State Continues Invasive Northern Snakehead Fish Probe, Spotted For 1st Time, In Lake Ronkonkoma: Spokeswoman

LAKE RONKONKOMA, NY — The state's Department of Environmental Conservation is continuing to investigate a sighting of the invasive Northern Snakehead at Lily Pond in Lake Ronkonkoma, the agency said Thursday.

The species, which was spotted in the pond recently, remained unconfirmed on Wednesday, but the investigation is continuing, according to a spokeswoman.

DEC staff "immediately looked into the claim" and investigated the pond to determine if any additional specimens are in the waterbody, she said.

The agency will continue to survey the pond using a technique called “electrofishing," which is the most effective and commonly used method for sampling fish in streams and small bodies of water, according to the spokeswoman.

It is a non-lethal technique involving introducing an electrical current into the water, and it causes a muscle contraction in the fish, temporarily stunning them so they are slowed down and easier to net, but it does not hurt the fish, she said.

The fish, which are predatory fish native to Asia, were most likely introduced to New York through aquarium dumpings and both accidental and intentional releases from fish markets, according to the DEC.

It is crucial to stop the spread of this invasive predator to protect the health of the water, wildlife, and fishing industry, the agency said.

The fish prefer to live in stagnant shallow ponds or swamps, inhabiting canals, reservoirs, lakes, and rivers. Anglers and boaters also contribute to their spread by illegally using them as bait or unknowingly transporting juveniles in the water-containing compartments of boats.

The fish can also spread to nearby waterbodies on their own as they can breathe air and survive for days out of water. They have the potential to reduce or even eliminate native fish populations and alter aquatic communities.

Under federal guidelines, they are listed as "injurious wildlife," meaning they may not be imported or transported between states without a permit.

To prevent their spread, the DEC is reminding all boaters to ‘Clean, Drain, Dry’ watercraft and equipment to protect New York’s waters from aquatic invasive species.