Severn River Anglers Asked to Report Tagged Yellow Perch
Yellow Perch Hats Offered As Incentive
ANNAPOLIS — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Service is asking anglers who catch tagged yellow perch from the Severn River to report their catches. The Severn River and its tributaries remains closed to harvest yellow perch, as well as the Magothy, Patapsco, Naticoke and West and South rivers for restoration purposes.
As part DNR’s extensive investigation of yellow perch and their habitat in the Severn River since 2001, 200 and 450 yellow perch were tagged and released during 2003 and 2004, respectively. The goal of the tagging study is to assess the location of yellow perch in the river during the summer months. Dissolved oxygen is often at very low levels in the Severn River during warm temperatures, and adversely affects perch health and location.
The perch were tagged with a “spaghetti” tag in their left side, about two inches long and similar to the same diameter as cooked spaghetti. The tags are either orange or white. Each is printed with a 5-digit number, usually beginning with the number 0.
Anglers are asked to record the tag number, date, and location where the fish was caught and release the fish. It is not necessary to remove the tag. If the tag is illegible, anglers may need to scrape away the fish growth to read it. As an incentive, DNR will mail anglers who report catches a DNR hat.
If the tag number cannot be recorded, anglers are asked to contact DNR with the tag color, capture date and location.
To report this information, anglers should telephone the number printed on the tag (410-643-6785), e-mail rlukacovic@dnr.state.md.us Reportings will also be accepted by mail:
Rudy Lukacovic
Maryland Fisheries Service
301 Marine Academy Drive
Stevensville, MD 21666.
Posted May 11, 2004