Biologist supports stocking program Basley makes a case for whitefish

Maine’s fish hatchery system will ask voters to approve a multi-million dollar bond to improve recreational fishing opportunities this November. It’s up to the public whether to grant the money. However, state fisheries biologists are already drafting management plans that will determine how fish funds might be spent.

Speaking to the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Advisory Commission this week, Ashland-based biologist Dave Basley made a case for stocking whitefish.

This cold-water game fish has disappeared from many places, and is now found in only 18 Maine lakes, perhaps because much of its preferred habitat has been stocked with better-known lake trout and landlocked salmon for many years.

“We expect the losses to continue,” Basley said. “Of all the game species in Maine, the whitefish is the only one in a decline.”

In Aroostook County, however, the fish is very popular among ice fishermen, many of whom travel quite a distance to find the whitefish. Basley is worried about fishing pressure on the few remaining whitefish populations, and would like to see the state begin a whitefish hatchery program to begin restocking the fish within their historical range.

Maine has never stocked whitefish, although the Enfield hatchery grew some experimental fry a few years ago, with great success. A single 1-pound female whitefish can have more than 100,000 eggs per season, and hatchery researchers had no problem raising the fish to maturity. In fact, the same equipment that Maine uses to raise trout and salmon can probably be used to grow whitefish with only slight alterations, Basley said.

The biologist has identified five possible stocking sites: St. Froid Lake near Fort Kent and four water bodies within the Allagash drainage – Spider Lake, Big Eagle Lake, Churchill Lake and Second Musquacook Lake. He hopes that a program stocking about 9,000 fish each fall can create self-sustaining populations within just a few years.

“We may be able to re-establish a native population,” he said.

The key to a successful whitefish stocking program will be striking a balance among other game species, the biologist said, explaining that all cold-water game fish share a favorite food – smelts.

“If you want to eradicate salmon to start a whitefish fishery, you aren’t going to be very popular,” Basley said.

Deer days

Aug. 1 will be the last day to apply for a 2002 any-deer permit. Applicants will be competing for 76,575 of the permits, which allow a deer hunter to shoot either a buck or a doe. Hunters who do not receive the permit must shoot a buck. Permits are allocated regionally by a random drawing.

Those with a valid Maine hunting license may apply online until 5 p.m., Aug. 1. For more information, visit the DIFW Web page at www.informe.org/ifw or send an e-mail to wendy.bolduc@state.me.us.

Paper applications are available at license agents throughout the state or by calling the department at 287-8000. All mailed applications must be postmarked by the deadline and sent to the following address; Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 284 State Street, 41 State House Station, Augusta, ME, 04333-0041.

Butterfly boom

More than 300 butterflies, representing 24 different species were identified earlier this month by volunteers participating in the Fields Pond Nature Center’s butterfly count in Orrington, according to count organizer Patricia Sndyer.

The most common species was European skipper, a tiny orange butterfly that prefers grassy fields. A single rare Baltimore checkerspot, was sighted – a surprise to volunteers because its favorite host plant, a marsh-dweller called the turtlehead, is being destroyed as its habitat is developed for commercial uses, Snyder said.

The Orrington data has been sent to the North American Butterfly Association to be included in an international tally of more than 400 sites.

Moose count

DIF&W Commissioner Lee Perry warned hunters this week that the moose population in Maine is leveling off – which likely means fewer hunting opportunities. The number of moose permits issued has been on the rise since the early 1990s, peaking at 3,000 permits for the upcoming fall 2002 hunting season.

Biologists have told Perry that the moose population has taken a hit – from hunting pressure or other factors – and that slight decreases in the number of hunting permits will probably be required to ensure the future of the herd.

Volunteer vehicles

Snowmobilers and ATV riders are getting together in Washington County to improve trail systems that will benefit the entire community.

Summer and winter riders are working with the Narraguagus River Watershed Council to build a bridge over Sinclair Brook. Construction is expected to be finished during work sessions this weekend.

The bridge will offer safer trail riding as well as protection for the brook, which suffers erosion when vehicles cross the water.

To participate in the bridge construction project, call the council at 546-3375 or arrive at the construction site by 9 a.m. Saturday or Sunday morning. Follow Route 9 from the Forestry Building in Beddington, and follow signs to the site. All volunteers will be treated to a lunchtime barbecue.

To submit notebook items, contact Misty Edgecomb at medgecomb@bangordailynews.net or P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, Maine, 04401-1329.