The mountain whitefish, a native game species, has been particularly affected but there are reports that the rainbow trout and Yellowstone cutthroat trout have also been affected by the die-off and these species are considered crucial in the fishing industry. “We have not identified that parasite anywhere in the park, and we also haven’t had any dead fish reported inside Yellowstone”.
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The Yellowstone River was closed within just a few days of the 100 anniversary of the National Park Service and its planned celebration.
The Fish, Wildlife, and Parks officials explained that the shutdown was needed in order to prevent the further actions of a parasite that causes kidney disease.
According to a report by Reuters, experts are observing and monitoring the Yellowstone River.
In a press statement, the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks announced that the Yellowstone River will be closed. Biologists with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks said they’ve counted more than 2,000 dead mountain whitefish, and the estimate the total mortality in the tens of thousands. Officials said the closure is necessary to protect the fishery and the economy it sustains.
Officials are now anxious the fish kill could have a lasting impact on the Yellowstone’s reputation as a world-class trout fishery that draws visitors from around the world. Officials said they had no plans to close waters inside the park. It is not known how long the closure will last but it will definitely not be good for business as it can cost tens and thousands of jobs including in areas for outdoor recreation, regional fishing businesses and more.
The state calls the massive fish deaths ‘unprecedented, ‘ and is trying to prevent the parasite causing them from getting into nearby rivers – it could be transported by boats and other items that touch the affected waters. The disease, caused by a microscopic parasite, is known to occur in Canada, the USA and Europe. Montana FWP officials made the decision after dead whitefish turned up by the thousand, having succumbed to Proliferative Kidney Disease, which is caused by a parasite. Recent outbreaks have occurred in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. In trout, research has shown this disease to have the potential to cause 20 to 100 percent mortality. Because Montana largely thrives on an outdoor-based economy, however, this parasite poses a risk to tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in annual economic activities. “We must be guided by science”.
“It’s one of the most serious diseases to impact whitefish and trout”, Jones said. “Our state cannot afford this infectious disease to spread to other streams and rivers, and it’s my responsibility to do everything we can to stop this threat in its tracks and protect Montana jobs and livelihoods”.
The disease could have been triggered by certain “stressors” such as high temperature, low water flow and human recreational activity. “However, we must act to protect this public resource for present and future generations”, said Fish, Wildlife and Parks Director Jeff Hagener. The closure is aimed at limiting the spread of the parasite to adjacent bodies of water through boats, waders, tubes and other human contacts as well as to minimize further damage to fish populations.
Outdoor recreation supports more than 64,000 Montana jobs and brings in nearly $6 billion annually, Bullock said.
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The wildlife agency set up two decontamination stations to try to reduce the chance of equipment spreading the parasite to other rivers.
