"Catch & Kill" -- Maryland's New Management Technique for Snakeheads

Maryland anglers that fish the Potomac River waterways are being asked to help reduce the population of northern snakehead fish, an invasive species that was illegally introduced more than a decade ago.

Even better, anglers that post their kills to the DNR's Angler's log from now until the end of the year will have a chance to win prizes for their efforts, including a $200 rod and tackle package.

"We do not want snakeheads in our waters," said Don Cosden, inland fisheries director for the Maryland DNR. "This initiative is a way to remind anglers that it is important to catch and kill this destructive species of fish."

According to wildlife biologists, Northern snakeheads, which can travel short distances on land, are native to Asia and can have a significant impact on the ecosystem and populations of other important recreational and commercially fished species.

If you post an image, the DNR would like as much information as possible about the catch. Please indicate where you caught it and the size of fish using a measuring device.

If the snakehead has a tag inserted in its back, anglers should call 1-800-448-8322 and report the tag number to receive a special edition hat and a certificate from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.