It’s been more than 20 years since the dreaded northern snakehead (NSH) invaded the Potomac River. At the time not much was known about this illegal immigrant and in a relatively short time, the population has spread through the Potomac and tributaries and up and down the east coast.
Additional illegal snakehead introductions in Maryland occurred and their range expanded to an average of three new Chesapeake Bay waterways per year and in all tidal and many non-tidal Maryland watersheds.
Biologists in Virginia and Maryland have continuously harvested and studied northern snakehead since the discovery. After tracking them via tags, not much has been revealed. There wasn’t much snakehead data from their natural origins. They were food fish and only recipes were documented.
As myths like walking on land and eating small puppies were dismissed, there remained the question of how often they spawned. Early research suggested three to five spawns a year and that this would be devastating to local fisheries.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources conducted a study by Biologist Dr. Joseph Love where it was determined the majority of female northern snakehead collected from the upper Chesapeake Bay carried eggs in two distinct sizes, indicating these fish could spawn twice a year. A predator capable of spreading and flourishing in new environments qualifies NSH to be invasive rather than non-native, as are largemouth bass, and can cause damage to native inhabitants.
Dr. Love illuminates one of the biological factors that could be contributing to efficient spread of snakeheads through Maryland’s waters. Dr. Love dissected female NSH and examined egg quantity and size. Bigger fish had more eggs, and on average held over 63,000 eggs.
Examining NSH eggs from the spring spawn and then later in July, showed there were fewer larger-sized eggs, indicating the fish held the eggs to allow them to mature for another later spawn. This study supports harvesting efforts on the largest fish in the period before they spawn.
To encourage harvesting to manage the population, northern snakeheads are being called more a palatable, Chesapeake Channa. It’s no secret these fish are excellent food fish, as many restaurants are serving dishes with the firm and moist fish. Maryland makes it easy for anglers to harvest with no season or limit.
Some anglers consider snakehead a gamefish and want limits and seasons to protect the species. They point to the original prophecy that NSH would take over the Potomac River, which hasn’t happened. However, it is important to note that for over 20 years, there was an all-out effort by MD, DC, and VA to remove them from the fishery, aided by anglers and commercial fishermen.
Adding to their prolific reproduction, northern snakehead have a broader water temperature tolerance, aggressive predatory behavior, and dual parental guardianship.
While eradicating NSH might be the goal, it is likely unrealistic, however there are two strategies that will help. Continuing to harvest every snakehead will reduce reproduction. But most importantly, anglers must cease the spreading them to other fisheries. No matter the justification, there is no place for this invasive in fisheries.
Author Capt. Steve Chaconas is Potomac bass fishing guide & freelance writer. Potomac River reports: www,nationalbass.com. YouTube video channel NationalBassGuide.
