NFC's Bob Mallard Speaks in Support of Proposed Changes to Bass Management in Maine
As the most notable refuge for wild native brook trout in the United States, Maine’s North Zone is no place for nonnative and highly invasive bass. (Photo by Emily Bastian)
“Make no mistake about it, nonnative bass are one of the biggest threats to Maine’s wild native salmonids.”
In an article that was sure to raise some hackles, NFC Executive Director Bob Mallard supported Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s recent proposal to remove protective regulations on bass in the critically important wild native salmonid rich North Zone.
While not afraid to challenge the powers that be when they do something that negatively impacts wild native fish, or promotes nonnative fish at a time when they are the #1 immediate threat to such, Bob is equally willing to support them when they do the right thing, and this is one of those times.
Thumbnail photo of nonnative smallmouth bass with two consumed wild native brook trout courtesy of Downeast Salmon Federation.
“Bass introductions have compromised all four native landlocked salmon waters, and imperiled endangered Atlantic salmon in the Penobscot watershed and Down East Maine. They have infested the Kennebec system, including Moosehead Lake and many tributaries. With bass now in the Rapid River, they are on the doorstep of the fabled Rangeley Lakes region and Kennebago watershed.”