On July 24 the National Wildlife Federation and other groups are sponsoring an educational program on the issue of smallmouth bass kills in the Susquehanna River at the Riverside Pavilion on Harrisburg’s City Island starting at 5:30.

Since 2005, over 90 miles of the middle Susquehanna River have been devastated by repeat kills of smallmouth bass.  Everything from Prozac, to fertilizer, to chicken manure is being blamed for causing the kills, but the fact is, the dying started in the hottest year, of the hottest decade on record. 

It appears that global warming may be the final straw that is breaking these fish, according to Ed Perry, PA Outreach Coordinator for the National Wildlife Federation.

“Due to the reproductive capacity of fish, the river could be teeming with fish again under the right circumstances.  But it is clear that our country is embarked on a great experiment,” said Perry.  “We are willing to continue spewing out industrial carbon pollution unabated and allow our natural resources to suffer, because our elected representatives refuse to take action.”

Speakers at the event will include--

-- Andy Shiels, Deputy Director for Field Operations, PA Fish and Boat Commission

-- George Jugovic, President of Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future

-- Rev. Sandy Strauss, Director of Advocacy, PA Council of Churches

-- Ed Perry, Outreach Coordinator and avid bass angler, National Wildlife Federation

For more information, visit the NWF’s A Great Fishery In Dire Straits webpage or contact Ed Perry by sending email to: paglobalwarmingoutreach@gmail.com or call 814-880-9593.

7/23/2012