INVASIVE SPECIES
When a species is introduced into a new environment, many of the parameters that typically control its population are changed. In the absence of predators, parasites, pathogens, and competitors, many introduced species thrive in their new habitat, which can result in the extirpation or displacement of local populations of native species. Invasive species are a worldwide problem in both freshwater and marine environments, causing losses in biodiversity, changes in ecosystem dynamics, and impacts to economic systems. Unfortunately, once established, introduced species rarely can be eliminated.
PROJECTS
Across much of western North America, native fish have suffered extensive negative impacts from land and watershed development, habitat loss, direct harvest, and increased competition from introduced non-native species. As a result, the status of many western native fish species are in question. The Fisheries Conservation Foundation has provided funding to The Western Division of the American Fisheries Society to assist in completing a book project designed to document the current distribution and status of native freshwater fishes in western North America. This project will serve to define a benchmark against which we can measure the success or failure of our future conservation efforts.
Contacts:
Jeff Smith
Charles C. Krueger
