67862 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 190 / Friday, September 30, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: have to be currently imported or present Susan Jewell, U.S. Fish and Wildlife in the United States for the Service to Fish and Wildlife Service Service, MS–FAC, 5275 Leesburg Pike, list it as injurious. All 11 species have Falls Church, VA 22041–3803; 703– a high climate match in parts of the 50 CFR Part 16 358–2416. If a telecommunications United States, a history of invasiveness [Docket No. FWS–HQ–FAC–2013–0095; device for the deaf (TDD) is required, outside their native ranges, and, except FXFR13360900000–167–FF09F14000] please call the Federal Information for one fish species in one lake, are not Relay Service (FIRS) at 800–877–8339. currently found in U.S. ecosystems. RIN 1018–AY69 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Nine of the freshwater fish species (Amur sleeper, crucian carp, Eurasian Injurious Wildlife Species; Listing 10 Executive Summary minnow, European perch, Prussian Freshwater Fish and 1 Crayfish The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service carp, roach, stone moroko, wels catfish, AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, (Service) is amending its regulations to and zander) have been introduced to Interior. add to the list of injurious fish the and established populations within ACTION: Final rule. following nonnative freshwater fish Europe and Asia, where they have species: Crucian carp, Eurasian spread and are causing harm. The Nile SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife minnow, Prussian carp, roach, stone perch has been introduced to and Service (Service) is amending its moroko, Nile perch, Amur sleeper, become invasive in new areas of central regulations to add to the list of injurious European perch, zander, and wels Africa. The common yabby has been fish the following freshwater fish catfish. In addition, the Service is introduced to western Australia and to species: Crucian carp (Carassius amending its regulations to add the Europe where it has established carassius), Eurasian minnow (Phoxinus common yabby, a nonnative freshwater invasive populations. Most of these phoxinus), Prussian carp (Carassius crayfish species, to the list of injurious species were originally introduced for gibelio), roach (Rutilus rutilus), stone crustaceans. These listings prohibit the aquaculture, recreational fishing, or moroko (Pseudorasbora parva), Nile importation of any live animal, gamete, ornamental purposes. Two of these fish perch (Lates niloticus), Amur sleeper viable egg, or hybrid of these 10 fish and species (the Eurasian minnow and stone (Perccottus glenii), European perch 1 crayfish (11 species) into the United moroko) were accidentally introduced (Perca fluviatilis), zander (Sander States, except as specifically authorized. when they were unintentionally lucioperca), and wels catfish (Silurus These listings also prohibit the transported in shipments with desirable glanis). In addition, the Service also interstate transportation of any live fish species stocked for aquaculture or amends its regulations to add the animal, gamete, viable egg, or hybrid of fisheries management. freshwater crayfish species common these 10 fish and 1 crayfish, except as Based on our evaluation under the yabby (Cherax destructor) to the list of specifically authorized. With this final Act of all 11 species, the Service seeks injurious crustaceans. These listings rule, the importation and interstate to prevent the introduction, will prohibit the importation of any live transportation of any live animal, establishment, and spread within the animal, gamete, viable egg, or hybrid of gamete, viable egg, or hybrid of these 10 United States of each species by adding these 10 fish and 1 crayfish into the fish and 1 crayfish may be authorized them all to the Service’s lists of United States, except as specifically only by permit for scientific, medical, injurious wildlife, thus prohibiting both authorized. These listings will also educational, or zoological purposes, or their importation and interstate prohibit the interstate transportation of without a permit by Federal agencies transportation. We take this action to any live animal, gamete, viable egg, or solely for their own use. This action is prevent injurious effects, which is hybrid of these 10 fish and 1 crayfish necessary to protect the interests of consistent with the Lacey Act. between States, the District of Columbia, agriculture, wildlife, or wildlife We evaluated the 10 fish and 1 the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or resources from the purposeful or crayfish species using the Service’s Injurious Wildlife Evaluation Criteria. any territory or possession of the United accidental introduction, establishment, The criteria include the likelihood and States, except as specifically authorized. and spread of these 11 species into magnitude of release or escape, of These species are injurious to the ecosystems of the United States. On October 30, 2015, we published a survival and establishment upon release interests of agriculture or to wildlife or proposed rule in the Federal Register or escape, and of spread from origin of the wildlife resources of the United (80 FR 67026) to add the 11 species to release or escape. The criteria also States, and the listing will prevent the the list of injurious fish and crustaceans examine the effect on wildlife resources purposeful or accidental introduction, as injurious wildlife under the Lacey and ecosystems (such as through establishment, and spread of these 10 Act (the Act; 18 U.S.C. 42, as amended) hybridizing, competition for food or fish and 1 crayfish into ecosystems of and announced the availability of the habitat, predation on native species, and the United States. draft economic analysis and the draft pathogen transfer), on endangered and DATES: This rule is effective on October environmental assessment of the threatened species and their respective 31, 2016. proposed rule. The 60-day comment habitats, and on human beings, forestry, ADDRESSES: This final rule is available period ended on December 29, 2015. We horticulture, and agriculture. on the Internet at http:// also solicited peer review at the same Additionally, criteria evaluate the www.regulations.gov under Docket No. time. In this final rule, we used public likelihood and magnitude of wildlife or FWS–HQ–FAC–2013–0095. Comments comments and peer review to inform habitat damages resulting from control and materials received, as well as our final determinations. measures. The analysis using these supporting documentation used in the The need for the action to add 11 criteria serves as a basis for the Service’s preparation of this rule, will also be nonnative species to the list of injurious regulatory decision regarding injurious available for public inspection by wildlife under the Lacey Act developed wildlife species listings. appointment during normal business from the Service’s concern that, through Each of these 11 species has a well- hours at: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; our rapid screen process, these 11 documented history of invasiveness 5275 Leesburg Pike; Falls Church, VA species were categorized as ‘‘high risk’’ outside of its native range, but not in the 22041. for invasiveness. A species does not United States. When released into the

