According to a report in NPR by Richard Gonzales, “A microscopic parasite is ravaging the fish population of the Yellowstone River in Montana prompting state officials to ban water-based recreation along a 183-mile stretch of the river and all of its tributaries”.
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The National Park Service announced they would not be closing any part of the Yellowstone River inside the Park.Earlier today, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks announced they were closing a stretch of the Yellowstone River between Gardiner and Laurel-approximately 180 miles of river course. “A threat to the health of Montana’s fish populations is a threat to Montana’s entire outdoor economy and the tens of thousands of jobs it sustains”, said Gov. Steve Bullock, adding that the state would do whatever it takes to stop the disease from spreading to other rivers.
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.
The closures extend to hundreds of miles of waterways that feed into the Yellowstone, including the Boulder, Shields and Stillwater rivers.
No dead fish have been found inside Yellowstone National Park, where the 100th anniversary celebration is expected to kick off next week.
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. “We haven’t seen something like this in Montana”, Fish, Wildlife and Parks spokeswoman Andrea Jones said. Recent outbreaks have also occurred in Idaho, Oregon and Washington.
A majority of the popular Yellowstone River in Montana has been closed off after thousands of fishes have been mysteriously killed in the area. The immediate closure is stretching from Yellowstone National Park’s northern boundary at Gardiner to the Highway 212 Bridge in Laurel, the area surrounding the affected zone. The parasite does not pose a risk to humans. Water activities such as fishing, boating, wading and floating have also been prohibited. 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.
Fish and Wildlife Director Jeff Hagener said the closure “will have a significant impact on many people”, but is necessary “to protect this public resource for present and future generations”.
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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. There could be many fish that sank to the river’s bottom after they died, said the officials. It’s true for biologists, it’s true for anglers. If you would like to discuss another topic, look for a relevant article.
