invasive species Attack! by: Brendan Ambrose Dawei Tang Eleanor Cota Eric Highfield Janae Hill Michael Morrison Vytas Pabedinskas Looking at invasive species and their impact on wetland and aquatic environments Silver flying carp

Invasive Species Introduction “Invasive” concept: outdated? outmoded? Emotional vs Rational Approach: is it worth the price to remove introduced species to maintain idyllic conditions Lack of research indicating populations of native species are affected and that species diversity suffers (?????????) What is the value of a native species? Does it represent evolutionary fitness or ecological naivity? Inappropriate to equate introduced with invasive. Many introduced species can be useful and be managed to prevent negative impacts Commonality between species: frightening literature

Invasive Species Asian Carp - 2 species originating in China, imported into the US for Aquaculture in the 1970’s -Used to clean up aquaculture facilities, feed on algae and plankton -Escaped and started colonizing their way up the Mississippi and Illinois rivers -Threatening to invade the Great lakes, a 7 billion dollar per year recreational fishery -Bighead carp ( Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) - Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)

Invasive Species -First imported to Arkansas and Mississippi to clean up fish farms -Studies indicate that Carp constitute 96% of the fish biomass in some parts of the Mississippi river Asian Carp

Invasive Species -Silver carp jump from the water when startled -1.5 meter projectile fish have caused numerous injuries to humans -Preventative measures are being taken by the Army core of Engineers to prevent the spread into the great lakes, primarily an underwater “electro fence to prevent further penetration -It is possible that carp have already populated parts of lake Michigan, as carp DNA has been found in parts of the lake Asian Carp

Invasive Species Scientific Name : Phragmites australis Description : Tall perennial grass with elongated leaves that are about one inch wide at their widest point and stems contain bushy purple or gold colored flowers. Common reed

Invasive Species THREAT: High biomass blocks light to other plants and occupies all the growing space below ground thus choking out other vegetation. HISTORY : Non-native strains made their way to the Atlantic coast in ballast material in the late 18th or early 19th centuries. Common reed

Invasive Species Common reed Remediation : Brushcutting, herbicides, mowing, and prescribed fire Vineyard Option : Roasted Phragmites Recipe Ingredients : 12 Phragmites rhizomes ½ teaspoon sea salt Directions : Wash thoroughly, bake in oven at 350 degrees F for minutes. Sprinkle with sea salt before serving.

Invasive Species Crayfish Introduction as source of food Generalist High Fecundity No predators Spread through negligence

Invasive Species Status of Rusty Crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) as of July 2010: Presumed not present. Status of Red Claw Crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) as of July 2010: Presumed not present. Crayfish

Invasive Species Control techniques Trapping Awareness Mandatory techniques for movement Crayfish

Invasive Species Feral pigs Definition Feral: Once was domesticated, but now wild due to release or escape. Sus scrofa : Old world family Suidae Origin Brought over by early Explorers Distribution 44 of 50 states have populations

Invasive Species Feral pigs Problems Rooting Destroys littoral zone vegetation -- Eutrophy Causes erosion issues Wallows – Regulate body temp Vectors for many diseases, E. coli Plum Creek, California Spinach Diet Opportunistic feeders; EAT ANYTHING

Invasive Species Feral pigs Solutions Hunting - authorized 365 days/year, 24hrs. Regulations - Black Bass Act Euthanasia of captured pigs Used to feed starving families

Invasive Species Giant Reed Scientific name: Arundo donax -Largest member of genus (8m) -Native to freshwater of eastern Asia -Hydrophyte that can use 2,000L/m, growing up to 5cm per day - Can produce 20 tons/ha above ground dry mass - A cultivated species that has travelled the world - Used for musical instruments, fiber production, fences, thatch for roofs

Invasive Species Giant Reed Brought to southern California from the Mediterranean in 1820s for erosion control In North America species only spreads through fragmentation of roots during flooding events, strictly asexual Changes riparian to zone defined by fire and not flood events; roots easily survive fire, replacing natives

Invasive Species Giant Reed Arundo wasp Tetramesa romana - Removal is labor intensive, and has to include roots - Rodeo ® herbicide - Biological control species specific herbivory Native plants quickly recover when A. donax is removed, indicating that it does not occupy an abandoned niche

Invasive Species Snakehead carp Family Channidae, within 2 genera, 28 species: - Channa (snakeheads of Asia, Malaysia and Indonesia), and - Parachanna (African snakeheads) Long and cylindrical with enlarged scales on their head, hence the common name of snakehead. Compete with native species for food at all life stages for food. They are air-breathers and are capable of overland migration.

Invasive Species Snakehead carp Four species are found in California, Florida, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland and Rhode Island. Reproducing populations have been documented in Florida and Maryland. How did they get here? Via releases by aquarium owners; Via the live food fish trade by individuals releasing these fish to establish a local food source.

Invasive Species Snakeheads (family Channidae; 2 genera (Channa and Parachanna) totaling 28 known species) are currently in the Injurious Species List of Fish and Wildlife Service. This prohibits the importation and interstate transport of all 28 species. Cost-benefit analysis done by the USGS research shows the damage significantly outweighs the benefits generated by markets. Snakehead carp

Invasive Species Zebra Mussel

Invasive Species Zebra Mussel

Invasive Species Zebra Mussel

Invasive Species Conclusion Survival of the fittest? -No single solution or approach - Creativity is key - Humility to revisit, rethink strategies and recognize their shortcomings - Constant vigilance because no one can predict how a species will react in a new setting (geographic or temporal) References available upon request