Regulations (pertaining to the Great Lakes) It is restricted in Michigan and is unlawful to possess, introduce, import, sell or offer this species for sale as a live organism, except under certain circumstances (Natural Resources Environmental Protection Act (Part 413 of Act 451). This species is prohibited in Minnesota and is unlawful (a misdemeanor) to possess, import, purchase, transport, or introduce this species except under a permit for disposal, control, research, or education (Statute 84D.07). It is prohibited in New York and cannot be knowingly possessed with the intent to sell, import, purchase, transport or introduce nor can any of these actions be taken (6 NYCRR Part 575). This species is listed as invasive in Pennsylvania, however, no specific regulations are defined. It is a restricted species in Wisconsin, where there is a ban on the transport, transfer and introduction of this species, but possession is allowed (Chapter NR 40, Wis. Adm. Code).
Note: Check federal, state/provincial, and local regulations for the most up-to-date information.
Control
Biological
There are no known biological control methods for this species.
Physical
There are no known physical control methods for this species.
Chemical
Of the four chemical piscicides registered for use in the United States, antimycin A and rotenone are considered general piscicides, but no studies have been found of their effects on Pond Loach (GLMRIS 2012).
Increasing CO2 concentrations, either by bubbling pressurized gas directly into water or by the addition of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) has been used to sedate fish with minimal residual toxicity, and is a potential method of harvesting fish for removal, though maintaining adequate CO2 concentrations may be difficult in large/natural water bodies (Clearwater et al. 2008). CO2 is approved only for use as an anesthetic for cold, cool, and warm water fishes the US, not for use as euthanasia, and exposure to NaHCO3 concentration of 142-642 mg/L for 5 min. is sufficient to anaesthetize most fish (Clearwater et al. 2008).
When planning control and management of this species, special attention should be given to the high physiological tolerances which place it in the profile of a successful invader. The Pond Loach can survive temperatures that range from 0-38° C, utilize atmospheric oxygen as a facultative air-breather to survive hypoxic conditions, and has been documented surviving desiccation for over 81 days with no food, likely perishing from desiccation before starvation (Koetsier and Urquhart 2012).
It should be noted that chemical treatment will often lead to non-target kills, and so all options for management of a species should be adequately studied before a decision is made to use piscicides or other chemicals. Potential effects on non-target plants and organisms, including macroinvertebrates and other fishes, should always be deliberately evaluated and analyzed. The effects of combinations of management chemicals and other toxicants, whether intentional or unintentional, should be understood prior to chemical treatment. Other non-selective alterations of water quality, such as reducing dissolved oxygen levels or altering pH, could also have a deleterious impact on native fish, invertebrates, and other fauna or flora, and their potential harmful effects should therefore be evaluated thoroughly.
Note: Check state/provincial and local regulations for the most up-to-date information regarding permits for control methods. Follow all label instructions.