Larry,

It is true that _Gambusia_ and other mosquito-fish types are effective at
mosquito control.

It is also true that _Gambusia_ et al. are EXOTIC species. While it
*may* be appropriate to introduce these fish to ponds, water troughs,
etc. that are not connected to the waterways of the State, it is
certainly not appropriate to introduce species willy-nilly to the lakes
and streams. It is also very likely illegal - WAC 232-12-271 Criteria
for planting aquatic plants and releasing wildlife: "It is unlawful for
persons other than the director to plant aquatic plants or release any
species, subspecies, or hybrid of animals which do not already exist in
the wild in Washington". The WAC goes on to list requirements for any
permits that may be issued. WAC 232-12-144 even prohibits fishermen
(fishers?) from using or possessing live fish for bait - specifically to
control the introduction of small exotic bait fish from one watershed to
another.

While mosquitofish are certainly good prey for kingfishers and mergansers
and terns, the same argument can be made that starlings can be a
wonderful prey item for merlins and sharp-shins.

We have enough environmental problems caused by exotic species in the
Northwest. Let's not be guilty of promoting actions that would
exacerbate them.

Jon. Anderson
Olympia, WA
anderjda at dfw.wa.gov


On Wed, 12 Apr 1995, McCloskey, Lawrence R wrote:

> Birds (swallows) may make some impact on the skeeters, but when they are
> swallow-food, the mosquitoes are already out and biting things and laying
> eggs. The best predators are those that eat the wriggler larvae of
> mosquitoes, and the so-called "killifish" or mosquito-fish of the genus
> *Gambusia* are known to be very effective as mosquito control agents. I'm
> told these fish can be readily obtained and released, and are hardy. And
they are in turn fed upon by the fish-eating BIRDS (kingfishers, herons,
grebes, > etc.)!
>
> *********************************************
>
> Larry McCloskey
> Dept of Biological Sciences
> Walla Walla College, College Place, WA 99324
> mcclla at wwc.edu
> 509-527-2481
>
> *********************************************