Possible Trial of Grass Carp in Lake Hopatcong

Triploid Grass Eating Carp A Sterile Form of Grass Carp Non-Native to US Timid Fish – Avoids Contact Bred in Arkansas Vegetarian – Like Leafy Weeds Eat Plants From Top Down Tend to Stay at Food Source Live Up to 10 Years – Predicted 10% Mortality Per Year Reach Weights of 25+ Pounds & 36” In Length Dormant in Winter & Resume Feeding in Spring

Status Most States Allow Use With Permits Widely Used in New York State Stocked 3 Years Ago at Candlewood Lake, CT Similar to Lake Hopatcong in Many Aspects Many Coves Feeds a River Heavy Recreational Use – Boating, Fishing & Swimming Weed Problems Lakefront Homes – 1,600 (2,200 at Lake Hopatcong) Multiple Municipalities Share Lakeshore

Candlewood Lake, CT Had Been Stocked In Neighboring Ball Pond for 19 Years With Success Candlewood Held Informational Sessions to Obtain Community & Angler Support Obtained CT DEEP Approval DEEP Determines Number of Carp to Stock Based on Aquatic Plant Survey Candlewood Stocked 3,850 in ‘15 & 4,450 in ‘17 Use a 15 Per Vegetative Acre Model Cost $5.75 Per Fish Not Intended As a Sole Remedy – Another Tool Program Considered to Be Working – Milfoil Being Eaten

Way Forward Looking At Alternative Weed Approaches Lake Currently Relies on Weed Harvesting & Herbicides Hydroraking Trial in 2017 Grass Eating Carp Has Promise & Is Worthy of Further Investigation Could Be Very Effective in Certain Area of Lake Hopatcong Long-Term Benefits When Compared to Herbicide Treatment Carp Have Little Contact With Humans or Other Fish Diligent Monitoring Program Would Be A Part of Any Trial NJ Currently Restricts Stocking in Waters > 10 Acres Work With DEP/Fish & Wildlife To Approve A Trial In Lake Hopatcong