ANS Recap Synopsis

Wednesday, 12/12/2024

2024 Aquatic Invasive Species Report

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department has wrapped up its 2024 aquatic invasive species (AIS) monitoring and detection efforts. This year, the department processed 1,952 plankton tow net samples from 172 water bodies across the state as part of the QZM early detection program. South Golden Lake was the only site with positive samples for zebra mussels (ZM). Additionally, the department collected 1,500 rake, substrate, and snorkel samples. These efforts led to the detection of Eurasian watermilfoil at the confluence ramp on the Missouri River near Williston and flowering rush at School Section Lake in the Turtle Mountains. Over the past few weeks, fisheries and AIS staff conducted public dock inspections at access points statewide, finding them all clean.

On Lake Oahe, a single mussel was discovered at the Cow Creek Ramp, the same location where South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks detected two mussels last year. The ramp is situated at the southern end of the lake. Despite this finding, no evidence of a significant zebra mussel population was observed, particularly in the North Dakota portion of the lake. These results suggest a slow upstream spread, a positive sign for the lake's overall health.

Looking ahead, many terms for the Aquatic Invasive Species Committee (AISC) voting members will expire in 2024, and renewal letters for the 2025–2027 term will be sent out soon.

The department’s work this year underscores the critical role of vigilant monitoring and proactive measures in protecting North Dakota’s aquatic ecosystems from invasive species.

Deputy Director Appointment

Sunday, 06/16/25

Casey Anderson Appointed Deputy Director

Jeb Williams, Game and Fish Department director, announced the appointment of Casey Anderson to the agency’s deputy director position.

Anderson has been with the Department for 24 years, seven years as assistant wildlife division chief, and for the last four years he led the wildlife division as chief. He replaces Scott Peterson who spent 40 years with the agency, the last 11 as deputy director.

“Casey Anderson brings a combination of field and administrative experience, strong leadership, and an unwavering commitment to North Dakota’s fish and wildlife resources,” Williams said. “His ability to communicate with both the public and staff, coupled with a lifelong passion for our state, makes him exceptionally well-suited to step into the deputy director position.”

Anderson started with the agency in 2001 as a wildlife seasonal in Riverdale, building fences, spraying noxious weeds and whatever else needed attention in the district.

“I believe in the outdoors experience and benefiting from the quality of life that comes with being outdoors in North Dakota,” Anderson said. “By taking this position, I want to help maintain those experiences we get in the outdoors for all North Dakota citizens.”

Salmon Spawn Completed

Friday, 11/08/2024

Fisheries crews in North Dakota successfully completed their annual salmon spawning operation on Lake Sakakawea, collecting 1.9 million eggs for the 2024 season. Russ Kinzler, the Missouri River System fisheries supervisor, described the spawn as "almost perfect," with a high number of fish and favorable weather. This year, they also observed a notable increase in the size of the salmon compared to last year, with the average size of female salmon at 5.8 pounds—over a pound larger than in 2023. The operation not only collected enough eggs for Lake Sakakawea but also helped South Dakota by providing over 715,000 eggs for their salmon program. The eggs will be used to stock 350,000 smolts in Lake Sakakawea by 2025. Since salmon cannot naturally reproduce in North Dakota, the fish are captured and transported to Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery for egg collection. After hatching, the young salmon spend six months in the hatchery before being released into the lake.

Source: https://gf.nd.gov/news-releases