For the first time ever, officials have confirmed the presence of the invasive northern snakehead fish, which is a dangerous predator capable of devastating native fish populations.
A disturbing discovery at Lake Ronkonkoma is triggering a major response from the Department of Environmental Conservation. For the first time ever, officials have confirmed the presence of the invasive northern snakehead fish, which is a dangerous predator capable of devastating native fish populations.
New York's Department of Environmental Conservation was electro-fishing in the swamp in Suffolk County, looking for Northern Snakeheads. Northern Snakehead is an invasive species native to Asia and can have python coloring, not to be confused with a native fish that has a similar look. Snakehead enthusiast Vinny Conwell found three in Lily Pond in Lake Ronkonkoma this week.
"When it comes up, it pops the water and pops that bait, just explosively. I mean it just like a bada bing, bada boom thing! It's just awesome!
" Conwell said. "They're a very cool fish. I definitely agree with that. Other states deal with it in different ways, but in New York, we put a lot of effort into preserving our water, so this is not something we want here," NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Heidid O'Riordan said.
"It doesn't have a predator; it's kept unbalanced. It will eat the native fish and really it'll upset the balance," O'Riordan said.
"It's a shame, the reputation they've gotten that they're gonna walk on water, they're gonna walk on other ponds, it's not true," Conwell said. "Certainly, these fish can walk on land, they can cross the road," O'Riordan said Lake Ronkonkoma is the largest freshwater lake on Long Island, the DEC doesn't want to risk upsetting this ecosystem with different types of bass, and perch and other species of fish.
They spent hours sending an electric current through the water to stun the fish in an effort to locate the snakeheads.
"Hopefully we can get it before they move to any other locations," NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Kevin Jennings said. Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo,Suspect dead, bystander wounded after exchange of gunfire near White House: Secret ServiceHeavy rain topples trees across Tri-State, impacting train service and damaging cars
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