The use of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) for controlling aquatic vegetation is subject to strict regulations due to environmental concerns.
The introduction of grass carp poses significant risks to native aquatic ecosystems. These fish can consume large amounts of vegetation, potentially impacting the restoration efforts of submerged aquatic vegetation in areas like the Chesapeake Bay.
Grass carp are classified as a prohibited species in Maryland. The import, transport, sale, purchase, and possession of grass carp are illegal within the state.
In Pennsylvania it is possible in some situations to obtain a permit to purchase sterile grass carp.
Splash Recommendations:
There are legal and safe alternative solutions to maintain a happy healthy pond. Splash Supply recommends using a variety of native plant species to remove excess nitrates and other nutrients from the water in place of aggressive non-natives. Mechanical harvesting, alongside the use of approved herbicide treatments that are labeled for the specific plants you are targeting.
Credit: CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1750323
Fun Facts about Herons
It’s good to know your enemy. Great Blue Herons are actually pretty interesting creatures, once you look past their fish-stealing tendencies:
- The Great Blue Heron is federally protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. This statute makes it illegal to “pursue, hunt, take, capture, kill or sell” herons and nearly 1,100 other species of birds, unless you receive a waiver.
- If there’s a heron in your yard, you won’t miss it. These lanky birds stand 3 to 4 feet tall and can have a wingspan of more than 6 feet.
- These big birds only weigh 5 to 6 pounds, thanks to their hollow bones and thin build.
- Herons are not bright blue like a Blue Jay, but rather a bluish gray with a bright orange beak.
- Herons don’t dive for their prey. Instead, they use their long legs to wade into the water, where they stand completely still to wait for fish. When they see one, they use their long necks to quickly propel their sharp beaks forward and spear it.
- Herons live along rivers, shorelines and backyard ponds throughout much of the United States and parts of Central America and Canada. One subspecies that appears primarily in Florida is pure white instead of the more common bluish gray.
- Herons can hunt during the day and night thanks to special receptors in their eyes that help with night vision.
- Herons spend about 90 percent of their waking hours on the hunt.
- You can identify an in-flight heron by the S-shape it bends its neck into. This flying habit differentiates heron from the similar-looking crane, which flies with its necks outstretched.