SEBAGO LAKE (AP) – State biologists are concerned that the predatory northern pike found in Maine’s second-largest lake will overwhelm native populations of salmon and trout.
Biologists failed to find any more northern pike on Tuesday as they used special gear designed to stun the fish and draw them into a buoy, WCSH-TV reported.
The survey followed last week’s discovery of a 29-inch northern pike in Sebago Lake. Officials fear that someone illegally stocked the fish.
State biologists say that if the aggressive northern pike establishes itself in Sebago, other fish such as the lake’s landlocked salmon could be wiped out. The pike would be almost impossible to eradicate from the lake, they say.
Officials from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife intend to keep a close watch on the lake. They are asking anyone who catches non-native species in the lake, including northern pike, to contact the department immediately.
AP-ES-06-03-03 1950EDT
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