A Synthesis of the Characteristics and Drivers of Introduced Fishes in Prairie Streams: Can We Manage Introduced Harmful Fishes in These Dynamic Environments?

Authors

• Alison A. Coulter, South Dakota State University
• Michael J. Moore, Iowa State University
• Jimena Golcher-Benavides, Iowa State University
• Frank J. Rahel, University of Wyoming
• Annika W. Walters, University of Wyoming
• Shannon K. Brewer, Auburn University
• Mark L. Wildhaber, Columbia Environmental Research Center

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1-2024

Publication Source

Biological Invasions

Volume Number

26

Issue Number

12

First Page

4011

Last Page

4033

ISSN

13873547

E-ISSN

15731464

Abstract

Prairie streams of North America support native fishes that are adapted to the dynamic environment that characterizes these ecologically and economically important ecosystems. However, prairie streams have been altered by landscape changes that may affect the proportions of native and introduced species in fish communities. Herein, we investigate drivers of introduced fish in prairie streams, detail common introduced species and their traits and effects, investigate how climate change may alter the balance between native and introduced species, and summarize management options. Commonly introduced fishes are those with the ability to tolerate extreme variations in temperature, hydrology, and salinity and, as a result, most of the introduced fishes were native to other prairie streams within the Great Plains ecoregion. This suggests environmental extremes may act as a filter for establishment or that short-distance translocations are more common than introductions from other ecoregions. The mechanisms or extent to which introduced species affect native fishes is often assumed or understudied. Climate change may amplify environmental disturbances in ways that may favor native or introduced fishes depending on species traits and biotic interactions. Actions such as habitat modifications or disturbances may favor introduced fishes over native fishes. Research to understand the relative roles of trait preadaptation and spatial proximity of source populations in introduced species establishment could benefit future management. Moreover, patterns observed in other ecosystems may not be transferrable to prairie streams, highlighting the need to understand the context dependency of effects of introduced species.

Keywords

Aquatic invasive species, Great Plains, Non-native species, Prairie streams

Recommended Citation

Published in: Biological Invasions, Volume 26, Issue 12, December 1, 2024, pages 4011-4033.