Westernbass Magazine August 2011, Page 53

Westernbass Magazine August 2011, Page 53

CleaN & drY boATInG

By John Barron

Inspection Process

I

can’t stress how important it is to make sure

your boat is clean and dry. Not just for the long

term care of your boat investment but for the

care of your local fisheries. Quagga Mussel are believed by many Biologists to kill a fishery and

cause millions of dollars of annual maintenance to

the water delivery system. The smaller ponds and

lakes will be the first to be devastated. one of the

local ponds i enjoy fishing, known as the “Pudd”,

and one i have caught several fish over 10 pounds

in, Puddingstone lake at Bonelli Park in San dimas,

Ca would be devoid of fish in less than 3 years

according to one Biologist.

other large lakes would

take longer but would be done in our life time. There have been countless double digit fish caught at Casitas and is a “destination” lake known throughout the world. While it’s hard to put a time frame on it, a world class fishery like Casitas could be fishless in ten years. How devastating would that be?

This is one reason we all need to do our part and not inadvertently transport the invasive species like the Quagga or Zebra Mussel. The other reason is the cost of water will skyrocket simply because of the cost to maintain the water delivery system.

Issue 3  August 2011

53