Invasive Species
The introduction of invasive and non-native species can cause irreversible changes in the food web. Several invasive species of concern are listed below. For information on other invasive and non-native species, and to see a list of species prohibited from transport, visit dnr.maryland.gov/invasives. To report the illegal transport or unauthorized introduction of invasive species, contact the Natural Resources Police—800-628-9944.
Snakehead
It is against Maryland, Virginia, and federal laws to possess, import, or transport live northern snakehead.
The Department of Natural Resources asks anglers to report snakeheads with a picture using Maryland's Invasive Fish Tracker at https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/bf026700cada433296cab48ab2a090b6
If you catch a snakehead and want to eat it, you must immediately harvest the fish. Anglers are encouraged to catch and keep snakeheads year round. There is no minimum size or creel limit for snakeheads.
It is illegal to possess live northern snakeheads. This illegal act is punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 per fish, up to $25,000 per incident.
If you catch a snakehead with a blue or red tag, please report the tag number and the location, date and time of day when the fish was caught to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 800-448-8322.
Blue and Flathead Catfish
The Department of Natural Resources asks anglers to report blue catfish or flathead catfish with a picture using Maryland's Invasive Fish Tracker at survey123.arcgis.com/share/bf026700cada433296cab48ab2a090b6
Chesapeake blue catfish and flathead catfish are invasive species that have spread rapidly throughout the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. These catfish have few natural predators, eat a wide variety of native fish and shellfish, and may cause ecological harm.
It is illegal to release live catfish into a waterbody different than where it was caught. This illegal act is punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 per fish, up to $25,000 per incident. Anglers are encouraged to keep for food or other beneficial uses year round. There is no minimum size or creel limit for these catfish.
Zebra Mussels
Zebra mussels are an aggressive invasive species and reproduce at a very prolific rate, out-competing native species for needed resources. These mussels quickly overtake and cover all available areas to such an extent that they can clog water intake structures, boats, moorings, ropes, fishing lines, traps, and even dams and power plants. Zebra mussels are established from the Susquehanna River and Flats to the upper Bay. Additionally, The Department of Natural Resources recently confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in tributaries of the upper Western Shore near Middle River in Baltimore County.
More information on zebra mussels is available at dnr.maryland.gov/invasives/pages/zebra_mussels.aspx, including a fact sheet and reporting form. The department asks citizens, to report any suspected sightings to [email protected].
Invasive Catfish Identification
Catfish Illustrations by Duane Raver
Flathead Catfish
Projecting lower jaw and a slightly notched tail
Blue Catfish
Anal fin squared with 30 to 36 fin rays
Non-Invasive Catfish Identification
White Catfish
Stocky body with large head, anal fin with rounded margin and moderately forked tail
Channel Catfish
Anal fin with rounded margin and deeply forked tail
Help Protect our Resources and Harvest an invasive species
If you are interested in selling the snakehead, blue catfish, or flathead catfish you catch, there may be a license that will let you do that. There are licenses that allow you to use hook and line or archery equipment to harvest and sell northern snakehead and finfish trotlines to harvest and sell Chesapeake blue and flathead catfish caught from tidal waters. For more information about these licenses, contact our Licensing and Registration Service at 410-260-3220.
STATE RECORDS FOR INVASIVE SPECIES
- Catfish, Blue — 84.0 lbs., Ed Jones, 8/13/2012, Near Fort Washington, Potomac River
- Catfish, Flathead — 57.0 lbs., Joshua Dixon, 12/27/2020, Lapidum Boat Ramp, Susquehanna River
- Northern Snakehead — 21.0 lbs.,
Damien Cook, 7/5/2023,
a Dorchester County River
To view more state records visit dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/state-records.aspx.