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environment, these species have and estimation of the economic benefits made one change to the common yabby survived and established, expanded and cost associated with the that did not result in a change to the their nonnative range, preyed on native implementation of the regulations. The final determination to that species but wildlife species, and competed with economic effects to three groups would may be worth singling out. We removed native species for food and habitat. be addressed: (1) Producers; (2) ‘‘Potential Impacts to Humans’’ as one Since it would be difficult to eradicate, consumers; and (3) society. Of the 11 of the factors for considering the yabby manage, or control the spread of these species, only one population of one as injurious. We found that while the 11 species; it would be difficult to species (zander) is found in the wild in common yabby may directly impact rehabilitate or recover habitats disturbed the United States. Of the 11 species, 4 human health by transferring metal by these species; and because species (crucian carp, Nile perch, wels contaminants through consumption and introduction, establishment, and spread catfish, yabby) have been imported in may require consumption advisories, of these 11 species would negatively small numbers since 2011, and 7 species these advisories are not expected to be affect agriculture, and native wildlife or are not in U.S. trade. To our knowledge, more stringent than those for crayfish wildlife resources, the Service is the total number of importation events species that are not considered amending its regulations to add these 11 of those 4 species from 2011 to 2015 is injurious. Therefore, none of the 11 species as injurious under the Lacey 25, with a declared total value of $5,789. species in this final rule is being listed Act. This listing prohibits the Therefore, the economic effect in the as injurious wildlife because of importation and interstate United States is negligible for those four potential impacts to humans. transportation of any live animal, species and nil for the seven not in Background gamete, viable egg, or hybrid in the trade. The final economic analysis that United States, except as specifically the Service prepared supports this The regulations contained in 50 CFR authorized. conclusion (USFWS Final Economic part 16 implement the Act. Under the The Service solicited three Analysis 2016). terms of the Act, the Secretary of the independent scientific peer reviewers Interior is authorized to prescribe by who all submitted individual comments Previous Federal Actions regulation those wild mammals, wild in written form. We also received On October 30, 2015, we published a birds, fish, mollusks, crustaceans, comments from 20 State agencies, proposed rule in the Federal Register amphibians, reptiles, and the offspring regional and U.S.-Canada governmental (80 FR 67026) to list the crucian carp, or eggs of any of the foregoing that are alliances, commercial businesses, Eurasian minnow, Prussian carp, roach, injurious to human beings, to the conservation organizations, stone moroko, Nile perch, Amur sleeper, interests of agriculture, horticulture, nongovernmental organizations, and European perch, zander, wels catfish, forestry, or to wildlife or the wildlife private citizens during the 60-day and common yabby to the list of resources of the United States. The lists public comment period. We reviewed injurious fish and crustaceans as of injurious wildlife species are found all comments for substantive issues and injurious wildlife under the Act. The in title 50 of the Code of Federal new information regarding the proposed proposed rule established a 60-day Regulations (CFR) at §§ 16.11 through designation of the 11 species as comment period ending on December 16.15. injurious wildlife. None of the peer or 29, 2015, and announced the The purpose of listing the crucian public comments necessitated any availability of the draft economic carp, Eurasian minnow, Prussian carp, substantive changes to the rule, the analysis and the draft environmental roach, stone moroko, Nile perch, Amur environmental assessment, or the assessment of the proposed rule. We sleeper, European perch, zander, and economic analysis. Comments received also solicited peer review at the same wels catfish and the common yabby provided a range of opinions on the time. (hereafter ‘‘11 species’’) as injurious proposed listing: (1) Unequivocal For the injurious wildlife evaluation wildlife is to prevent the harm that support for the listing with no in this final rule, in addition to these species could cause to the additional information included; (2) information used for the proposed rule, interests of agriculture, wildlife, and unequivocal support for the listing with we considered: (1) Comments from the wildlife resources through their additional information provided; (3) public comment period for the proposed accidental or intentional introduction, equivocal support for the listing with or rule, (2) comments from three peer establishment, and spread into the wild without additional information reviewers, and (3) new information in the United States. The Service included; and (4) unequivocal acquired by the Service by the end of evaluated each of the 11 species opposition to the listing with additional the public comment period. We present individually, and we determined each information included. We consolidated a summary of the peer review comments species to be injurious based on its own comments and our responses into key and the public comments and our traits. issues in the ‘‘Summary of Comments responses to them following the Lacey Consistent with the statutory language Received on the Proposed Rule’’ section. Act Evaluation Criteria section in this and congressional intent, it is the This final rule is not significant under final rule. Service’s longstanding and continued Executive Order (E.O.) 12866. E.O. position that the Lacey Act prohibits 12866 