South Dakota GFP Commisson Adopts Emergency Rule To Battle Spread Of Asian Carp
The James River near Scotland, South Dakota (Photo credit: Wikipedia) PIERRE, S.D. – The Game, Fish and Parks Commission met by teleconference on Monday to adopt an emergency rule governing the taking of bait in South Dakota waters. The rule change closes the East Vermillion River, West Vermillion River, and Firesteel Creek below Lake Mitchell to the commercial taking of bait and taking of bait by anglers. The change was brought to the Commission by GFP fisheries staff as another way to battle the spread of invasive aquatic nuisance species in South Dakota. Asian carp are currently present below Gavin’s Point Dam on the Missouri River and are spreading throughout the James River, Big Sioux River , and Vermillion River basins. “We understand that this action results in a loss of opportunity for people who have traditionally taken bait from the waters on the restricted list,” GFP Fisheries Chief John Lott said. “However, it would be irresponsible for Game, Fish an...