Date for 2005 Snakehead Roundup set
WASHINGTON – The Association of Marina Industries will partner with several other organizations to hold the second annual Snakehead Roundup on June 10, during National Fishing and Boating Week, AMI reported in a release yesterday.
The Roundup will take place at Columbia Island Marina on the Potomac River in Arlington, Va., from 7 – 11 am and will be led by Dr. Mamie Parker, assistant director for Fisheries and Habitat Conservation for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The event serves as an opportunity to bring attention to the threat to native fish populations posed by aquatic invasive species. The northern snakehead has the potential to significantly disturb or damage native fish populations such as small and large mouth bass in the Potomac River.
The Roundup also promotes marinas as educational and outreach centers for important conservation information, such as the dangers of invasive species to boaters and anglers.
AMI said it would be working with members of Congress to pass legislation providing financial support for federal, state and local entities to coordinate the fight to eradicate and control aquatic invasive nuisance species.
“Senator Levin (D-Mich.) and Representatives Gilchrest (R-Md.) and Ehlers (R-Mich.) have introduced the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2003, bi-partisan legislation that would bring much needed management to the fight against invasive species,” said Mari Lou Livingood, director of Program Development for AMI. “We need to generate interest among all the affected constituencies, including recreational boaters and anglers, and urge them to contact their elected representatives to ask for their support.
“Aquatic invasive species affect anyone enjoying or working on behalf of recreational waters. This issue is bigger than any one organization. I hope Congress will realize that there are many segments of the population poised to help in the fight against invasive species.”
AMI will partner with the National Bass Guide Service, the National Invasive Species Council, Columbia Island Marina – Guest Services, Inc, the National Invasive Species Council and Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World in hosting the event.
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