OLA Bulletin Electronically

The Oneida Lake Bulletin Fall 2016 www.oneidalakeassociation.org The American Fisheries Society Publishes a Book on Oneida Lake Oneida Lake: Long-Term Dynamics of a Managed Ecosystem and its Fishery The Oneida Lake Association contin- phosphorous in detergents, expanded ues to explore and discuss the relation- municipal sewer systems, improved ships of physical, chemical, and biotic septic designs, and new storm water ero- components of the lake that contribute sion management has lead to a dramatic to algal blooms. In this column, we are reduction in phosphorous concentrations referencing a new book, recently pub- in Oneida Lake. This drift toward oligo- lished, titled Oneida Lake: Long-Term trophication, however, presents a new Dynamics of a Managed Ecosystem and scenario for Oneida Lake, the decreas- its Fishery (American Fisheries Soci- ing levels of algal carbon. Algal carbon ety 2016), as edited by a provides the nutrition Copepods (photo private-scuba.com) number of our associates for tiny crustacean zoo- at Cornell, including OLA plankton like Daphnia quagga mussels, for example). Board member, Edward and copepods on which Although light penetration has in- Mills. Dr. John Magnu- yellow perch and wall- creased in recent years (leading to pho- son, Professor Emeritus, eye feed in their early tosynthetic activity deeper into the water Center for Limnology, life history. Algal carbon column), such enhanced water clarity has University of Wisconsin, can be reflected in some not translated into more available food Madison acknowledged species that are highly for zooplankton that support juvenile the new book focused on nutritious for Daphnia fishes like perch, walleye, gizzard shad, Oneida Lake as “A Rare while other algae species and buckeye on which the larger fish Book about an Important like blue-greens are es- prey. In these post-zebra mussel years, Daphnia (photo Wikipedia) Lake… Oneida Lake is a sentially non-edible and both food quality and quantity could be major lake in North America with a long of poor nutrition. Although important limiting the Daphnia, despite compen- documented history.” zooplankton like Daphnia are nonselec- sating mechanisms that the zooplankton Prior to the arrival of zebra mussels, in tive filter feeders, they need a healthy have for surviving on meager rations. In the late 1980s, phosphorous was a water supply of nutritious algae species in the fact, these concerns extend well beyond quality issue, with concentrations over water column in order to thrive. Oneida Lake. There is growing concern 100 micrograms per liter (μ/L). Now, with The type of algal blooms in Oneida that the salmonid fishery of some of the concentrations in the range of 20-30 μ/L Lake can be dictated by the ratio of Great Lakes is imperiled by a similar (or lower) scientists are speaking of the nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations reduction in prey fish size and health, “oligotrophication” of Oneida Lake, as in the lake’s waters. Some algal species, consequent to “improved” water quality. characterized by reduced fertility, high for example, like more nitrogen than Although reducing levels of phospho- oxygen content, and greater water clarity, phosphorus while others do well when rus in Oneida Lake was once a primary similar to the Finger Lakes. Formerly, we phosphorus levels are high. Consequent- goal, further reductions in our waters may spoke of Oneida as eutrophic, having high ly, the nature of algal blooms is driven by not be productive. Certainly this issue phosphorus levels and high biological a complex of chemical, biological, and needs much more study and discussions. productivity. physical interactions that often varies The OLA remains committed to research- Beginning in the 1970s, restrictions seasonally, annually, and with the domi- ing this issue. on lawn fertilizers, the elimination of nating critters in the lake (like zebra and Oneida Lake Bulletin – Your Environmental Voice for Seventy Years 1 President’s Message The Oneida Lake Association, Inc. Members, Founded in 1945 I and the Board of Directors sincerely appreciate the support you have given us this year, and your compliments on our recent technology initiatives. Many of you The Bulletin is published by the will receive this Bulletin electronically for the first time. More of you started getting Oneida Lake Association, Inc., so that its members may be in- a monthly e-News message that was initiated in January. For those of you getting formed regarding the activities of the only print versions of the Bulletin, and who may want electronic mailings, please association. The Oneida Lake provide us with a valid, legible email address – just send your request by email to Association, Inc., was organized [email protected]. As mentioned at our April Members Meeting, email- in 1945 to restore and preserve the ing saves considerable printing and postage, enabling stable membership