Freshwater jellyfish found in Putnam County pond
The following field reports from Ohio Division of Wildlife Officers were released on January 24:
Northwest Ohio – Wildlife District Two
While conducting sport fish enforcement on Lake Erie, State Wildlife Investigator Kelsey Brockman and State Wildlife Officer Nathan Robinson, assigned to Van Wert County, observed a Michigan charter boat fishing in Ohio waters. The boat did not have an Ohio guide sticker displayed, which is required for charters operating in Ohio. Further, the boat’s captain did not have an Ohio fishing guide license. He was charged for serving as a fishing guide in Ohio waters without a guide license. He was found guilty in court, paid a $200 fine, and was sentenced to 180 days in jail suspended pending no similar violations for one year.
State Wildlife Officer Jason Porinchok, assigned to Putnam County, received a picture from a local resident of an invertebrate found in a private pond. After some consultation and research, the invertebrate was found to be a freshwater jellyfish. Originating from China, these animals have found their way to Ohio via fish stockings, aquatic plants and waterfowl. They are not known to cause harm to humans or the environment and are not considered an invasive species.
