* Heritage Trout
The California Department of Fish and Game "wants you" to take part in their Heritage trout program so you can become informed and involved. Your board recognizes the importance of being well informed especially on water issues that affect flows and water quality, which in turn affect fishes.
The challenge put forth by Fish and Game is to catch all 11 Heritage Trout acknowledged by the State with in the Fish and Game code. Accordingly, we are seeking members who would be interested in catching all 11 of these fish either singly or collectively.
Some of the fish are rare and in remote locations. I would bet that many of our members have caught several species on the list already and if you have a picture no matter how old qualifies.
Go to the D.F.G's website for more information at www.dfg.ca.gov. Watch for further announcements and forms at the meetings. Contact Harry Petrakis with questions or if you would like to be involved, (831) 459-7961.
* New Zealand Mud Snail Update
Rumors have been circulating in the fly fishing community that the Formula 409 degreaser/disinfectant is not a satisfactory disinfectant for NZMS. It seems that most doubts on its effectiveness come from the fact that some of the snails can still crawl around for a short time after the treatment before they die, and could possibly release viable eggs during that time. It should be noted that no research has shown this to be true. A thorough rinsing of the treated gear in water that is not disposed of anywhere near the stream alleviates this concern.
Here is the preferred method of decontamination according to Ralph Cutter and DFG:
"MIX equal parts water and Formula 409 degreaser/disinfectant and SOAK suspect gear for 5 minutes. Equipment can be soaked in a bucket - or - placed in a river runner's "dry" bag with solution, shaken and allowed to steep for 5 minutes. Rinse gear with clean water before transporting to new location."
The important points to keep in mind are: use Formula 409 degreaser/disinfectant, not the regular strength Formula 409; make sure the gear is totally immersed for at least 5 minutes; and rinse the gear thoroughly. - Dougald Scott
* Leopard Shark Poachers Nailed
Six individuals have been convicted and sentenced for knowingly catching thousands of undersized leopard sharks out of the San Francisco Bay and selling them to aquarium dealers in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. Federal, state and international law enforcement partners worked together to put a stop to this elaborate leopard shark poaching network. Leopard sharks are commonly found in bays and estuaries from the California/Oregon border south to Baja, Mexico. Major pupping areas for this species are found within San Francisco and Monterey Bays. California leopard sharks, which are slow to grow and reproduce, receive special protection under California State law. As a result of criminal penalties in this case, as well as additional charitable donations, $1.5 million has been designated for rehabilitating and restoring marine wildlife habitat in the San Francisco Bay - Dougald Scott