Conservation continues alligator gar restoration

The Missouri Department of Conservation stocked alligator gar recently as part of a program that began in 2007 at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge and has grown throughout parts of Southeast Missouri.

Salvador Mondragon, a department fisheries management biologist, said the project is part of the department's mission to protect and manage a valuable fishery in the state.

"This is an effort to restore biodiversity through the restoration of a species that has declined not only in our state but throughout its entire range," Mondragon said. "Working toward the intended diversity of species in our waters is a big part of ensuring Missouri continues to be a great place to fish and each of our water-living species plays a role in making that happen."

Efforts have brought alligator gar from Chesapeake Hatchery in Mount Vernon, Missouri, to the waters of Wilhelmina, Hornersville Swamp Conservation Area in Dunklin County, Black Island, Twin Borrow Pits CA in Pemiscot County, Donaldson Point CA in New Madrid County, Seven Island and Thirty-four Corner Blue Hole CA in Mississippi County.

Mondragon said the alligator gar is by far the largest of gars and is one of the largest freshwater fish in North America. Alligator gar have been reported at 10 feet long, weighing up to 350 pounds. However, the fish stocked recently fit in the palms of biologists' hands.

Mondragon said much thought and planning has gone to stocking the fish, which can be territorial and cannibalistic if placed too close together. So biologists stock them while they're young and are methodical in placing the individuals so they're not crowded.

Mondragon said because of the alligator gar's large teeth and rough appearance, people wanted to get rid of them years ago for fear they hurt sport fish populations.

"We found that's really not true," Mondragon said. When Mondragon and other biologists pumped the stomachs of alligator gar, they found the fish were feeding mostly as scavengers, which helps to clean water.

"While young they eat invertebrates [insects and worms], or fish that they have the best opportunity of catching such as sunfish, buffalo, shad or Asian carp," he said.

For more information on alligator gar or fishing in Missouri, visit mdc.mo.gov or check out the Missouri Department of Conservation fishing application, MO Fish, on a cellphone.