LAKE LILY: YEAR FIVE
by Bob Kolimaga

About 5 years ago I was asked the following question: "Do you know anything about fish?" The answer then was the same as it now, "A little, but I know other people who know a lot more than I do." This conversation marked the beginning of what has become the annual DCAS exploration and collection trip at Lake Lily in Cape May Point, New Jersey.

Lake Lily is a FRESHWATER lake on the southern tip of New Jersey. It covers 13 acres and is the final stop on the annual New Jersey World Series of Birding. The local citizens take great pride in their lake and community being part of this prestigious and widely acclaimed event. The lake is famous for its being a rest stop for many varieties of Pelicans, Egrets, Herons, young and old Coots (god I love that line!),ducks, Mute Swans, and a host of others. These birds quench their thirsts quenched and grab a meal of fresh fish before continuing their journey.

This is where the Cape May Point citizens wanted our help. A bigger and better menu would attract an even more diverse population of big birds. The town folk wanted to know more about the water quality and what type and size of fish are available for the birds.

Last year, as recommended by DCAS members, Bluegills were reintroduced (key word) since the lake is teeming with small fish only. No predator fish or any fish of any kind over several inches long have been netted since we started dragging the lake. Bigger fish are likely to attract bigger birds. It is likely that a low level of dissolved oxygen in the water is preventing the fish from reaching full growth. Too many fish are there to compete for too little oxygenated water. It was thought that the once native Bluegills would decrease the quantity of fish but increase the quality of bird suppers at this "local dive".

On June 12, DCAS members once again ventured into Lake Lily. This year's draught had already begun and the water level was again very low. Susan sank to a new low, i.e. into the mud before being lifted out. Joe Yanik and I were the only returnees from past years but what the group lacked in netting experience we more than made up for it in enthusiasm. Still it was a little disappointing that we did not net a single Bluegill. Also conspicuous by their absence this year were Rainwater Killies and F. Heteroctitus (sounds obscene!)

The following were found in abundance: Longnose Killies (Fundulus Majalis), Threespined Sticklebacks (Gasterosteus Aculeatus), Sheepshead Killies (Cyprinodon Variegatus), Mosquitofish (Gambusia - the only blasted Latin name I knew here without Joe's notes ... see this month's Caught In The Net), and Silversides. A very hardworking active young member of our club who has been recognized for his generosity, participation in monthly fish show competitions (and because of his age can't seem to win trust), Chris Guarino, noted the large schools of tadpoles in several areas of the lake along with frogs and toads. Although Chris knows the differences between the two and I don't, I do know that these amphibians are a great sign of a healthy environment.

Other pertinent water condition information include: 67' F, General Hardness 19 degrees, Carbonate Hardness 5, Ammonia and Nitrites and Nitrates were all 0--which was surprising with all of the duck droppings in the area, and Phosphates were a low 0.1. The PH was a very encouraging 8.5 which is the lowest we have ever measured in the lake.

Richard Kerr and Bonnie took home some fish and have had success in putting them in a 20 gallon tank with aged tap water. They reminded me of some good times I had taking my daughter (who now drives me) to DCAS meetings when they were held in Media, PA. It sounds corny but our club and our hobby can help promote a sense of strong family values.

The Lake Lily trip of June 2000 should be an interesting one, given the current draught conditions. It will be interesting to see which fish survived and which thrived in such a hot and dry conditions. I hope you will be there with me and we will see.