State officials in Maine are urging the public to be aware after the discovery of an invasive species in Musquash Lake. A fisherman’s keen observation and prompt report led authorities to West Musquash Lake in Washington County, where largemouth bass, a non-native fish, were confirmed to be present.
Biologists from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife conducted a survey using electrofishing techniques. Their findings were concerning: they identified multiple age groups of largemouth bass, including young fry, indicating that the species has already begun reproducing in the lake. This discovery suggests a rapidly escalating ecological issue.
While largemouth bass are popular among anglers, their introduction into new environments can be devastating. They are known to aggressively compete for food and prey on native fish populations. With no natural predators in West Musquash Lake, controlling their spread is expected to be a significant challenge.
West Musquash Lake is a vital ecosystem, spanning over 1,600 acres and serving as a habitat for native species such as wild landlocked salmon, lake trout, brook trout, and rainbow smelt. It also supports one of the last remaining populations of white roundfish in the state. The presence of largemouth bass threatens to permanently alter this delicate balance.
Experts believe the fish were illegally introduced by humans, as natural migration from connected waters is considered unlikely by specialists. Introducing non-native species is against the law in Maine, and the state has announced a $6,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest in this case.
Officials are actively monitoring nearby lakes, including Orie Lake, to ensure the invasive species has not spread further. However, the situation in West Musquash Lake highlights a serious ecological threat that, if left unchecked, could have irreversible consequences for the lake’s ecosystem.