Appreciate the expressed concern about introduction of exotic species. The
principal is worthy of serious concern. But the strains of Gambusia the F & W
have used are hatchery-reared, and there's enough case history data to show
beyond any reasonable doubt that these are non-threatening species,
short-lived (normally you have to re-introduce the population every year), and
a prey specialist on insect larvae like mosquitoes. To eschew such a
biologically sound control possibility because of unwarranted extrapolation
from other bona fide horror stories (the Starling story is not a good
parallel), especially in favor of unnatural chemical biocides, may not be
prudent.

*********************************************

Larry McCloskey

Dept of Biological Sciences

Walla Walla College, College Place, WA 99324

mcclla at wwc.edu

509-527-2481

*********************************************