Regulatory Planning and Review Summary of Changes From the both the importation into the United (Panetta 1993) and the subsequent Proposed Rule States and all interstate transportation document, Economic Analysis of We fully considered comments from between States, the District of Columbia, Federal Regulations under E.O. 12866 the public and the peer reviewers on the the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or (U.S. Office of Management and Budget proposed rule. This final rule any territory or possession of the United 1996) require the Service to ensure that incorporates changes to our proposed States, including interstate proper consideration is given to the rule based on the comments we received transportation between States within the effect of this final action on the business that are discussed under Summary of Continental United States, of injurious community and economy. With respect Comments Received on the Proposed wildlife, regardless of the preliminary to the regulations under consideration, Rule and newly available information injunction decision in U.S. Association analysis that comports with the Circular that became available after the close of of Reptile Keepers v. Jewell, No. 13– A–4 would include a full description the comment period. Specifically, we 2007 (D.D.C. May 12, 2015). The

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Service’s interpretation of 18 U.S.C. pertaining to the transport or use of Lodge (2002) found that discriminant 42(a)(1) finds support in the plain these species within a particular State analysis revealed that successful fishes language of the statute, the Lacey Act’s would continue to be the responsibility in the establishment stage grew purpose, legislative history, and of that State. relatively faster, tolerated wider ranges of temperature and salinity, and were congressional ratification. First, the How the 11 Species Were Selected for more likely to have a history of statute’s use of the disjunctive ‘‘or’’ to Consideration as Injurious Species separate the listed geographic entities invasiveness than were failed fishes. indicates that each location has While the Service recognizes that not They also correlated traits of independent significance. Second, all nonnative species become invasive, invasiveness with stages of invasion to Congress enacted the Lacey Act in 1900 it is important to have some predict rate of spread for specific for the purpose of, among other things, understanding of the risk that nonnative species and predicted that the roach, regulating the introduction of species in species pose to the United States. The Eurasian minnow, and European perch localities, not merely large territories, Ecological Risk Screening Summary would spread quickly, while the zander where they have not previously existed. (ERSS) approach was developed to would spread slowly (the other seven See 16 U.S.C. 701. Third, the legislative address the need described in the species in this final rule were not history of Congress’ many amendments National Invasive Species Management studied). Hayes and Barry (2008) found to the Lacey Act since its enactment in Plan (NISC 2008). The Plan states that that climate and habitat match, history 1900 shows that Congress intended, prevention is the first-line of defense. of successful invasion, and number of from the very beginning, for the Service One of the objectives in the Plan is to arriving and released individuals are to regulate the interstate shipment of ‘‘[d]evelop fair and practical screening consistently associated with successful certain injurious wildlife. Finally, processes that evaluate different types of establishment. Bomford et al. (2010) recent Congresses have made clear that species moving intentionally in trade.’’ found that ‘‘Relative to failed species, Congress interprets 18 U.S.C. 42(a)(1) as The ERSS process, and the associated established species had better climate prohibiting interstate transport of Risk Assessment Mapping Program, matches between the country where injurious wildlife between the States were peer-reviewed by risk assessment they were introduced and their within the continental United States. In experts from the United States, Canada, geographic range elsewhere in the amending § 42(a)(1) to add zebra and Mexico. Those experts support the world. Established species were also mussels and bighead carp as injurious use of those tools for U.S. national risk more likely to have high establishment assessment, and associated risk wildlife without making other changes success rates elsewhere in the world.’’ management. The Service utilizes a to the provision, Congress repeated and Recently, Howeth et al. (2016) showed rapid screening process to provide a ratified the Service’s interpretation of that climate match between a species’ prediction of the invasive potential of the statute as prohibiting all interstate native range and the Great Lakes region nonnative species and to prioritize transport of injurious species. predicted establishment success with 75 which species to consider for listing. to 81 percent accuracy. The prohibitions on importation and Rapid screens categorize risk as either All 11 species are documented to be all interstate transportation are both high, low, or uncertain and have been highly invasive internationally (see necessary to prevent the introduction, produced for two thousand foreign Species Information for each species). establishment, and spread of injurious aquatic fish and invertebrates for use by Nine of the freshwater fish species species that threaten human health or the Service and other entities. Each (Amur sleeper, crucian carp, Eurasian the interests of agriculture, horticulture, rapid screen is summarized in an minnow, European perch, Prussian forestry, or the wildlife or wildlife Ecological Risk Screening Summary carp, roach, stone moroko, wels catfish, resources of the United States. By listing (ERSS; see ‘‘Rapid Screening’’ below for and zander) have been introduced and these 11 species as injurious wildlife, explanation regarding how these established populations within Europe both the importation into the United summaries were done). The Service and Asia. The Prussian carp was States and interstate transportation selected 11 species with a rapid screen recently found to be established in between States, the District of Columbia, result of ‘‘high risk’’ to consider for waterways in southern Alberta, Canada the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or listing as injurious. We put these 11 (Elgin et al. 2014), near the U.S. border. any territory or possession of the United species through a subsequent risk Another freshwater fish species, the States of live