The town of Occoquan, in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, is hosting a pilot event aimed at taking out snakeheads on Sunday, Aug. 3 from 8-11 p.m. at River Mill Park.<\/p>\n
The “Occoquan Snakehead Roundup” is a focused effort to control the growing population of the invasive northern snakehead fish along the Occoquan River while encouraging\u00a0conservation awareness and responsible recreational angling, the town said in a news release.<\/p>\n
The roundup will offer a unique one-night-only opportunity for licensed anglers to assist in preserving the local aquatic ecosystem by targeting the non-native predator.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re excited to offer anglers a rare opportunity to fish in an area that is typically off-limits,\u201d Adam Linn, Town Manager and Chief of Police, said in the release. \u201cThis event not only gives fishing enthusiasts a unique chance to test their skills but also reflects our commitment to managing invasive species in a safe, effective, and environmentally responsible way.\u201d<\/p>\n
The nighttime event will be held at River Mill Park, including fishing access under the footbridge.<\/p>\n
All participants must hold a valid Virginia fishing license and the event is catch-and-kill only. All northern snakeheads must be humanely killed and not released, the release said.<\/p>\n
No will spearfishing is permitted and participants must pack out all waste. A designated disposal station will be provided.<\/p>\n
Town staff and Occoquan police will be on-site to ensure compliance with all regulations and to safeguard public safety throughout the event.<\/p>\n