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SIMMS® Joins “Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!” Campaign
February 23, 2006 -- Invasive aquatic species now threaten fisheries around
the world. For trout and salmon, Whirling Disease, New Zealand Mud Snails,
and Didymo have had a major impact on lakes, streams, and inland ocean
waterways. Unfortunately, sport fishermen may inadvertently transmit these
aquatic nuisance species (ANS) through their boats and fishing equipment.
Debris carrying spores or infected cells can easily be transported on
one’s waders, wading boots, boats, and other fishing products.
Whirling Disease has affected more than 22 states, and is responsible for
displacing cutthroat populations. New Zealand Mud Snails have infected and
spread throughout the Western United States, with the exception of New Mexico.
According to research conducted by Montana State University, mud snails
will comprise 95% of the invertebrate within a river, and upwards of 700,000
mud snails per square meter have been found in some waters. “For example, in
Montana, the rainbow trout population in the Missouri River is suffering
severe declines, and in Yellowstone National Park, the fabled Yellowstone
Cutthroat spawning run in Pelican Creek is GONE, and the Whirling Disease
Infection so severe that in fear of spreading the disease to other Park
waters, the National Park Service has closed Pelican Creek to fishing.”
Dave Kumlien, Whirling Disease Foundation
As the newest member of the growing “Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!” campaign,
Simms brings an industry-leading role to the table to help promote the
Campaign’s conservation message “Simms is committed to our community and
the conservation and the preservation of healthy fisheries. We feel the
need to educate the consumer about ANS, and help them understand the potential
consequences of further spread to the fisheries environment. Disinfecting and
cleaning your equipment is now necessary part fishing. There is a need to
inform all anglers to become a part of the solution, take the proper
precautions, and educate others.” K.C. Walsh, President of Simms Fishing Products.
SIMMS® is the latest in a list of partners that includes Federal and State
agencies, universities, other businesses and national, regional and local
conservation organizations. As the primary funding agency for the campaign,
the Fish and Wildlife Service works to promote “Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!”
and tap into the communication networks of its partner organizations. “Simms
becoming a campaign partner is great,” said Mamie Parker, Assistant Director
for Fisheries and Habitat Conservation and co-chair of the ANS Task Force.
“Their involvement shows the company’s support of conservation and the value
of ‘Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!’ as a unifying communications vehicle.”
More information about the Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! campaign is available
at the campaign web site: http://www.protectyourwaters.net.
To learn more about SIMMS® Fishing Products or request a current catalog,
visit their website at www.simmsfishing.com
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