animals, gametes, viable analysis to evaluate each species for Nile perch, has been introduced to and eggs, or hybrids is prohibited, except by injuriousness (see ‘‘Injurious Wildlife become invasive in new areas of central permit for zoological, educational, Evaluation Criteria’’ section below). Africa. The freshwater crayfish, the medical, or scientific purposes (in These 11 species have a high climate common yabby, has been introduced to accordance with permit regulations at match (see Rapid Screening) in parts of and established populations in new 50 CFR 16.22), or by Federal agencies the United States, a history of areas of Australia and in Europe. Most without a permit solely for their own invasiveness outside of their native of the 11 species were originally use, upon filing a written declaration range (see Need for the Final Rule), are intentionally introduced for with the District Director of Customs not yet found in U.S. ecosystems (except aquaculture, recreational fishing, or and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for one species in one lake), and have ornamental purposes. The Eurasian Inspector at the port of entry. In a high degree of certainty regarding minnow and the stone moroko were addition, no live specimens of these 11 these results. The ERSS reports for each accidentally mixed with and introduced species, gametes, viable eggs, or hybrids of the 11 species are available on the with shipments of fish stocked for other imported or transported under a permit Service’s Web site (http://www.fws.gov/ intended purposes. could be sold, donated, traded, loaned, injuriouswildlife/Injurious_ or transferred to any other person or prevention.html). Need for the Final Rule institution unless such person or The practice of using history of Consistent with 18 U.S.C. 42, the institution has a permit issued by the invasiveness and climate match to Service aims to prevent the Service. The rule would not prohibit determine risk has been validated in introduction, establishment, and spread intrastate transport of the listed fish or peer-reviewed studies over the years. of all 11 species within the United crayfish species. Any regulations Here are some examples: Kolar and States due to concerns regarding the

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potential injurious effects of the 11 horticulture, and agriculture. setting allows the aquaculturist to species on the interests of agriculture or Additionally, criteria evaluate the maintain proper conditions for each to wildlife or wildlife resources of the likelihood and magnitude of wildlife or species being raised, which promotes United States. The threat posed by these habitat damages resulting from optimal feeding and provides protection 11 species is evident in their history of measures to control the proposed from predation and disease. However, invasiveness (establishment and spread) species. The analysis using these criteria Bartley (2011) states that aquaculture is in other countries and their high risk of serves as a basis for the Service’s the primary reason for the deliberate establishment as demonstrated by a high regulatory decision regarding injurious movement of aquatic species outside of climate match within the United States. wildlife species listings. The objective their range, and Casal (2006) states that All of these species have wide of such a listing is to prohibit many countries are turning to distribution ranges where they are importation and interstate aquaculture for human consumption, native and where they are invasive, transportation and thus prevent the and that has led to the introduction and suggesting they are highly adaptable and species’ likely introduction, establishment of these species in local tolerant of new environments and establishment, and spread in the wild, ecosystems. Although the farmed opportunistic when expanding from thereby preventing injurious effects species are normally safely contained, their native range. Based on the results consistent with 18 U.S.C. 42. outdoor aquaculture ponds have often of rapid screening assessments and our We evaluated each of the 11 species flooded from major rainfall events and injurious wildlife evaluation, we individually and are listing all 11 merged with neighboring natural waters, anticipate that these 11 species will species because we determined each of allowing the farmed species to escape become invasive if they are introduced these species to be injurious. The final by swimming or floating to nearby into waters of the United States. rule contains responses to comments we watersheds. Once a species enters a Furthermore, if introduced and received on the proposed rule, states the watershed, it has the potential to established in one area of the United final decision, and provides the establish and spread throughout the States, these species could then spread justification for that decision. Each of watershed, which then increases the to other areas of the country through the species determined to be injurious risk of spread to neighboring watersheds unintentional or intentional interstate will be added to the list of injurious through further flooding. Other transport, such as for aquaculture, wildlife found in 50 CFR 16.13. pathways for aquaculture species to recreational and commercial fishing, To assist us with making our enter natural waters include intentional bait, ornamental display, and other determination under the injurious stocking programs, and through possible uses. wildlife evaluation criteria, we used unintentional stocking when the species information from available sources, Listing Process is inadvertently included in a shipment including the Centre for Agricultural with an intended species for stocking The Service promulgates regulations Bioscience International (CABI) reports (Bartley 2011), release of unwanted under the Act in accordance with the (called full datasheets) from their ornamental fish, and release of live bait Administrative Procedure Act (APA; 5 Invasive Species Compendium (CABI by fishermen. U.S.C. 551 et seq.). We published a ISC) that were specific to each species proposed rule for public notice and for biological and invasiveness Stocking for recreational fishing is a comment. We solicited peer review information as well as primary literature common pathway for invasive species under Office of Management and Budget and import data from our Office of Law when an aquatic species is released into (OMB) guidelines ‘‘Final Information Enforcement. a water body where it is not native. Quality Bulletin for Peer Review’’ (OMB Often it takes repeated releases before 2004). We also prepared a draft Introduction Pathways for the 11 the fish (or other animal) becomes