Felt Sole Ban In The Works For Maryland Streams to Stop Spread of Didymo
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Annapolis, Maryland - Based on scientific advice from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Invasive Species Matrix Team, DNR is moving forward with a regulation to ban the use of felt-soled boots and waders in Maryland waters. The ban on felt soles was introduced at the May 17 public scoping meeting in Annapolis, and would help to prevent further spread of microorganisms that infest the State's waters and, when overgrown, damage water quality and impair fishing and boating opportunities.
"You couldn't find a more effective method for transporting microscopic species from one place to another than the felt soles used by anglers," said Jonathan McKnight, Associate Director of DNR's Wildlife & Heritage Service. "Felt is an excellent collection material, and it stays wet over time between locations, which allows organisms to survive."
One of the most damaging microorganisms transported by felt soles is didymo, also known as rock snot, an alga that thrives in cold-flowing fresh water. Individual didymo organisms are microscopic, but infestations can include enormous numbers. The resulting mass is an unsightly, yellow-brown slime layer that makes streams and rivers unattractive and nearly impossible to enjoy. DNR scientists and anglers have found seasonal infestations of didymo in the Gunpowder River and traces of the organism in the Savage River.
Numerous other diseases and harmful species can be carried on felt soles, including whirling disease, which is fatal for trout.
This regulation to prohibit the use of felt-soled boots and waders in Maryland may become effective in January 2011. Alaska and Vermont have already moved to prohibit felt soles, and felt has been banned in New Zealand streams since 2008. Many anglers are aware of the risk and have switched from felt soles to rubber soled waders, and some manufacturers have discontinued felt-soled boots and waders.
Concerned citizens are encouraged to send in their thoughts on banning the use of felt-soled boots and waders in Maryland tofisheriespubliccomment@dnr.state.md.us.
DNR will be reaching out to the angling community over the summer to seek comment and input. The next public scoping meeting will occur in September prior to the submission of the felt-sole ban regulation. Information about this regulation initiative and the schedule for next public scoping event can be found at www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/regulations/draftregulations.aspp.
Media Contact
Josh Davidsburg (410) 260-8002, (410) 507-7526 (cell) or jdavidsburg@dnr.state.md.us
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Annapolis, Maryland - Based on scientific advice from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Invasive Species Matrix Team, DNR is moving forward with a regulation to ban the use of felt-soled boots and waders in Maryland waters. The ban on felt soles was introduced at the May 17 public scoping meeting in Annapolis, and would help to prevent further spread of microorganisms that infest the State's waters and, when overgrown, damage water quality and impair fishing and boating opportunities.
"You couldn't find a more effective method for transporting microscopic species from one place to another than the felt soles used by anglers," said Jonathan McKnight, Associate Director of DNR's Wildlife & Heritage Service. "Felt is an excellent collection material, and it stays wet over time between locations, which allows organisms to survive."
One of the most damaging microorganisms transported by felt soles is didymo, also known as rock snot, an alga that thrives in cold-flowing fresh water. Individual didymo organisms are microscopic, but infestations can include enormous numbers. The resulting mass is an unsightly, yellow-brown slime layer that makes streams and rivers unattractive and nearly impossible to enjoy. DNR scientists and anglers have found seasonal infestations of didymo in the Gunpowder River and traces of the organism in the Savage River.
Numerous other diseases and harmful species can be carried on felt soles, including whirling disease, which is fatal for trout.
This regulation to prohibit the use of felt-soled boots and waders in Maryland may become effective in January 2011. Alaska and Vermont have already moved to prohibit felt soles, and felt has been banned in New Zealand streams since 2008. Many anglers are aware of the risk and have switched from felt soles to rubber soled waders, and some manufacturers have discontinued felt-soled boots and waders.
Concerned citizens are encouraged to send in their thoughts on banning the use of felt-soled boots and waders in Maryland tofisheriespubliccomment@dnr.state.md.us.
DNR will be reaching out to the angling community over the summer to seek comment and input. The next public scoping meeting will occur in September prior to the submission of the felt-sole ban regulation. Information about this regulation initiative and the schedule for next public scoping event can be found at www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/regulations/draftregulations.aspp.
Media Contact
Josh Davidsburg (410) 260-8002, (410) 507-7526 (cell) or jdavidsburg@dnr.state.md.us
__________________
The companies that make the felt boots or waders should just stop making them. Im pretty sure the rubber ones are cheaper. If the law goes into effect it should be for the entire country. The fine for fishing with felt boots should be severe to impede the angler and others from disregarding the law again.