at only $5. natural resources of Oneida Lake Please ask your friends and neighbors on the lake to sign up at our website, and pay ‘a and its environs. fin for a fin’ via PayPal. Our website has been reformatted, and now has an embedded search engine – give it a try. Officers President .................................. Scott Shupe Vice President ............... Richard Colesante I trust that September finds you in good spirits after this warm, dry summer. Fishing Vice President .................Dr. Edward Mills was a challenge, but boaters sure had a good time. The sailors have been somewhat Vice President .................. Matthew Snyder under-challenged by winds, but this autumn the changing jet stream should bring in Treasurer ..................................Lance Vella Secretary ................................... Jim Novak cold fronts to nicely and frequently fill the sails. Waterfowlers are prepping their gear for October, fall perch and bass fishermen are marking the weedbeds, and the wading Board of Directors walleye anglers are anticipating a good November ‘nite bite’ once the abundant buck- Terms Expiring April 30, 2017 eyes and alewife minnows move to the shallows. It is anyone’s guess when ice will form, Bruce Schantz Paul Metot but those interested in watching the seasons change should have a new webcamera’s Scott Shupe Dr. Edward Mills view. At our website, in addition to the existing link on the north shore camera, we Mike Barretta George Reck will have a new south shore view from Chapman Park, coming soon courtesy of the Gina Duggleby Ryan Asmus Town of Sullivan. Terms Expiring April 30, 2018 Anthony Buffa Bill Girvan This fall as you pull your boats, remember that new state regulations require no Richard Colesante Robert Cote weeds on trailers. I know it is a challenge at the launch sites, but please clean your Matt Kazmierski Robert Gang III bilges and boats, especially if you will be going to other waters. Invasive aquatic spe- Greg Keener Jim Novak cies are here to stay, but it remains incumbent upon each of us to manage our outdoor activities in accordance with the rules of law. Terms Expiring April 30, 2019 Patricia Cerro-Reehil Kurt Snyder Warren Darby Matthew Snyder Enjoy this issue of the Bulletin, and remember to vote! John Harmon Lance Vella Thomas Pierce Sincerely, Scott Shupe “Like Us” President, www.OneidaLakeAssociation.org on Facebook [email protected] [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/ OneidaLakeAssociation For an unequalled e-voyage, visit www.oneidalakeassociation.org 2 Oneida Lake Bulletin – Your Environmental Voice for Seventy Years Two Named to The OLA Fishing Corner Board of Directors By Ryan Asmus John Harmon John Harmon of Cicero was elected Fall Fishing on Oneida Lake to the Board of For this year’s fall fishing report I contacted local merchants with firsthand knowl- Directors July 11. edge of fishing Oneida Lake in the fall. I spoke with Rob Goffredo of Bartel Road Bait John is a retired and Tackle, Ben Barry of East Shore Bait and Tackle, and Tony Buffa of Capt. Tony Skaneateles teach- Buffa’s Fishing Charters. Rob, Ben and Tony agreed; whether you are interested in er and Curriculum perch, bass or walleye, the autumn months offer some of Oneida Lake’s best fishing Coordinator. John has editing an opportunities. writing skills with an environmental When the water temperatures begin to drop back into and through the 50’s, wall- avocation that will serve us well on eye return to the shallows where they are accessible to shore anglers. Whether you the Education and Outreach Commit- are wading or casting from shore, stick baits are a go-to lure among fall anglers. Two tee. popular choices include Challenger and Rapala. Whichever you choose to use, be sure Gregory Keener to try lures patterned to match the black and silver of shad minnow, a natural prey of Gregory Keen- walleye. er of Constantia During the fall months, bass tend to group together around schools of baitfish. When joined the OLA as you have located a group of feeding bass try using drop shot rigs, tube baits, weighted a new director in swim baits, senko worms and other plastics. Once the water temperature has dropped April. He retired into the mid or low fifties, one of the easiest methods of catching fall smallmouth bass from the Central is to drift silver shiners over the rubble piles found at the west end of the lake, north Square School Dis- and to the east of Oneida Shores. trict where he taught art for 31 years. If you are targeting largemouth, bass poppers and lures resembling frogs and rats are He is skilled in digital photography a good choice. Perch school together in the fall as well. Be patient. Finding a hungry and hopes to share his knowledge to school of perch can lead to a great day of fishing. better communicate the mission of the The effects of round gobies are beginning to be felt in the lake.

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