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News Release
RI Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
For Release: July 26, 2002
Contact: Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402
Stephanie Powell 222-4700 ext. 4418

'SNAKEHEAD' SPECIES OF FISH QUARANTINED UNDER DEM EMERGENCY REGULATIONS
Fish Cannot be Released; DEM Will Help Owners Who Wish to Get Rid of Them

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management today filed emergency regulations prohibiting the importation, transfer, release, cultivation, disposal and/or any release into the wild of any so-called 'Snakehead' fish species into and within the state.

The action complements federal action underway that will ban the importation and trade of the fish. Although no such fish have been found in Rhode Island waters (with the possible exception of one tropical snakehead found in Johnson's Pond in Coventry in 1968), the fish have been in the national news lately, with the discovery of one particularly aggressive species, the Northern Snakehead, in a Maryland pond. Today's action is aimed at helping to ensure that Rhode Island experiences no such problems.

DEM is aware that several species of snakeheads have been sold — legally — by Rhode Island pet stores and aquariums in recent years. The emergency regulations place a quarantine on those fish, and on those already owned by Rhode Island residents. Rhode Islanders can keep the fish they already have; however, they cannot transfer, breed, or release them.

Any Rhode Islander who has a snakehead fish, and no longer wants it, is asked to call DEM's state veterinarian, Dr. Christopher Hannafin, DVM, at 222-2781, who will make no-cost arrangements for its proper disposal.

Some snakeheads, such as the Northern Snakehead, can grow to three feet long, have voracious appetites, and can live outside of water for up to three days. Such non-native and invasive species would wreak havoc on local ecosystems if illegally released into the wild.

The emergency regulations carry penalties of up to $500 and/or imprisonment of up to 90 days for each violation. The emergency regulations are effective for 120 days, while permanent regulations, subject to public comment, are drafted and reviewed.

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