economic analysis (including analysis of Species established. The type of species that are potential effects on small businesses) The primary potential pathways for typically selected and released for and a draft environmental assessment, the 11 species into the United States are recreational fishing are predatory, grow both of which we made available to the through commercial trade in the live quickly and to large sizes, reproduce public. For this final rule, we prepared animal industry, including aquaculture, abundantly, and are adaptable to many a final economic analysis and a final recreational fishing, bait, and habitat conditions (Fuller et al. 1999). environmental assessment. ornamental display. Some could arrive These are often the traits that also This final rule is based on an unintentionally in water used to carry contribute to the species becoming evaluation using the Service’s Injurious other aquatic species. Aquatic species invasive (Copp et al. 2005c; Kolar and Wildlife Evaluation Criteria (see may be imported into many designated Lodge 2001, 2002). Injurious Wildlife Evaluation Criteria, ports of entry, including Miami, Los Live aquatic species, such as fish and below, for more information). We use Angeles, Baltimore, Dallas-Fort Worth, crayfish, are frequently used as bait for these criteria to evaluate whether a Detroit, Chicago, and San Francisco. recreational and commercial fishing. species does or does not qualify as Once imported, aquatic species could be Generally, bait animals are kept alive injurious under the Act. These criteria transported throughout the country for until they are needed, and leftover include the likelihood and magnitude of aquaculture, recreational and individuals may be released into release or escape, of survival and commercial fishing, bait, display, and convenient waterbodies (Litvak and establishment upon release or escape, other possible uses. Mandrak, 1993; Ludwig and Leitch, and of spread from origin of release or Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic 1996). For example, Kilian et al. (2012) escape. These criteria also examine the organisms, such as fish, crustaceans, reported that 65 and 69 percent of impact on wildlife resources and mollusks, and plants, for food, pets, Maryland anglers using fishes and ecosystems (such as through stocking for fishing, and other purposes. crayfishes, respectively, released their hybridizing, competition for food or Aquaculture usually occurs in a unused bait, and that a nonnative, habitat, predation on native species, and controlled setting where the water is potentially invasive species imported pathogen transfer), on endangered and contained, as a pond or in a tank, and into the State as bait is likely to be threatened species and their respective is separate from lakes, ponds, rivers, released into the wild. Often, these habitats, and on human beings, forestry, and other natural waters. The controlled individuals survive, establish, and cause

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harm to that waterbody (Fuller et al. 2011). This factor increases the odds of datasheets that we used in preparation 1999; Kilian et al. 2012). both genders being released and finding of this final rule. The datasheets were Litvak and Mandrak (1993) found that mates and of those individuals being prepared by experts on the species, and 41 percent of anglers released live bait healthy and vigorous. After a sufficient each datasheet was reviewed by expert after use. Their survey found nearly all number of unintentional or intentional peer reviewers. the anglers who released their bait releases, a species may establish in Crucian Carp (Carassius carassius) thought they were doing a good thing those regions suitable for its survival for the environment. When the authors and reproduction. Thus, continuing to The crucian carp was first described examined the purchase location and the allow the importation and interstate and cataloged by Linnaeus in 1758, and angling destination, they concluded that transport of these 11 species is part of the order Cypriniformes and 18 of the 28 species found in the subsequently increases the risk of any of family Cyprinidae (ITIS 2014). The dealers’ bait tanks may have been used these species becoming established and family Cyprinidae, or the carp and outside their native range. Therefore, it spreading in the United States. minnow family, is a large and diverse is not surprising that so many species An additional factor indicating an group that includes 2,963 freshwater are introduced in this manner; Ontario, invasive species’ likelihood of species (Froese and Pauly 2014d). The Canada, alone has more than 65 legal successful establishment and spread is a taxonomic status of the crucian carp has baitfish species, many of which are not documented history of these same been reported to be confused and it is native to some or all of Ontario species successfully establishing and commonly misidentified with other (Cudmore and Mandrak 2005). Ludwig spreading elsewhere outside of their Carassius spp. (Godard and Copp 2012). and Leitch (1996) concluded that the native ranges. All 11 species have been Native Range and Habitat probability of at least 1,000 bait release introduced, become established, and events from the Mississippi Basin to the been documented as causing harm in The crucian carp inhabits a temperate Hudson Bay Basin in 1 year is close to countries outside of their native ranges. climate (Riehl and Baensch 1991). The 1 (a certainty). For example, the stone moroko’s native native range includes much of north and Ornamental aquatic species are range includes southern and central central Europe, extending from the species kept in aquaria and aquatic Japan, Taiwan, Korea, China, and the North Sea and Baltic Sea basins across gardens for display for entertainment or Amur River basin (Copp et al. 2010). northern France and Germany to the public education. The first tropical Since the stone moroko’s original Alps and through the Danube River freshwater fishes became available in introduction to Romania in the early basin and eastward to Siberia (Godard trade in the United States in the early 1960s, this species has invaded nearly and Copp 2012). The species inhabits 1900s (Duggan 2011), and there is every European country and additional freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers, and currently a large variety of freshwater regions of Asia (Welcomme 1988; Copp ditches (Godard and Copp 2012). This and saltwater fishes in the ornamental et al. 2010; Froese and Pauly 2014g). species can survive in water with low trade. The trade in ornamental crayfish The demonstrated ability of each of dissolved oxygen