Several fisheries professionals, marina owners, fishing guides, and others attended the Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Training (WIT) workshop the first week of May at Red Top Mountain State Park. Lead instructors Dee Davis (Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission) and Colleen Allen (National Park Service Aquatic Nuisance Species Coordinator) shared their vast knowledge of aquatic invasive species and how to prevent them from entering our state. Participants learned how to thoroughly inspect watercraft for zebra and quagga mussels and other aquatic nuisance species from stern to bow and the trailer too. Proper decontamination procedures were demonstrated onsite and participants had an opportunity to practice what they had learned.
Hazard Analysis and Critical Point (HACCP) training was also held at Red Top Mountain State Park that same week. HACCP examines our day-to-day activities (i.e. fish sampling, raising and/or stocking fish, habitat restoration projects, etc.) to determine if and when invasive species might be unintentionally moved. HACCP helps to identify the most effective opportunities during these activities to reduce the risk and the specific control measures that are needed. After learning the steps of HACCP the participants separated into individual teams to design a HACCP plan for an activity of their choice. The lead instructors, Cindy Williams (US Fish and Wildlife Service) and Colleen Allen (National Park Service) provided effective feedback to each team as they presented their plans.
Georgia Chapter American Fisheries Society 