Hunt on for bullhead catfish

The man-made Texaco East pond, near Fort McMurray, will be closed to fishing as Alberta Environment and Parks staff hunt for bullhead catfish believed to be illegally stocked there.

The bullhead catfish is a medium-sized fish not generally desired by North American anglers. It was recently added to the prohibited species list and is illegal to import. According to Alberta Environment and Parks, the bullhead catfish is a threat to local fish and other aquatic life.

Releasing any fish into public waters is illegal in Alberta with penalties up to $100,000.