I got this back from Bill today:

Note that the tournaments only have to do the self-certification when they are fishing one of the water bodies that have suitable water chemistry to possibly host zebra mussels. From the letter that was sent to all directors:

…However, certain water bodies that host open water fishing tournaments do have water quality characteristics (sufficient calcium concentrations) that may make them susceptible to colonization by zebra mussels. These waters are:
Ball Pond
Batterson Park Pond
Beseck Lake
Candlewood Lake
Hatch Pond
Lake Housatonic
Mudge Pond
Silver Lake
Squantz Pond
Lake Wononskopomuc

Beginning this year (2011), there will be several additional requirements for open water fishing tournaments fishing the water bodies susceptible to possible zebra mussel colonization…

As for singling out tournaments, organizers and participants need to remember that tournaments are a very visible activity that can take up significant resources at boat launches (parking, launching, take-out, weigh-ins). Due to the discovery of zebra mussels in Lakes Lillinonah and Zoar, there is an heightened awareness concerning the need to prevent their establishment in additional water bodies, and tournaments are a very noticeable (and sometimes contentious) activity that is now seen as one of the vectors for further transmission. These new requirements (if properly complied with) removes tournaments from the list of vectors to be concerned about, and hopefully diffuse the some of the contentiousness associated with tournaments. This will help protect access for tournaments at a number of water bodies in CT including Candlewood Lake.

If any clubs conducting tournaments feel that they would prefer to avoid the additional paperwork, they can contact me (860-424-3868) to alter their schedules and permits so that they only fish waters that are either not conducive to hosting zebra mussels or already are known to have zebra mussels.

Additionally, note that we are in the process of adding the zebra mussel materials relevant to tournament anglers to the tournament page on our website. I have also passed on the information concerning the non-functional links on the main invasive species page.

Thanks,

Bill



Bill Foreman
860-424-3868
CT-DEP Inland Fisheries Division
william.foreman@ct.gov