levels, including species is more recent but is growing these species to become established, aquatic environments with greatly rapidly (Gherardi 2011). The most spread, and cause harm outside of their reduced oxygen (hypoxic) or largely sought-after species frequently are not native range, in conjunction with the devoid of dissolved oxygen (anoxic) native to the display area. Ornamental risk they would pose to U.S. (Godard and Copp 2012). species may accidentally escape from ecosystems, warrants listing all 11 Nonnative Range and Habitat outdoor ponds into neighboring species as injurious under the Lacey waterbodies (Andrews 1990; Fuller et Act. The objective of this listing is to Crucian carp have been widely al. 1999; Gherardi 2011). They may also prohibit importation and interstate introduced to and established in be released outdoors intentionally when transportation of these species and thus Croatia, Greece, southern France (Holcˇı´k owners no longer wish to maintain prevent their likely introduction, 1991; Godard and Copp 2012), Italy, and them, despite laws in most States establishment, and spread in the wild England (Kottelat and Freyhof 2007), prohibiting release into the wild. and associated harms to the interests of Spain, Belgium, Israel, Switzerland, The invasive range of many of the agriculture, or wildlife or wildlife Chile, India, Sri Lanka, Philippines species in this final rule has expanded resources of the United States. (Holcˇı´k 1991; Froese and Pauly 2014a), through intentional release for and Turkey (Innal and Erk’akan 2006). commercial and recreational fishing Species Information In the United States, crucian carp may (European perch, Nile perch, Prussian We obtained our information on a have been established within Chicago carp, roach, wels catfish, zander, and species’ biology, history of invasiveness, (Illinois) lakes and lagoons in the early common yabby), as bait (Eurasian and climate matching from a variety of 1900s (Meek and Hildebrand 1910; minnow, roach, common yabby), and as sources, including the U.S. Geological Schofield et al. 2005), but they ornamental fish (Amur sleeper, stone Survey Nonindigenous Aquatic Species apparently died out because currently moroko), and unintentionally (Amur (NAS) database, CABI datasheets, ERSS no such population exists (Welcomme sleeper, crucian carp, Eurasian minnow, reports, primary literature, and peer and 1988; Schofield et al. 2005; Schofield et and stone moroko) with shipments of public comments. We queried the NAS al. 2013). other aquatic species. All 11 species database (http://nas.er.usgs.gov/) to Several other fish species, including have proven that they are capable of confirm that 10 of the 11 species are not the Prussian carp, the common carp naturally dispersing through waterways. currently established in U.S. (Cyprinus carpio), and a brown variety The main factor influencing the ecosystems. The zander is established in of goldfish (Carassius auratus) have chances of these 11 species establishing a lake in North Dakota (Fuller 2009). been misidentified as crucian carp in the wild would be the propagule The CABI ISC (http://www.cabi.org/ (Godard and Copp 2012). Crucian carp pressure, defined as the frequency of isc/) is an encyclopedic resource may have been accidentally introduced release events (propagule number) and containing datasheets on more than to some regions in misidentified numbers of individuals released 1,500 invasive species and animal shipments of ornamental fishes (propagule size) (Williamson 1996; diseases. The Service contracted with (Wheeler 2000; Hickley and Chare Colautti and MacIsaac 2004; Duncan CABI for many of the species-specific 2004). However, no known populations

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of crucian carp currently exist in the the spread criteria, the disease’s mountains (Sandlund 2008). In Norway, United States. infectious etiology (cause) must be they are found at elevations up to 2,000 known or an infectious agent is strongly m (6,562 ft). These minnows prefer Biology associated with the disease (with shallow lakes or slow-flowing streams Crucian carp generally range from 20 etiology unknown). In addition for the and rivers with stony substrate to 45 centimeters (cm) (8 to 18 inches spread criteria, there must be a (Sandlund 2008). (in)) long with a maximum of 50 cm likelihood of international spread (via Nonnative Range and Habitat (19.5 in) (Godard and Copp 2012). live animals and animal products) and Specimens have been reported to weigh the disease must not be widespread The Eurasian minnow’s nonnative up to 3 kilograms (kg) (6.6 pounds (lb)) (several countries or regions of countries range includes parts of Sweden and (Froese and Pauly 2014a). These fish without specific disease). For the Norway, United Kingdom, and Egypt have an olive-gray back that transitions diagnosis criteria, there must be a (Sandlund 2008), as well as other into brassy green along the sides and standardized, proven diagnostic test for drainages juxtaposed to native brown on the body (Godard and Copp disease detection (OIE 2012). These waterways. The Eurasian minnow was 2012). internationally accepted standards, initially introduced as live bait, which Crucian carp can live up to 10 years including those that document the was the main pathway of introduction (Kottelat and Freyhof 2007) and reach consequences (harm) of certain diseases, throughout the 1900s (Sandlund 2008). sexual maturity at one and a half years offer supporting evidence of The inadvertent inclusion of this but may not begin spawning until their injuriousness. minnow species in the transport water third year (Godard and Copp 2012). of brown trout (Salmo trutta) that were Crucian carp are batch spawners Invasiveness intentionally stocked into lakes for (release multiple batches of eggs per This species demonstrates many of recreational angling has contributed to season) and may spawn one to three the strongest traits for invasiveness. The their spread (Sandlund 2008). From times per year (Aho and Holopainen crucian carp is capable of securing and these initial stockings, minnows have 2000, Godard and Copp 2012). ingesting a wide range of food, has a dispersed naturally downstream and Crucian carp feed during the day and broad native range, and is highly established in new waterways, and have night on plankton, benthic (bottom- adaptable to different environments spread to new waterways through dwelling) invertebrates, plant materials, (Godard and Copp 2012). While foraging tunnels constructed for hydropower and detritus (organic material) (Kottelat along the substrate, Crucian carp can development. These minnows have also and Freyhof 2007). increase turbidity (cloudiness