Volunteer Anglers Needed for Removal of Triploid Grass Carp from Candlewood Lake and Squantz Pond
Many of you may have seen an email earlier this week from Mike Beauchene of Connecticut DEEP. Mike says that DEEP is conducting a project to rid Candlewood Lake of Triploid Grass Carp. I have included the text of Mike’s message below with details on the issue, and information for how we can help. This is a great opportunity for CVTU to demonstrate our commitment to our local fisheries.
We are requesting your help to remove Triploid Grass Carp from Candlewood Lake and Squantz Pond. To learn more and register as a volunteer angler, please click the following link: https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Fishing/Triploid-Grass-Carp-Removal-from-Candlewood-Lake-and-Squantz-Pond
Sterile Triploid Grass Carp were stocked into Candlewood Lake in 2015 and 2017 to control invasive Eurasian Watermilfoil. However, during 2022, the coverage of all submerged aquatic vegetation in Candlewood Lake dramatically declined to the point that it was largely absent from the lake. Submerged aquatic vegetation is an important habitat that supports healthy fisheries and water quality. It is the position of the DEEP Fisheries Division that active removal of grass carp from the lake is necessary for the submerged aquatic plant community in Candlewood Lake to recover to desirable levels in a timeframe that minimizes adverse effects to fisheries resources and lake stakeholders. Relying on natural mortality alone, it could take upwards of 20 years for the carp population to decline to levels that allow for the recovery of the aquatic plant community. It is the position of the Fisheries Division that such an extended timeframe is unacceptable as it would negatively impact fisheries resources and lake stakeholders. Consequently, the direct removal of grass carp from Candlewood Lake is necessary.
In May 2023, CT DEEP Fisheries staff conducted a pilot Triploid Grass Carp removal program over the course of 3 days, using a combination of boat-based electrofishing and large mesh gill nets. During the 3-day pilot program, a total of 118 grass carp were removed from Candlewood Lake. The estimated population of Grass Carp remaining in the lake ranges from 1,500-3,800 fish. To restore a healthy level of submerged aquatic vegetation, it is necessary to remove additional Triploid Grass Carp.
The CT DEEP Fisheries Division is enlisting the help of anglers to remove Triploid Grass Carp from Candlewood Lake and Squantz Pond (which is connected to Candlewood Lake and was stocked with Grass Carp in 2017). Removal via angling represents a unique opportunity for anglers to target Grass Carp and directly support science-based fisheries management. If you would like to participate, please use the following links to register as a volunteer angler, report your catch, or view the submitted catches to-date on our public dashboard.
Register as a Volunteer Angler
Please contact the Fisheries Division with any questions.
Phone: 860-424-FISH (3474)
E-mail: deep.inland.fisheries@ct.gov
Mike Beauchene, Supervising Fisheries Biologist
Our Mission: To advance the conservation, enhancement, restoration, use, and appreciation of Connecticut’s fish, fisheries and fish habitats.
CT Aquatic Resources Education (CARE) & Fisheries Program Support, Fisheries Division
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106-5127
P: 860.424.4185 F: 860.424.4070 E: mike.beauchene@ct.gov
