Invasive Catfish Policy Adoption Statement
The Sustainable Fisheries Goal Implementation Team has concluded the risk posed by blue and flathead catfish warrants action to examine measures to reduce densities and limit range expansion, and to evaluate possible negative ecological impacts.
Description
The Sustainable Fisheries Goal Implementation Team (GIT 1) Executive Committee has concluded that the potential risk posed by blue catfish and flathead catfish on native species warrants action to examine potential measures to reduce densities and limit range expansion, and to evaluate possible negative ecological impacts. Through this adoption statement, the Sustainable Fisheries Goal Implementation Team Executive Committee agrees to work together to include blue catfish and flathead catfish in public awareness campaigns targeting invasive species; improve scientific understanding of blue catfish and flathead catfish biology and population dynamics; develop models that will aid in better understanding the potential impacts of non-native species on the fish community; develop, evaluate and implement a set of management measures aimed at controlling populations and mitigating adverse effects of blue and flathead catfish while recognizing that these two catfish species currently support fisheries with economic and recreational value; identify high-risk/high-value opportunities for containment and/or mitigation; and assess the risk of expansion and ecological resource valuation by developing an integrated online decision support tool.
Category: Adoption Statement