Fishing endangered by 'bucket biologists'

  • Published
  • By David Reynolds
  • 341st Civil Engineer Squadron
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  "Bucket Biologist" is the term used by the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks to denote an individual who is planting fish illegally into a body of water. The idea being that these individuals are transporting fish in a bucket to dump into a river, lake or stream. 

These "bucket" introductions, whether intentional or unintentional, are costing American taxpayers and fisheries billions of dollars in clean up, but more than money is involved. They are also altering vast amounts of natural habitat, causing a permanent detriment to native species and crippling recreational fishing. 

There are numerous examples of these illegal introductions in Montana and throughout the US. We at Malmstrom have but to look at our own Pow Wow pond. Prior to the spring of 2005, some bucket biologists saw fit to introduce goldfish to Pow Wow pond. These goldfish were competing with the trout for resources, digging up the vegetation and muddying the waters. In other words, they were destroying the pond's ability to support trout. To preserve the trout fishing of Pow Wow pond, Malmstrom worked in conjunction with the USFWS and poisoned the goldfish in the spring of 2005. It appeared to have worked and in 2006, the trout fishing was excellent. However, it appears the dreaded "bucket biologist" has struck again and introduced goldfish back into the pond. Once again, a great deal of effort and money will be required to remove the goldfish from the pond to preserve the trout fishing offered to Malmstrom families. 

It is likely the introduction of goldfish into the pond was done by someone with good intentions but misinformation. They were likely disposing of a family pet they could no longer care for in a way they thought humane, unaware of the damage a simple goldfish could cause. Truly, there are more humane ways to dispose of aquarium pets that are no longer wanted, can no longer be cared for or that can't be transported with moving families. Some options are: 

· Give the aquatic pets to another aquarium owner. Many people would be happy to have more fish and would love another pet. 

· Advertise to give them away. This need not be paid advertising, craigslist and other media do not charge for free items to be given away. 

· Donate the aquarium pets to a public facility, rest home or other establishments. If these places don't have an aquarium, consider donating yours. 

· Finally, one of the best ways to find a good home for your aquarium pets is give them to a local pet store. Many pet stores would be happy to accept them. 

The main point is to find an option that keeps non-native species out of the waters of the U.S. Dumping fish is illegal and destructive. 

Help us keep the trout fishing in Pow Wow pond by keeping other fish out. Educate yourselves, and inform your friends and family that dumping fish is not OK.
For more resources on fish dumping, visit the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Web site at www.fwp.mot.gov. If you see someone dumping fish illegally please call 1-800-TIP-MONT(847-6668).