Invasive Asian Clams found in Lewis and Clark Lake
An aquatic nuisance species (ANS) called Asian clams have been confirmed to be established in Lewis and Clark Lake, South of the Town of Tabor in Bon Homme County. Previously, Asian Clams had been detected in the Missouri River only below Gavins Point dam in Yankton, Clay and Union Counties.
Asian Clams are native to South East Asia and were first reported on the west coast of the United States around 1930 and have since spread to 39 other states including South Dakota. Unlike the more well known zebra and quagga mussels, with which they are often confused, Asian Clams do not have threads to attach to surfaces. Asian Clams have a small (1.5”), oval, brown to black shell with distinctive, elevated, concentric ridges. They prefer shallow quiet water with sandy bottoms. The Asian Clam is a prolific and highly competitive species capable of rapid growth and spread and can displace native species, and alter food chains. They can also have an economic impact by clogging water intake pipes and damaging boat engines and as well as impacting drinking water, aquaculture and irrigation facilities.
Asian Clams release free swimming, live young which can easy be transported and spread through the movement of water and equipment from an infested waterbody (the likely means of the most recent spread in South Dakota). Please take the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of ANS into additional waters in South Dakota.
Before moving between any waterbodies in the state;
1. Inspect and remove aquatic plants, animals and mud from your boat, trailer and gear.
2. Drain water from livewell, bilge, and transom wells. Tilt motor down to allow lower unit a few minutes to drain. Remove all drain plugs and leave out until next launch.
After the completion of a trip;
1. Pressure wash (>140° F, 3000psi; can use carwash) trailers, boat hulls and all interior surfaces that may hold water and all gear, direct a constant flow of hot soapy water into the lower unit and rinse.
or
2. Leave boats and gear in the open to dry for at least five days after cleaning with soap and water (hot if possible).
While new ANS infestations are not good news, effective response to these infestations is dependent on their early detection. Please report any ANS sightings to: Andy Burgess, Aquatic Biologist, South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks at (605)-773-2743.
FIVE SIMPLE STEPS TO STAYING SAFE BEHIND A BOAT
Tubing, skiing and kneeboarding can be a great way to spend a summer afternoon; but, like any other water sport, there are some inherent dangers in being pulled behind a boat. Staying safe when participating in these activities can be enhanced by following these five safety rules:
Know the length of the rope. A common cause of water accidents is a boat operator not being aware of the length of the tow rope and running a rider into a fixed object or other water traffic. Riders have limited control of their skis or tubes, so it’s up to the driver to be aware of the distances of the rope and hazards.
Be aware of other boating traffic. Often, waterskiing or tubing is done on high traffic waterways. Operators should keep traffic patters, other boaters and other riders in mind when pulling their riders. Just because the operator’s watercraft can avoid a collision doesn’t mean that the rider is safe. When planning maneuvers, keep the riders’ path and momentum in mind.
Make sure all riders wear a lifejacket. While it is a good idea for all boaters to wear a lifejacket, it is especially vital that riders wear their lifejackets. In high-traffic areas there can be rough water which will challenge even the best swimmers; but, more importantly, when some riders fall into the water they might be stunned or physically incapacitated. A properly-fitting lifejacket may the difference between a tale of an exhilarating ride and a tragedy. Also, a brightly colored lifejacket can help other boaters spot and avoid skiers and tubers in the water.
Control your speed. Many people who ski or tube enjoy the rush of the ride; but, it is up to the watercraft operator to monitor their speed and assess a rider’s capabilities. Operators should also remember that the centrifugal force exerted during turns can increase speed and limit a rider’s reaction time.
Have an observer. Not only is it a good idea to keep an eye on a tuber or skier, it’s also the law. Boaters pulling someone behind their boats must have either a mirror or a capable person observing what is going on behind them. It is vital that the observer pay attention to the rider at all times and be prompt in reporting any problems to the operator.
Have a great summer. Enjoying water sports begins with being safe! Thanks to GF&P for the timely reminder...
