FWP to hold 'bucket biology' hearing Feb. 24

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will hold a public hearing about the unauthorized placement of live fish into public waters, what’s commonly called “bucket biology,” at its Region 1 offices on Meridian Road, in Kalispell, on Monday, Feb. 24, starting at 7 p.m.

The hearing will cover a draft rule that outlines how officials will respond to the illegal action and the likely adverse impacts on aquatic resources, angling opportunities and fish management costs.

The new rule commits FWP to launching investigations within 30 days of learning about an unauthorized placement of fish in streams or lakes. Management actions could include removing unauthorized fish with nets and electrofishing or the use of chemicals that can kill fish.

Actions to suppress the nonnative fish could include changes to fishing regulations, fishing contests, and use of commercial fishing. An electronic database would be established to catalog unauthorized fish placements and FWP management actions underway.

For more information or to comment on the proposed rule online, visit online at http://fwp.mt.gov. Click “Public Notices.” Comments an be e-mailed to http://fwp.mt.gov or mailed to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Fisheries Division, P.O. Box 200701, Helena MT 59620-0701. Deadline is March 21.