sandman0420
07-03-2009, 03:34 PM
Hi guys - I have a serious carp problem and could use some advice from fellow MAAnglers. I rent in Belmont and have a pond in my backyard that is loaded with carp. Between the pond and my apartment is a low area that fills with water during heavy rains (see below) and holds some water for a good part of the year. Unfortunately, during very heavy rains, like recently, the "puddle" and the main pond connect, making a "fish bridge." Normally it is half the size of below, and the pic is much lower than yesterday after the downpours.
http://s721.photobucket.com/albums/ww217/plennon0420/th_overview.jpg
This happened last year. Many (at least 100, probably many more) carp fill the puddle. I don't know why - maybe the puddle is loaded with breeding insects and the carp feed. The rain stops, warm weather arrives, and water begins to evaporate, trapping the carp. You have to see it to believe it - there are carp everywhere. Last year we were able to net some and free them, but there is only so much we can do. Walking near it there are carp half above water everywhere in the shallow grass, trying to get back to the pond. We contacted the landlords, who claim the property technically belongs to DCR and the Alewife Reservation. DCR claimed they know nothing about it and basically shrugged us off - they probably don't have the manpower to deal with it? Belmont Health Dept wouldn't help us. We contacted countless agencies, but no one would help. One guy did come out (I believe he was from DCR or MA Wildlife or maybe Belmont Animal Control - we contacted so many I can't remember), just to see it for himself, but it was unofficial, after he was out of work. The weather continues to warm, the carp cannot get out, lose oxygen, and begin to die. I need advice - any thoughts? I can't believe no one we contacted last year, particularly the owners of the apartment development, would do anything to help. The smell was horrid.
Now the same thing is happening again after the heavy rains. These are just a few pics I took about half an hour ago.
http://s721.photobucket.com/albums/ww217/plennon0420/th_carp1.jpg
http://s721.photobucket.com/albums/ww217/plennon0420/th_carp2.jpg
The situation must be a health hazard, plus all of these poor trapped fish are slowly suffocating. I don't have the equipment to catch them all, as the area is still large enough for them to escape my net into slightly deeper water that is so muddy you cannot see them. Any advice? Should I just keep harassing the landlord/DCR?
Thanks in advance, I appreciate any advice.
http://s721.photobucket.com/albums/ww217/plennon0420/th_overview.jpg
This happened last year. Many (at least 100, probably many more) carp fill the puddle. I don't know why - maybe the puddle is loaded with breeding insects and the carp feed. The rain stops, warm weather arrives, and water begins to evaporate, trapping the carp. You have to see it to believe it - there are carp everywhere. Last year we were able to net some and free them, but there is only so much we can do. Walking near it there are carp half above water everywhere in the shallow grass, trying to get back to the pond. We contacted the landlords, who claim the property technically belongs to DCR and the Alewife Reservation. DCR claimed they know nothing about it and basically shrugged us off - they probably don't have the manpower to deal with it? Belmont Health Dept wouldn't help us. We contacted countless agencies, but no one would help. One guy did come out (I believe he was from DCR or MA Wildlife or maybe Belmont Animal Control - we contacted so many I can't remember), just to see it for himself, but it was unofficial, after he was out of work. The weather continues to warm, the carp cannot get out, lose oxygen, and begin to die. I need advice - any thoughts? I can't believe no one we contacted last year, particularly the owners of the apartment development, would do anything to help. The smell was horrid.
Now the same thing is happening again after the heavy rains. These are just a few pics I took about half an hour ago.
http://s721.photobucket.com/albums/ww217/plennon0420/th_carp1.jpg
http://s721.photobucket.com/albums/ww217/plennon0420/th_carp2.jpg
The situation must be a health hazard, plus all of these poor trapped fish are slowly suffocating. I don't have the equipment to catch them all, as the area is still large enough for them to escape my net into slightly deeper water that is so muddy you cannot see them. Any advice? Should I just keep harassing the landlord/DCR?
Thanks in advance, I appreciate any advice.