Questions/Answers With GF&P
By Conservation Officer Chris Subbert
As the weather begins to warm up many people begin making their way to the lakes to enjoy our abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. With these activities GF&P receives a few common questions which I would like to take this opportunity to address.
If I shoot carp with a bow what can should I do with them?
If you shoot a carp with a bow, you need to take the carp with you and not throw it on shore or back into the water. This would be considered littering. After you take the carp you could have it smoked, which if done properly taste great. If you do not want to try this, you could talk with a landowner and see if he would let you bury the carp on his property to dispose of them. The most important thing to keep in mind is to have a plan BEFORE you end up with a pile of fish. There are other solutions, but most importantly, you need to remember to take them with you and dispose of them properly.
I've caught a walleye that had strange growths that looked like warts, what are they and is it safe to eat?
These growths are from a disease called Lymphocystis, and they are safe to eat. Lymphocystis is a wart like growth found growing exteriorly on various fish and can be quite common in the spring. This disease most commonly affects Walleyes in South Dakota most of the time in Missouri river impoundments, but can be found throughout the state. This disease is most commonly found on the fins and is caused by a virus. The virus infects cells of the skin causing them to enlarge 50,000 to 100,000 times their normal size. Close groups of infected cells will result in raised granular wart-like tissue. Most of the like these”warts” are small but sometimes can be very large. This disease is usually not fatal and lasts a couple of months to a year. This disease is extremely contagious between fish of the same species. The virus is transmitted by infected cells bursting, releasing virus particles. Because of this if you catch a fish with Lymphocystis it is best to keep it. Since Lymphocystis does not affect the flesh the fish will be safe to eat after filleting to remove the skin, fins, etc., and proper cooking.
Can I get an open container ticket for having alcohol in my boat?
No, it is legal for you to drink in your boat. However, you need to know that the operator can receive a Boating Under the Influence citation if their Blood Alcohol Content is over .08. Keeping this in mind is very important because we want everyone to be safe on the water. If you plan on drinking in your boat it would be a great idea to have someone who has not been drinking drive the boat.
Private Dock Regulations
By Conservation Officer Chris Subbert
As the water in Lake Poinsett continues to rise, more lake owners will have better access to dock and boat lift use than in the past few years of low water conditions. Although the water level is at the full mark a dock variance may still be needed to reach adequate water depth to accommodate some boat lifts.
If you have a dock or are thinking about putting a dock out you need to be aware of the following regulations regarding private docks:
A dock can not be over the water more than 60 feet, excluding the length of the “T” or “L” section.
The walking platform can not be over 10 feet wide and must be at least 30 inches wide. A boatlift, “T” or “L” can not be longer than 24 feet.
A boatlift may not be placed more than 60 feet from shore unless it is attached to a dock and you have a variance permit.
To obtain a variance permit you need to contact your local Conservation Officer. These permits are given out at the discretion of the department and must be justified by a legitimate need. If you would like a variance permit to allow you to have more than 60 feet of dock you will also need to sign a Release and Waiver of Liability form, which is provided by Game, Fish, and Parks. Some factors for approving variance permits are: current water levels, dock design and how the dock will be used. All variance permits can be administratively revoked at any time.
All docks and floating docks which can be a diving platform, ski jump or other similar structure must be anchored in place to prevent drifting. They also must not demonstrate any safety hazards. All floating docks must have an attached red flag at least three feet above the floor and be plainly visible from a distance of at least 150 feet from sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. After one-half hour after sunset a floating dock must be secured as close to the shoreline as possible. This regulation does not apply to floating docks placed in areas restricted for swimming.
To be able to have a dock you must be a landowner whose property adjoins public water and the dock, floating dock, or boat lift, and they must be placed inside the landowner’s property lines, or have written permission from a landowner whose property adjoins public water and the dock.
A landowner whose property is 50 feet or less may only have one dock and one floating dock. A landowner who has more than 50 feet of property may have two docks and one floating dock. If a landowner wants more than two docks they must apply for a variance permit. Any dock or floating dock may not prohibit public access to waters or shoreline areas accessible to the public.