New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Media contact: Clint Henson, (575) 445-2311
clint.henson@state.nm.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, APRIL 12, 2011:

DEPARTMENT SEEKS INFORMATION ABOUT FISH THEFT

RATON – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is seeking information about the theft of dozens of game fish at Stubblefield Lake in northeastern New Mexico.

Most of the stolen fish, believed to be walleye, were removed from Department nets pulled to shore late Friday, April 8, or early Saturday, April 9. The Department traps walleye every spring to collect eggs and milt from the spawning fish. The eggs are fertilized and then taken to the Rock Lake Hatchery, where they are hatched and later stocked in various lakes.

Department officers also are investigating littering and damage to property that occurred at the scene at the time of the fish thefts.

The Department is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest or criminal charges in the case. Callers can remain anonymous by calling the Operation Game Thief Hotline at (800) 432-4263.

BOATERS: EXPECT ROADBLOCKS STATEWIDE TO INSPECT FOR INVASIVE SPECIES

The Department of Game and Fish will be conducting roadblocks to inspect boats and related equipment for aquatic invasive species at popular reservoirs during the 2011 boating season. Officers will establish roadblocks to contact boaters and ensure that vessels and gear are invasive-species free.
  
Aquatic invasive species include zebra and quagga mussels, which occur in water bodies in states adjacent to New Mexico. There are not yet any infested waters in New Mexico. These devastating organisms are carried from place to place on boat trailers and boats. They attach to any hard surface and can live out of water for weeks at a time. The mussels reproduce rapidly, causing irreversible environmental damage and can seriously damage boat engines by clogging engine cooling systems, causing motors to overheat.  The costs of dealing with an infested water body can be significant.

To stop aquatic hitchhikers, the best safety practice is: “Clean. Drain. Dry. Every time.”
 
For information about aquatic invasive species, please visit: www.wildlife.state.nm.us and click on the Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers logo in the Issues and Answers section.

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Tune in to New Mexico Game and Fish TV:
“New Mexico Wildlife”
6:30 a.m. Saturdays on KASA Channel 2, Albuquerque
6:30 p.m. Sundays on KENW, Portales
7:30 p.m. Thursdays on KRWG, Las Cruces