization efforts.

“POWR would like to commend everyone for their support for the nominated rivers, especially for the strong showing of support for the Schuylkill River,” said POWR Vice President Janet Sweeney.

“The River of the Year program is a wonderful opportunity to showcase all of the nominated rivers and the great work being done in Pennsylvania communities on these valuable resources. We are excited about this opportunity to promote the successes and challenges facing the Schuylkill River, as well as all of Pennsylvania's waterways."

POWR administers the River of the Year program with funding from DCNR. Presented annually since 1983, the 2013 designation was awarded to the Monongahela River in southwest Pennsylvania. Each year, finalists are determined based on each waterway’s conservation needs and successes, as well as celebration plans should the nominee be voted River of the Year.

Part of those plans include a River of the Year sojourn, which is just one of many paddling trips supported by DCNR and POWR each year. This water-based journey down the winning river will include canoeists, kayakers and others to raise awareness of the environmental, recreational, tourism and heritage values of rivers. For more information visit www.pawatersheds.org.  To learn more about the River of the Year program, the nominated waterways, and past winners visit www.pariveroftheyear.org.

Anglers can "Button Up" in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania anglers have long had to wear their fishing license on an outer garment while engaged in angling, also known as fishing. This changed on January 1, 2014 (not really)  thanks to an order from the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission.

The conspicuous display of permission from the commonwealth to engage in angling isn't eliminated. The new regulation allows for the purchase of a "fishing button" from the PA Fish & Boat Commission. So now you can wear the button instead of a license, but if you do, you still must have the actual license on your possession.

New York's Adventure License Links Fishing & Hunting License to Drivers License

New Yorkers who purchase lifetime fishing or hunting licenses will soon be able to voluntarily link those licenses to their drivers license. Under a plan scheduled to be released this week, in addition to sporting licenses, boater safety certificates, some state park passes will also have the option of being added to a drivers license.

This optional program, labeled the New York State Adventure License, will allow participants to carry only one document.

Recently NY announced the lowering of hunting and fishing license fees effective this February. See: http://crosscurrentfishing.blogspot.com/2013/10/new-york-to-decrease-sporting-license.html for more information on reduced license fee.

The High Price of Tuna

 "You have to wonder what the last fish is going to cost."

The Annual Bluefin Tuna Auction just took place at the Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo with the priciest fish commanding a nearly US$70,000 price tag for a 507 lb bluefin tuna. Though a steep price, it was substantially less that last years record setting $1.76 million.

These high prices don't necessarily reflect the quality of the fish nor do they reflect the actual market prices. Restauranteurs from Japan and Hong Kong bid one tuna to a high media grabbing publicity stunt of a price, reflecting the price of advertising more than tuna prices. This happens on the first auction of the year. It's more Japan vs China than an actual market driven auction.

80% of the worldwide consumption takes place in Japan though demand is increasing globally for these imperiled, considered endangered by many, pelagic fish. The International Scientific Committee for Tuna and Tuna-like Species in the North Pacific Ocean claim the bluefin tuna population is below 4% of its population.

According to Amanda Nickson, The Pew Environment Group's director for global tuna conservation, "Over 90 percent of bluefin tuna are caught before they reach reproductive age. You have to wonder if this remotely sustainable." Adding, "You have to wonder what the last fish is going to cost."

The high bidder at this first auction of the year gets more than an overpriced tuna for his bid. It comes with worldwide free advertising on every TV station, newspaper, magazine, website, and social media network that carries the story. Pretty cheap advertising when you consider it.

Other accounts of this high priced auction most often mention the restaurant's and owner's names. I deliberately left out that information. I don't see the need to further encourage the exploitation of a threatened and over-fished species. 

Kids Endangered Species Youth Art Contest!

Kids, Get Your Paintbrushes, Pens and Pencils Out for the Saving Endangered Species Youth Art Contest!

Parents, teachers and youth group leaders across America are invited to engage children in putting their creative skills to work in the 2014 Saving Endangered Species Youth Art Contest, an integral part of the ninth annual national Endangered Species Day celebration.

Organized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Endangered Species Coalition, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and International Child Art Foundation (ICAF), the contest engages school children in grades K through 12 in expressing their appreciation for our nation’s most imperiled wildlife, including their place in our native ecosystems. The contest also promotes national awareness of the importance of saving endangered species, and helps recognize conservation initiatives across the country.

ICAF will select 40 semifinalists from the thousands of entries expected. Contest winners will be chosen by a prestigious panel of artists, photographers and conservationists, including Wyland, renowned marine life artist; Jack Hanna, host of Jack Hanna's Into the Wild; David Littschwager, a freelance photographer and regular contributor to National Geographic Magazine; Susan Middletown, a photographer who has collaborated with Littschwager and whose own work has been published in four books; and Alice Tangerini, botanical illustrator for the Smithsonian Institution.

