![non native game species in maryland non native game species in maryland](http://www.aaanimalcontrol.com/professional-trapper/images/AAAwarden.jpg)
Do not transport live blue and flathead catfish and/or snakehead into another body of water it is illegal in Maryland and anyone in violation of this can be fined up to $2,500.Remove and kill any blue and flathead catfish and/or snakehead that are caught.Catch and release of these fish is discouraged, as they are invasive top predators and pose a serious long-term threat to our native species.Here are some things Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) would like anglers to remember about fishing for invasive species: With a bit of know-how and some gear, you too could enjoy catching some of these hard-fighting and delicious fish! State agencies want these invaders out of the local ecosystems, and as a result, have allowed anglers to catch and keep as many of these fish as they like without a minimum size.
![non native game species in maryland non native game species in maryland](https://assets.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/styles/full_content--retina/public/media-uploads/specieswatch_crazysnakeworm_6953504495_465c02c8f7_o_2400.jpg)
These highly adaptable species were introduced and have since spread all over the watershed, competing with native species and eating much of the available food. The Chesapeake Bay watershed has become a home for several invasive fish species, the most prominent of which are blue and flathead catfish, and the northern snakehead. The National Oceanic Service defines the term invasive species as an organism that causes ecological or economic harm in a new environment where it is not native.
![non native game species in maryland non native game species in maryland](https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/PublishingImages/statewide-eyes-map.jpg)
A note about COVID-19 and visiting parks: Help stop the spread of COVID-19 and follow all current directives from your governor and local health officials about wearing face masks and physical distancing.