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Conservation and Management of Crayfishes: Lessons from Pennsylvania
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Conservation and Management of Crayfishes: Lessons from Pennsylvania

David A. Lieb, Raymond W. Bouchard, Robert F. Carline, Ted R. Nuttall, John R. Wallace, Carrie L. Burkholder and Michael Bouchard
Fisheries (Bethesda), v 36(10), pp 489-507
01 Oct 2011

Abstract

Fisheries Life Sciences & Biomedicine Science & Technology
North America's crayfish fauna is diverse, ecologically important, and highly threatened. Unfortunately, up-to-date information is scarce, hindering conservation and management efforts. In Pennsylvania and nearby states, recent efforts allowed us to determine the conservation status of several native crayfishes and develop management strategies for those species. Due to rarity and proximity to urban centers and introduced (exotic) crayfishes, Cambarus (Puncticambarus) sp., an undescribed member of the Cambarus acuminatus complex, is critically imperiled in Pennsylvania and possibly range-wide. Orconectes limosus is more widespread; however, recent population losses have been substantial, especially in Pennsylvania and northern Maryland, where its range has declined (retreated eastward) by greater than 200 km. Introduced congeners likely played a major role in those losses. Although extirpated from some areas, Cambarus bartonii bartonii remains widespread and is not an immediate conservation concern. In light of these findings, the role of barriers (e. g., dams), environmental protection, educational programs, and regulations in preventing crayfish invasions and conserving native crayfishes is discussed, and management initiatives centered on those factors are presented. The need for methods to eliminate exotics and monitor natives is highlighted. Although tailored to a specific regional fauna, these ideas have broad applicability and would benefit many North American crayfishes.

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#15 Life on Land
#14 Life Below Water

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Fisheries
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