Nonnative Fish, the #1 Threat to Maine's Wild Native Fish (Bangor Daily News)

Nonnative and highly invasive smallmouth bass can now be found throughout the fabled Dead River, as far up as Grand Falls. (Bob Mallard)

“While most Maine conservation non-profits are focused on habitat, the number one threat to our wild native fish is nonnative fish introductions, not habitat degradation.”

NFC Executive Director Bob Mallard chimes in on the impact of nonnative fish introductions on Maine’s wild native fish. He also talks about who is responsible for it, who is and isn’t doing what, and what we need to do to reel it in.

The third in a series of experimental native fish conservation articles in the Bangor Daily News, Bob previously covered brook trout (an overview) and Maine’s State Heritage Fish waters. Kudos to the BDN for giving voice to what are often voiceless victims of our bad decisions.

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“Nonnative muskies, a species more invasive than bass, can now be found throughout the St. John River system, as well as the Allagash River below Allagash Falls. By most accounts, the wild native brook trout in the St. John River and headwater lakes have all but disappeared. Once the muskies get above Allagash Falls, and they unfortunately likely will, the fabled Allagash River and some of the last large lake brook trout populations in the country will be compromised, or worse, lost...”