State officials in Maine have issued a public warning following the discovery of an invasive fish species, the largemouth bass, in Musquash Lake. The find was reported by a fisherman who promptly alerted authorities. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife confirmed the presence of this non-native species in West Musquash Lake, located in Washington County.
Biologists from the department conducted a survey using an electrofishing boat and found multiple age groups of largemouth bass, including newly hatched fry, indicating that the species is already reproducing in the lake. While largemouth bass are popular with anglers, their introduction into new waters can be highly disruptive. They are known to consume significant amounts of prey and aggressively compete with native fish species.
West Musquash Lake is a vital ecosystem, supporting wild landlocked salmon, lake trout, brook trout, rainbow smelt, and one of the state’s last known populations of white roundfish. Officials are concerned that the spread of largemouth bass could permanently alter this delicate balance.
Authorities suspect the fish were introduced illegally by humans, as natural migration from connected waters is considered unlikely. Introducing non-native species is a criminal offense in Maine, and the state has offered a $6,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in this case. Nearby lakes are being monitored, but no spread has been detected thus far. However, officials emphasize that the presence of largemouth bass poses a significant ecological threat that could have lasting consequences if not managed.