Accession Number:

AD1135386

Title:

Control and Mitigation of Aquatic Invasive Species in Pacific Island Streams

Descriptive Note:

[Technical Report, Final Report]

Corporate Author:

Tulane UniversityTEXAS A AND M UNIV CORPUS CHRISTI TXCORNELL UNIV ITHACA NY

Report Date:

2020-05-25

Pagination or Media Count:

178

Abstract:

Experimental AIS removals showed that 1 AIS can be controlled with nominal collateral injury and mortality of native species. Removals also 2 resulted in significant and sustained reduction of AIS densities, with the magnitude of reductions varying by target species and stream discharge. AIS removals also 3 triggered a pulse in recruitment and sustained increases in growth and body condition in A. stamineus. Though island-wide trends in A. stamineus life history 4 tracked discharge and densities of invasive Poeciliid live-bearers, AIS removals only led to a modest shift in the balance of local variation. Nonetheless, 5 genomic diversity increased following AIS removals, likely reflecting shifts in recruitment and life history. While AIS removals 6 did not elicit sweeping changes in ecosystem processes, some conditions did become more favorable for native species, like reductions in total suspended sediment i.e., clearer water. Finally, model simulations illustrated functional trait differences can be strategically utilized to not only restore local populations but also to achieve metapopulation-wide benefits through demographic spillover.

Subject Categories:

  • Biology
  • Biological Oceanography
  • ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

Distribution Statement:

[A, Approved For Public Release]