10 replies to this topic

[mattknepley]

One of NANFA's own swimming in the deep end!

Great job, man!

https://www.yahoo.co...-053052931.html

[FishGuyJosh]

I saw this article "swimming" around social media. Nice!

[Michael Wolfe]

congrats Olaf!

[olaf]

Thanks guys. Several NANFA members have been involved in this. David Jakubiak and I did a lot of the hand-shaking and tie-wearing to get the legislation through the IL congress (unanimous in both House and Senate), and David drafted the resolution. Both of us, and some others (who I'm not sure want to be named) have been talking to reporters, making calls, etc. I don't know why I got picked to be quoted and filmed. There's a news item in the forthcoming issue of AC about it, and lots more to come as we push forward with getting gars the respect they deserve in this state and everywhere.

[harryknaub]

I think that I did see that story on Facebook, maybe. Did not realize that was Nanfan Olaf.

[Matt DeLaVega]

Any data on how well alligator gar control Asian carp? I am not sure I buy it. Seems you would have to cross a river walking on gar back's for them to really make an impact. I certainly support reintroduction in areas that they were historically native, no matter what the reason. But how well do they really control the carp?

[Matt DeLaVega]

Let me word this differently. Ohio is at end of historic alligator gar range. Asian carp are new to the scene. Is there anything data wise that could show that a reintroduction could really make an appreciable difference? If it is a reality, my state needs to get on the ball.

[BenCantrell]

Is there anything data wise that could show that a reintroduction could really make an appreciable difference?

 

No, there isn't.  The Illinois DNR wants to stock gator gar to 1) bring back a native fish, and 2) create a new sport fishery.  Unfortunately, bowfishing is always mentioned when they talk about the second reason.

 

"The department clarified that introducing the gar will not reduce the population of Asian carp, an idea that had previously gained traction."

 

http://www.bnd.com/n...le91201632.html

[Matt DeLaVega]

That is a bummer, but it really seemed like an awfully ambitious statement. It still sure would be nice to see them again where they once were. Minus the arrows in their backs!

 

Thanks Ben.

[Irate Mormon]

Nice video.  I've always had a thing for gator gar.

[olaf]

The AP story went in a direction we didn't steer it and didn't anticipate. The headline in particular really told a different story from the one we expected. Oh well. Attention for a fish (or family of fishes) that don't usually get positive attention is a net good thing, even if there are some weird detours.

NANFA's own Solomon David posted a response on the National Geographic site: http://voices.nation...out-those-carp/