Along with direct action, it takes empathy and awareness to prevent the extinction of endangered species, and these are qualities the judges will look for in the winning submissions.

For more information, including entry categories, judging criteria, prizes and the entry form, visit www.endangeredspeciesday.org. Entries must be postmarked no later than March 15, 2014.

Endangered Species Day, which in 2014 will take place on May 16, was first proclaimed by the United States Congress in 2006. It is a celebration of the nation’s wildlife and wild places and is an opportunity for people to learn about the importance of protecting endangered species, as well as everyday actions they can take to help protect them.

Across the country, organizations hold special events to celebrate Endangered Species Day. Many of the Service's field and regional offices will be hosting such events in their communities and providing unique programs to visitors on endangered species conservation. For more information, visit www.fws.gov/endangered/ESDay/index.html.
  

New York DEC Rids Adirondack Pond of Non-Native Fish to Restore Native Brook Trout Fishery

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recently completed a major effort to eradicate non-native fish from Lower Sargent Pond in Hamilton County, DEC Regional Director Robert Stegemann announced today. The pond will be stocked with fish next year to reestablish the high quality, naturally reproducing native brook trout fishery that had existed there before its population was depleted due to the presence of the non-native fish.

"Native brook trout populations have been significantly reduced in the Adirondacks and other areas throughout the east, but we are committed to restoring these populations in local waters," said Director Stegemann. "This tremendous coordinated effort will ensure the continued existence of a natural aquatic community and provide a high quality wilderness fishing experience for anglers."

Providing a high quality wilderness fishing experience on Lower Sargent Pond promotes Governor Cuomo's NY Open for Hunting and Fishing Initiative, which has improved recreational activities for in-state and out-of-state sportsmen and sportswomen, and boosted tourism opportunities throughout the state. This initiative includes the streamlining of hunting and fishing licensing along with reduced license fees, improved access for fishing at various sites across the state and increased regional hunting and recreational opportunities.

The eradication of non-native fish, followed by restocking with native brook trout is a key component of DEC's Brook Trout Restoration Program. DEC is a partner in the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture (http://easternbrooktrout.org/), which is working to protect, restore and enhance brook trout populations and habitats across their native range.

For decades Lower Sargent Pond was considered a high quality fishery, which sustained natural reproducing brook trout population. It was one of the most popular fly-in fishing destinations in the Adirondacks, and many anglers would walk the two miles into the pond to fish for brook trout.

As the abundance of largemouth bass increased in the pond, the brook trout population severely declined. In 2012, no young brook trout were present; only large, older brook trout that had been hatched before the bass population had grown. The decline in the brook trout population was not due to overfishing. The primary causes were illegal fish stocking and use of bait fish.

The eradication of non-native fish from a water body is known as a "reclamation." The reclamation procedure is used to return the water to a historic natural aquatic community, provide higher quality fishing opportunities and, where possible, to reintroduce endangered fish species such as round whitefish.

The reclamation of the 131-acre Lower Sargent Pond is the largest reclamation in New York State in several decades. A considerable amount of resources and a extensive coordination were needed to complete the reclamation over a five-day period. The effort included the participation of dozens of DEC staff from various regions and programs, and assistance from the State Police Aviation Unit for helicopter transport of personnel, equipment and supplies. There were 37 trips by helicopter during the project, but many workers still had to walk two miles to and from the nearest road carrying equipment and supplies.

Non-native fish, such as bass, yellow perch and golden shiner, negatively impact the native fish communities and ecosystems of Adirondack waters. Non-native fish prey on the eggs and young of native fish. They out compete brook trout and other native fish by consuming large quantities of zooplankton (very small aquatic animals) and other prey food that the native fish feed upon.

It is illegal to move fish from one water body to another without a permit from DEC. The possession or use of fish as bait is prohibited in Lower Sargent Pond and many other trout ponds in the Adirondacks to prevent the introductions of non-native fishes.

Adirondack heritage strain Little Tupper brook trout will be stocked in the pond next year. It is projected that in the next three to five years, Lower Sargent Pond will once again be a high quality wilderness brook trout fishing destination.

Brook trout thrive on a diet of insects and other invertebrates, and grow to large size in ponds that do not have minnows as forage. The current state record brook trout is a 6 pound fish caught in an Adirondack wilderness pond that contains no other fish species. Minnows can become abundant in a pond or lake and compete with brook trout for food - decreasing the brook trout population.

More information on protection of native brook trout, impacts of non-native fish, rotenone and other topics can be found on the DEC Protecting Adirondack Fish web page.