Anglers asked to Help Study Striped Bass Disease

[CapBob]

From the Asbury Park Press, though all would like to read


Anglers asked to help scientists study bass disease
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 08/5/07
CORRESPONDENT

Marine biologists in Maryland and Virginia are asking striped bass anglers to help them understand more about mycobacteria disease in bass.

Mycobacteriosis is a bacterial disease known to be present in striped bass since at least the mid 1980s, and scientists are interested in learning how or if the disease progresses in fish over time.

Biologists from both the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science are cooperating in the project in the Chesapeake Bay.

The disease is more of a concern to biologists in the southern states than it is from New Jersey north, but diseased fish are not uncommon in northern waters. Stock assessment analysis has not demonstrated a decline in the population of stripers and reproduction remains high.

This tagging study includes collecting and assessing both diseased and healthy fish. They are examined for current health condition, implanted with bright green anchor tags and released back into Chesapeake Bay.

Howard King, director of Maryland's Fisheries Service said fish will be tagged each spring and fall through at least 2009.

"Coordination between DNR and VIMS will ensure that fish recaptured in the Chesapeake Bay are collected and analyzed in a timely manner, regardless of where they are caught," King said.

The tags being used by both agencies are marked with either VIMS or MD DNR identification, and a toll-free phone number (1-866-845-3379) is included to report the fish.

Rewards are being offered for the return of tagged whole fish from the bay to biologists so they can be examined. Fish bearing the tags are exempt from Maryland and Virginia daily catch limits and seasonal and size restrictions, provided that they are reported promptly, kept intact, kept cool or chilled (not frozen) and turned over to either agency.

Tagged fish caught in New Jersey waters should be reported on the toll-free number, and only the tag returned by mail. These fish are not exempt from New Jersey regulations.
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[catfish hunter]

can you tell me what this looks like ,is it what locals are calling ik ,that white stuff that covers them if so we get alot of them around me

[ped579]

I just did some research and here is an article about it. Just click the attachment below.

Happy Catching

Paul

[Capt. Ed]

Hi All,

As this disease was transferred to me from an infected fish (Mycobacterium Marinum - it is also called fish handlers disease amongst other names in humans), I am interested.

If you have a cut from a fish or barnacle, clean it immediately. I guess I did not after getting bit and a month afterwards granulomas (small bumps) appeared under my skin and red swollen areas as well. this is nothing to take for granted. In most cases, surgery is needed to remove the skin in the affected area.

I was lucky. Nine (9) months of meds cleared it up.

It was not diagnosed by a doctor and skin biopsies did not pick it up because most byopsy samples are heated before testing, which kills the bacteria.

I actually diagnosed it with help from a family in Louisiana (there daughter got it from barnacle cuts while water skiing).

I can give you info of a doctor that knows how to cure it (now). Most doctors do not have any idea how to diagnose or cure it.

Good luck and keep some sort of medical wash for cuts on the boat,

Capt. Ed

[CapBob]

When I was working on my Dad's boat when I was 14 or so, we were unloading a boat load of Drum, one of the crew slid a fish to me, the  Dorsail fin sliced through my boat cutting my foot..........went through HELL for about 3 weeks, got infected, swollen to three times the normal size, all nasty looking. Was on Antibiotics a long time...not stuff to fool with

[Capt. Ed]

Hi Capt Bob,

I sent you a PM ...

Crazy stuff ... it did not hurt as bad as it looked but it was nothing to fool with.

Thanks all,

Ed