Blue Springs adds Paddlefish

[wilbkr1]

Blue Springs Offers Sponsorships in American Paddlefish Release

Blue Springs will be releasing twenty American Paddlefish (Approx. 4ft. Long and 25 lbs,)into its lake on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 8:00am. The lake, which is under new ownership, is making significant steps to improve the park’s experience for both Scuba divers, and non-divers, who just want to experience some of Indiana’s greatest resources: peaceful nature setting, fresh air and crystal clear water.

As part of this major green effort to maintain the ecological balance of the lake, Blue Springs is offering twenty sponsorship opportunities. The sponsorship includes a photo opportunity with a specific American Paddlefish. The sponsor, and their guests, will be able to escort their 25 pound plankton-eater from the transport vehicle to the lake where Scuba divers will be waiting to assist with the release of this incredibly unique species. This will be a rare opportunity to see an American Paddlefish up-close and personal. This extremely shy species is known for their elusiveness and this is an exceptional educational opportunity.

This large, freshwater fish can grow to 7’ in length and can weigh up to 220 pounds. The American Paddle-fish can be easily recognized by it’s large paddle-shaped snout, which is covered with sensory organs that are a major part of the fish’s navigation system and enables them to sense objects nearby. The structure of these fishes is as ancient as that of crocodiles, suggesting that ancestors of the American Paddle-fish have been swimming in the American rivers for quite some time.

The Polyodon Spathula, or paddle-fish, is an ancient fish indigenous to the United States and is present in many of the river systems of the South and South-West. However, wild paddle-fish are on the threatened species list and so aquaculture projects such as this ensure that wild populations will stay safe and thrive.

Blue Springs is 10 – 60′ deep lake of sparkling clean water fed by underground springs. It has been used for many years by hundreds of divers to receive their certifications. Blue Springs was recently acquired by a local diver with the desire to propel Blue Springs to a premier Mid West dive location. The lake is located within easy access of several states. The water is 99% pure and is tested monthly by the local health department.

We encourage you, your family, your classroom and your friends to learn more about Blue Springs Scuba Diving and the American Paddle-fish by visiting our website at http://www.bluespringsscuba.com. Contact us today to reserve your fish. $50 sponsorship opportunity by calling 317-847-9711 or sending an email to [email protected].

Current Sponsors :
William B
Scuba Lady
Kelly H
Terry W
Jesse B
Sam W. & Jendra AKA KFM
Bill L
Rick G. (Peanut King)
The RV Medic LLC
Adrien C
Karl's Scuba Museum
Gary R. AKA Skin Diver
Adventure Crew 233
Roger V. F. AKA Robohips 77
Randy Hybarger
Sheryl Roark & Larry Mathis
George F - a/k/a US Diver

One thing that the press release didn't mention is that the sponsor will assist carrying his or her's fish on the stretcher from the holding tank to the water's edge and will have a professional photo taken of them and their fish being released.

There are currently 10 out of 20 fish left available for sponsorship.

@ Bryan - Please remove this post if I have violated the community policy by posting information other than Vintage Scuba Information. I know several Vintage divers use Blue Springs. I wanted to make sure the information was available to them.

[Bryan]

You are enhancing a dive site that is used by many divers on VDH and from the areas surrounding it. Every time I have visited the quarry the talk in the group always turns to what a nice location it could be with some $$ and a lot of work. Best of luck on a huge undertaking!

[USdiver]

This is truly a wonderful piece of news. I'll try to make the date with the wife and kids, anybody else up for a dive on the 30th?

[Robohips77]

Will try and make the drive over. don't know about diving yet but will see.

[kgehring]

I am looking forward to seeing these cool fish up close and releasing one into Blue Springs. I will try to post a couple of pics after the event.

[wilbkr1]

Two VDH members have sponsored fish at Blue Springs. I think this is going to be a great time come rain or shine!

[Robohips77]

Two VDH members have sponsored fish at Blue Springs. I think this is going to be a great time come rain or shine!

Make it three!

[wilbkr1]

Paddlefish and Vintage scuba gear! All I need now is a good hose cutting session...

[USdiver]

Try to get there by 7:30 a.m., Fishies go for their swim at 8:00. Vintage diving anyone?

[USdiver]

Blue Springs now has twenty paddlefish. Each is approximately 4 ft long. Lots of VDHers in attendance:

Karl, Rick, Gary and myself were there in body to help out with the transfer, with Roger and the ScubaLady in spirit if not in person.

Rick and I used our PRAMS, Carl and Gary exercised fine judgment and did not submerge in the 50 degree murk. We had over 13 inches of rain in April, so visibility was not so good, but the quarry is full.

Paddlefish are a great addition to Blue Springs, and should make for great fish stories for decades to come.

[kgehring]

Very cool experience placing paddlefish into Blue Springs in Waldron, Indiana.

[Robohips77]

I hope the transfer went well and all of them will make it. Were they tagged in any way to keep track of?