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Originally Posted by Parker650
Real quick...for all that are upset or don't understand why DEM is cracking down on these goldfish...
OK...they don't breed, thats good...they don't survive long in saltwater, good...possibly quite a while in freshwater, not so good...they work and will take pressure off other bait being sold if they are allowed, that is good too. Most everything that CaptDom and most others in favor have brought up they have a lot going for them. That I agree with...it's only one thing that is a significant unknown.
The one thing that stands out is there is no concrete, time-proven scientific information on these fish and what kind of effects they could possibly have IF RELEASED INTO A FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEM. They don't breed, so most everyone would automatically think that it is OK if they get released. Just keep in mind that any fish introduced into an ecosystem (lake, stream, brook) will be taking up space and food to live, possibly out-competing other native-fish for food, eating native-fish eggs, larvae and/or young frye and quite possibly pushing native fish out of their habitat and breeding areas. Of course, all of this might not happen, however there is a possibility, as we have seen what happens with other non-native species that have been accidentally introduced into other areas. Since there is a remote possibility that something like this COULD happen (not saying it will), coupled with the lack of scientific information on these goldfish, DEM (as well as ourselves as responsible fishermen and stewards of this earth) needs to take every precaution BEFORE it happens. There is nothing wrong with being overly cautious, we just need to have patience and understand the potential impacts they could have and why more info is needed before they are given the OK.
What if...some got released into the wood river and they ended up pushing the trout out of their breeding areas and eating the eggs and larvae and the trout population plummets. What if you grew up trout fishing, looking forward to taking your son out on opening day for trout as you used to, only to catch 5 lb 'goldfish' instead? Not saying it WOULD happen, but until we know otherwise, it COULD, and we need to be responsible with these possibilities.
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