9.d) Ness - Big Marine muskie stockingAs you're now probably aware, the DNR is proposing to stock muskies in
Big Marine lake starting in autumn 2016. Here are several reasons why I'd
like to see this cancelled, or at least delayed until further study can
be put into this issue:
1). Invasive Aquatic Species (IAS)
a). Nearby Forest Lake has both muskies and zebra mussels. The nearest
public access on Forest to Big Marine's north access is less than 6
miles. If muskie fishermen were to hop from lake to lake in a day, (as
they reportedly do) this greatly increases the chances of introducing
zebra mussels to Big Marine.
b). The Big Marine Lake Association has done a fantastic job of
controlling Eurasian Milfoil on the lake, using new techniques to not
only stem the spread but also reduce the acreage infested with it. The
next few years will be critical to continuing this improvement.
Introducing more boats fishing in some of the milfoil areas where muskies
frequent could jeopardize the progress being made.
2). Actual need
a). DNR reports state that muskie fishermen make up only 14% of anglers.
Four of the five largest water bodies in the east metro, the St Croix
river, and Bald Eagle, White Bear and Forest lakes all stock muskies.
That's 80% of them, for 14% of fisherman. Please note that all four are
within 15 miles of Big Marine, with two much closer.
3). Forage base
a). The DNR reports state that muskies primary ideal food source are
whitefish, sucker and redhorse. The latest DNR netting report in 2014
indicated none of these were caught in Big Marine. Secondary food
sources, are perch and freshwater drum. Only perch were present, but in
amounts less than 1/10th that of other close by lakes. This is also true
of bullheads, a listed alternative source. Of the three DNR ratings for
forage, Best, Better and Acceptable, this combo barely gets Acceptable.
These fish will have to eat something. I fear a huge decline in the
sunfish and crappie populations as a result.
b). The report also states ideal northern pike number ratings for
stocked muskie lakes. These are based on netting rates. Best is less than
2.4 per net, better is 2.4 to 6.3 and acceptable is less than 15,1. The
2014 netting on Big Marine was 20.83, 35% over "acceptable" levels!
4).Timing
a). The DNR held a meeting on this issue December 7, 2015. Public
commentary has to be in by January 3, 2016. The decision is due in
February, with stocking to begin in the autumn of 2016. That's less than
one month to give our reasons, far too short to be able to study it. The
DNR's timetable to stock four more lakes in MN is 2020. Why does Big
Marine have to be 2016?
Using the DNR's own criteria, I could make a case that Big Marine is a
poor choice for this and that several other local lakes, such as North
and South Center would be a better fit.
Please cancel or at least delay this decision until further studies can
be made.
Chris Ness- Scandia