Maine’s plan for saving the Arctic charr in a Somerset County lake is illogical

Maine’s plan for saving the Arctic charr in a Somerset County lake is illogical

Source: bangordailynews

1/3/2023

Credit: Courtesy of Bob Mallard

I recently read an update from Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife in regard to the status of Bald Mountain Pond in northeastern Somerset County, home to rare Arctic charr. Unfortunately, the native charr are collapsing under the weight of nonnative smelt and lake trout introductions.

Smelt compete with Arctic charr for food and space, and they prey on them as well. They have been blamed for the loss of charr in a number of waters, including the recently reclaimed Big Reed and Wadleigh ponds. Along with nonnative landlocked salmon, smelt are said to have caused the loss of the charr of Rangeley.