Prussian carp swimming in a shallow pond. (Image by Tatyana Bulyonkova via Flickr)
After the presence of invasive non-native species of Prussian carp was confirmed in Alberta, scientists explored the species’ effect on the local freshwater ecosystems. In the present study, authors describe the carps’ impact on fish communities and benthic invertebrate communities, as well as evaluate whether the carp alter abiotic conditions in the regions where they are abundant. Their findings showed that higher abundances of Prussian carp are associated with lower numbers of native fish species, specifically brook stickleback and fathead minnow. Abundance was also determined to be a better predictor of impact than time of invasion. Overall, study authors say their results showcase the need for better conservation management to prevent further disruptions from the invasive species.
Authors:
Jonathan L. W. Ruppert, Cassandra Docherty, Kenton Neufeld, Kyle Hamilton, Laura MacPherson, Mark S. Poesch
Corresponding author:
Mark Poesch, Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Email: poesch@ualberta.ca
Original paper published in Royal Society Open Science on October 4, 2017.
