The Conservation Committee of the MAC is a group of
dedicated volunteers working toward a common goal,
consistent with one of the fundamental missions of
the Federation of Fly Fishers, namely the promotion
of conservation of recreational resources. The MAC
commitment to conserve our waters and improve our
fisheries habitat is evidenced with a discussion of
several ongoing conservation projects in the
Mid-Atlantic region.But more help is needed before this effort results in pristine waters throughout our Mid-Atlantic region, as well as across our country. We seek more clubs to adopt a stream, or to develop a conservation project. We seek too, more volunteers to have this vision of clean waters, where we can cultivate and advance the art, science and sport of fly fishing as the most sporting and enjoyable method of angling and the way of fishing most consistent with the preservation and use of game fish resources. By working together, we will be successful in fulfilling this vision, not just for this generation, but for generations to come. We would like every club in MAC to have a representative on the Conservation Committee. The duties are quite simple ... provide information about upcoming conservation events in the club area so the information may be placed on this page, write short articles about conservation efforts and make suggestions on how to improve involvement in environmental issues. Please join us!! Contact the MAC Conservation VP |
2008 Mid-Atlantic Region Conservation Events
All conservation efforts in the Mid-Atlantic region will now be posted on the
Mid Atlantic Conservation web site.
Support Shenandoak Riverkeeper
Have fun and provide upport at
Shenadoah River Rodeo
Whirling Disease
Myxobolus cerebralis (Mc) is a parasite that infiltrates the head and spinal cartilage of fingerling trout where it multiplies rapidly, putting pressure on the organ of equilibrium. This causes the fish to swim erratically (whirl), and have difficulty feeding and avoiding predators, in severe cases, die. In severe infections, the disease can cause high rates of mortality in young-of-the-year fish. When an infected fish dies, millions of tiny indestructible Mc spores (each about the size of a red blood cell) are released to the water where they can survive in this "dormant" form for up to 30 years.
Therein lies the gravity of the whirling disease problem. M. cerebralis is virtually indestructible -- the spore can withstand freezing and desiccation, and can survive in a stream for 20 to 30 years. Whirling disease is most infective to rainbow and cutthroat trout, but can infect all salmonid species, including brook trout.
Anglers and boaters can help prevent further spread.
Anglers, boaters, and others can make a difference in reducing the chances of spreading whirling disease. Distribution of the parasite is expanding rapidly in some areas, so you should assume its presence if you don't know otherwise. Recommended precautions that will help prevent not only the spread of whirling disease, but also other disease-causing organisms and aquatic pests include:
- Never transport live fish from one water body to another. (This is illegal in many states.) - Dispose of fish entrails and skeletal parts properly. Never discard fish parts in or near streams or rivers. Do not discard fish parts in a kitchen disposal. Whirling disease myxospores can survive most wastewater treatment systems. Instead, discard in dry waste that would go to a landfill.
- Contact the Department of Natural Resources at 800-688-3467 if you observe signs of whirling disease in fish or observe illegal stocking.
- Obtain certified disease free fish for any private stock projects. - Rinse all mud and debris from equipment and wading gear, and drain water from boats before leaving an infected drainage. This is good practice for preventing transfer of other aquatic hitchhikers as well. - Although the above precautions will remove most spores from your gear, you may want to consider the following if fishing in heavily infected waters: Rinse, then thoroughly dry your boots, waders and other fishing equipment. This is generally sufficient to kill the TAM stage of the parasite. For disinfection options if your equipment does not have time to dry thoroughly see Whirling Disease Initiative Web Site:
http://whirlingdisease.montana.edu/
A second source of information is the Whirling Disease Foundation:
http://www.whirling-disease.org/
Didymo (Didymosphenis geminata)
Didymo is an invasive freshwater alga that can form massive blooms. Didymo can smother streambeds and adversely affect freshwater fish, plant andinvertebrate species by depriving them of habitat, and also impact recreational opportunities. It is not considered a significant human health risk, but in recent years has been spreading to previously unaffected areas in North America, Europe and Asia, and has been detected in New Zealand. This species historically formed blooms in fast-flowing, cold, clean waters but now didymo is increasing its ecological range. Recent research shows that many countries across the globe provide suitable habitat for didymo to thrive.
Find out more:
Scientific Document on Didymo (pdf)
Clean Angling Pledge (pdf)
FFF - An Aquatic Nuisance for North America
Environmental Protection Agency
Trout In the Classroom (TIC)
Please read the article on Trout In the ClassroomFor more information on TIC, please check out these links:
FFF
Potomac-Patuxent Chapter Trout Unlimited
EPA Environmental Education - Rappahannock News
Kettle Creek Pennsylvania Trout In the Classroom
Many more articles are available by searching for "Trout in the Classroom" or you may contact John Brognard - VP Conservation.
Please visit the Mid-Atlantic Conservation
web site and read the article by MAC Secretary Dr. Donald Fine on Mercury Pollution!Club Conservation and Grant History
2005 Club Conservation Activity
Conservation Project Grants in the MAC Region (Grants since 1997)
Other
Download a Printable MAC Grant Application
You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the file.
If you don't have acrobat’
Adopt a Stream
FFF Clubs can adopt segments of their home waters throughout
the country, leading weed pulls, trash pick-up, habitat
projects, and monitoring activities.
MORE
PENNSYLVANIA Adopt-a-Stream
VIRGINIA Adopt-a-Stream
Adopt-a-Stream Foundation
Monofilament Line Recycling
Participate in monofilament line recycling at your
favorite fishing access sites for proper disposal
and prevent damage to fish, wildlife and boats.
MORE
FFF’s Conservation Grants Program
FFF’s grants program provides funds to clubs, agencies,
organizations and individuals who are working to
preserve and restore the waters we cherish.
MORE
Additional
FFF Conservation Activities
