Herbicide Treatments Linked to Fish Declines in Lake Ellwood

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 20:23:41 +0000

During a comprehensive fish survey which included spring, summer and fall netting and electrofishing surveys, Greg Matzke, a fisheries biologist for the Wisconsin DNR discovered that all of the lake’s largemouth bass were older than 5 years of age. After intense sampling last year, only one black crappie was under six years of age and there weren’t any northern pike under the age of eight.

Matzke also found that the lake’s panfish population had declined an estimated 75% in the last ten years. The fish population of Lake Ellwood wasn’t reproducing and the decline coincides with herbicide treatments of the lake. 2,4-D was used to treat aquatic plants, namely Eurasian watermilfoil beginning in 2003. While the reduction of the aquatic invasive species has been significant the chemical treatment has also harmed native plants. The plants that are necessary for young fish to survive.

Ineffective Herbicide Delays Milfoil Treatment in Lake Opechee

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 16:50:25 +0000

A scheduled treatment of Eurasian watermilfoil in Lake Opechee in New Hampshire was postponed when the chemical herbicide, Sculpin which is a formulation of 2,4-D, was found to have produced less than optimal results at other locations.

While used successfully in the past, recent visits to other locations treated with the herbicide showed the ineffectiveness. They were expecting to find the milfoil decomposing, but rather found plants that were still healthy.

Treatment will still be planned in the future using a product that is another formulation of 2,4-D , but notices need to be posted prior to use. Overall, 13 acres are set to be treated.

2 – Aquarius-Systems

Herbicide Treatments Linked to Fish Declines in Lake Ellwood

Ineffective Herbicide Delays Milfoil Treatment in Lake Opechee