The introduction of Muskellunge, a large predatory fish, most commonly found in large lakes and commercial waterways in the northern United States has had a devastating impact on the smaller pan fish more desired by subsistence fisherman.
These large fish were primarily introduced through a lobby by a small number of sport fishermen, whose contributions expanded the introduction program to include smaller more shallow water way areas than can not adequately accommodate these large predators.
It is not only the predation on the smaller pan fish, but the intimidating presence or proximity that inhibit the smaller fish from feeding that is making these fish less likely to be harvested by fisherman. These large predatory fish can grow to nearly 5 feet in length and consume large quantities of fish that could otherwise be consumed by subsistence fisherman. These Muskie, as they are affectionately called, can consume fish a quarter of their body length or more. The TWRA (Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency) has doubled down on the Muskie program by adding thousand of these fish into areas that cannot possibly sustain their huge appetites. My personal experience, as well as many of my fellow fishermen, have seen a huge drop in subsistence fish populations in the smaller waterways that are usually great places to fish. Additionally these large fish have migrated into small tributaries and streams in an attempt to find available food for themselves. These fish are, simply put, just another blunder by the TWRA in an attempt to satisfy a small number of lobbyists.
As a northerner that has relocated to the warm weather of the Tennessee area, I am quite familiar with Walleye fishing. I have been informed, however of some more of the wacky escapades of the TWRA.
Apparently the TWRA introduced Alweives, a shad like minnow into Tennessee water ways to help with availability of food for Walleye and other species of large sport fish. The TWRA did not, however, do any comprehensive study on the impact of this introduction.
When Alweives are consumed by Walleye, an enzyme that is contained in the minnow inhibits the ability of Walleye to spawn properly. This is very beneficial to the TWRA because now they can increase their budget and employ agents to shock and artificially spawn Walleye in an attempt to support their populations.
Why the TWRA would not simply ban fishing in spawning zones, where overfishing exploits the Walleye’s vulnerability is unclear to me. Wildlife agencies in other states have strict regulations with regard to spawning fish and their habitats.
Upstate New York has strict guidelines for Salmon, Bass, Pickerel, Sturgeon and other species. Why would this practice be ignored by TWRA, if not only to boost salaries, and create more expenditures for their agency? Any outdoorsman can see the outrageous hikes in licensing fees over the past few years. I would like to know where the oversight is for this out of control agency. If some has any additional information, please share.