of water) been purposely introduced as food for Crucian carp can harbor the virus in lakes, rivers, and streams with soft brown trout and to control the Tune fly causing the fish disease Spring Viraemia bottom sediments. Increased turbidity (in Simuliidae) (Sandlund 2008). of Carp (SVC) (Ahne et al. 2002) and reduces light availability to submerged The Eurasian minnow is expanding several parasitic infections plants and can result in harmful its nonnative range by establishing (Dactylogyrus gill flukes disease, ecosystem changes, such as to populations in additional waterways Trichodinosis, skin flukes, false fungal phytoplankton survival and nutrient bordering the native range. Waterways infection (Epistylis sp.), and turbidity of cycling. Crucian carp can breed with near where the minnow is already the skin) (Froese and Pauly 2014b). SVC other carp species, including the established are most at risk (Sandlund is a disease that, when found, is common carp (Wheeler 2000). Hybrids 2008). required to be reported to the Office of crucian carp and common carp can Biology International des Epizooties (OIE) affect fisheries, because such hybrids, (World Organisation of Animal Health) along with the introduced crucian carp, The Eurasian minnow has a torpedo- (Ahne et al. 2002). The SVC virus may compete with native species for shaped body measuring 6 to 10 cm (2.3 infects carp species but may be food and habitat resources (Godard and to 4 in) with a maximum of 15 cm (6 transmitted to other fish species. The Copp 2012). in). Size and growth rate are both highly virus is shed with fecal matter and dependent on population density and urine, and often infects through Eurasian Minnow (Phoxinus phoxinus) environmental factors (Lien 1981; Mills waterborne transmission (Ahne et al. The Eurasian minnow was first 1987, 1988; Sandlund 2008). These 2002). Additionally, SVC may result in described and cataloged by Linnaeus in minnows have variable coloration but significant morbidity and mortality with 1758, and belongs to the order are often brownish-green on the back an approximate 70 percent fatality Cypriniformes and family Cyprinidae with a whitish stomach and brown and among juvenile fish and 30 percent (ITIS 2014). Although Eurasian minnow black blotches along the side (Sandlund fatality in adult fish (Ahne et al. 2002). is the preferred common name, this fish 2008). Thus, the spread of SVC may have species is also referred to as the The Eurasian minnow’s life-history serious effects on native fish stocks. European minnow. traits (age, size at sexual maturity, OIE-notifiable diseases affect animal growth rate, and lifespan) may be highly health internationally. OIE-notifiable Native Range and Habitat variable (Mills 1988). Populations diseases meet certain criteria for The Eurasian minnow inhabits a residing in lower latitudes often have consequences, spread, and diagnosis. temperate climate, and the native range smaller body size and younger age of For the consequences criteria, the includes much of Eurasia within the maturity than those populations in disease must have either been basins of the Atlantic, North and Baltic higher altitudes and latitudes (Mills documented as causing significant Seas, and the Arctic and the northern 1988). Maturity ranges from less than 1 production losses on a national or Pacific Oceans (Froese and Pauly year to 6 years of age, with a lifespan as multinational (zonal or regional) level, 2014e). long as 13 to 15 years (Sandlund 2008). or have scientific evidence that Eurasian minnows can be found in a The Eurasian minnow spawns annually indicates that the diseases will cause variety of habitats ranging from brackish with an average fecundity between 200 significant morbidity or mortality in (estuarine; slightly salty) to freshwater to 1,000 eggs (Sandlund 2008). wild aquatic animal populations, or be streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes located This minnow usually cohabitates with an agent of public health concern. For within the coastal zone to the salmonid fishes (Kottelat and Freyhof

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2007). The Eurasian minnow feeds often difficult to differentiate (Britton The Prussian carp lives up to 10 years mostly on invertebrates (crustaceans 2011). (Kottelat and Freyhof 2007). This and insect larvae) as well as some algal species can reproduce in a way very rare Native Range and Habitat and plant material (Lien 1981). among fish. Introduced populations The Prussian carp inhabits a often include, or are solely composed of, Invasiveness temperate climate (Baensch and Riehl triploid females that can undergo The Eurasian minnow demonstrates 2004). The species is native to regions natural gynogenesis, allowing them to many of the strongest traits for of central Europe and eastward to use the sperm of other species to invasiveness. The species is highly Siberia. It is also native to several Asian activate (but not fertilize) their own eggs adaptable to new environments and is countries, including China, Georgia, (Vetemaa et al. 2005, Britton 2011). difficult to control (Sandlund 2008). Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Turkey, and Thus, the eggs are viable without being The species can become established Turkmenistan (Britton 2011). The fertilized by male Prussian carp. within varying freshwater systems, Prussian carp resides in a variety of The Prussian carp is a generalist including lowland and high alpine fresh stillwater bodies and rivers. This omnivore and consumes a varied diet areas, as well as in brackish water species also inhabits warm, shallow, that includes plankton, benthic (Sandlund 2008). Introductions of the eutrophic (high in nutrients) waters invertebrates, plant material, and Eurasian minnow can cause major with submerged vegetation or regular detritus (Britton 2011). changes to nonnative ecosystems by flooding events (Kottelat and Freyhof The parasite Thelohanellus affecting the benthic community 2007). This species can live in polluted wuhanensis (Wang et al. 2001) and (decreased invertebrate diversity) and waters with pollution and low oxygen black spot disease disrupting trophic-level structure concentrations (Britton 2011). (Posthodiplostomatosis) have been (Sandlund 2008). This occurrence Nonnative Range and Habitat found to affect the Prussian carp (Markovı´c et al. 2012). affects the ability of native fish to find The Prussian carp has been food as well as disrupts native introduced to many countries within Invasiveness spawning. The Eurasian minnow has central and Western Europe. This The Prussian carp is a highly invasive been shown to reduce recruitment of species was first introduced to Belgium brown trout by predation (Sandlund species in freshwater ecosystems during the 1600s and is now prevalent throughout Europe and Asia. This fish 2008). Although brown trout are not in its freshwater systems. The Prussian native to the United States, they are species grows rapidly and can carp was also introduced to Belarus and reproduce from unfertilized eggs closely related to our native trout and Poland during the 1940s for recreational salmon, and thus Eurasian minnows (Vetemaa et al. 2005). Prussian carp fishing and aquaculture. This carp have been implicated in the decline in could be expected to reduce the species has dispersed and expanded its recruitment of native trout. both the biodiversity and population of range using the Vistula and Bug River native fish (Vetemaa et al. 2005, Lusk et In addition, Eurasian minnows are basins (Britton 2011). During the mid to al. 2010). The presence of this fish carriers of parasites and have increased late 1970s, this carp species invaded the species has been linked with increased the introduction of parasites to new Czech Republic river system from the water turbidity (Crivelli 1995), which in areas. Such parasites affected native Danube River via the Morava River. turn alters both the ecosystem’s trophic- snails, mussels, and different insects Once in the river system, the fish level structure and nutrient availability. within subalpine lakes in southern expanded into tributary streams and Norway following introduction of the connected watersheds. Throughout its Roach (Rutilus rutilus) Eurasian minnows (Sandlund 2008). nonnative range, this species has been The roach was first described and Additionally, Zietara et al. (2008) used stocked with common carp and cataloged by Linnaeus in 1758, and molecular methods to link the parasite misidentified as crucian carp (Britton belongs to the order Cypriniformes and Gyrodactylus aphyae from Eurasian 2011). From the original stocked site, family Cyprinidae (ITIS 2014). minnows to the new hosts of Atlantic the Prussian carp has dispersed both salmon (Salmo salar) and brown trout. naturally and with human involvement. Native Range and Habitat Prussian Carp (Carassius gibelio) The Prussian carp’s current nonnative The roach inhabits temperate climates range includes the Asian countries of (Riehl and Baensch 1991). The species’ The Prussian carp was first described Armenia, Turkey, and Uzbekistan and native range includes regions of Europe and catalogued by Bloch in 1782, and the European countries of Belarus, and Asia. Within Europe, it is found belongs to the order Cypriniformes and Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, north of the Pyrenees and Alps and family Cyprinidae (ITIS 2014). While Estonia, France, Germany, Poland, and eastward to the Ural River and Eya some have questioned the taxonomy of Switzerland (Britton 2011). The species drainages (Caspian Sea basin) and Prussian carp, genetic studies have has recently invaded the Iberian within the Aegean Sea basin and suggested that it is distinct Carassius Peninsula (Ribeiro et al. 2015). The watershed (Kottelat and Freyhof 2007). species (Elgin et al. 2014). However, the species was recently found to be In Asia, the roach’s native range extends species is not monophyletic established in waterways in southern from the Sea of Marmara basin and (characterized by descent from a single Alberta, Canada (Elgin et al. 2014). lower Sakarya Province (Turkey) to the ancestral group) and therefore possibly Aral Sea basin and Siberia (Kottelat and Biology two distinct species (Kalous et al. 2012, Freyhof 2007). Elgin et al. 2014). In fact, one clade The Prussian carp has a silvery-brown This species often resides in nutrient- (represents a single lineage) of Prussian body with an average length of 20 cm rich lakes, medium to large rivers, and carp is more closely related to goldfish (7.9 in) and reported maximum length backwaters. Within rivers, the roach is (C. auratus) than to the second clade of of 35 cm (13.8 in) (Kottelat and Freyhof limited to areas with slow currents. Prussian carp (Kalous et al. 2012). The 2007, Froese and Pauly 2014c). This Prussian carp is very similar in species has a reported maximum weight Nonnative Range and Habitat appearance to other Carassius spp. and of 3 kilograms (kg; 6.6 pounds (lb) This species has been introduced to common carp (Cyprinus carpio), and are (Froese and Pauly 2014c)). several countries for recreational fishing

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or as bait. Once introduced, the roach predation or competition (Winfield and Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, has moved into new water bodies Winfield 1994). Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, within the same country (Rocabayera The roach also has a high Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, and Veiga 2012). In 1889, the roach was reproductive potential and spawns Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, brought from England to Ireland for use earlier than some other native fish Ukraine, and the United Kingdom (Copp as bait fish. Some of these fish (Volta and Jepsen 2008, Rocabayera and 2007). The stone moroko has also been accidentally escaped into the Cork Veiga 2012). This trait allows larvae to introduced to Algeria and Fiji (Copp Blackwater system. After this initial have a competitive edge over native fish 2007). introduction, this fish species was larvae (Volta and Jepsen 2008). Biology deliberately stocked in nearby lakes. The roach can hybridize with other The roach has continued its expansion cyprinids, including rudd (Scardinius The stone moroko is a small fish with throughout Ireland watersheds, and by erythrophthalmus) and bream (Abramis an average body length of 8 cm (3.1 in), 2000, had invaded every major river brama), in places where it has invaded. maximum reported length of 11 cm (4.3 system within Ireland (Rocabayera and The new species (roach-rudd cross and in) (Froese and Pauly 2014g), and Veiga 2012). roach-bream cross) then compete for average body mass of 17 to 19 grams (g; This species has been reported as food and habitat resources with both the 0.04 lb) (Witkowski 2011). This fish invasive in north and central Italy, native fish (rudd, bream) and invasive species is grayish black with a lighter where it was introduced for recreational fish (roach) (Rocabayera and Veiga belly and sides. Juveniles have a dark fishing (Rocabayera and Veiga 2012). 2012). stripe along the side that disappears The roach was also introduced to Within nutrient-rich lakes or ponds, with maturity (Witkowski 2011). Madagascar, Morocco, Cyprus, Portugal, large populations of roach create This fish species can live up to 5 the Azores, Spain, and Australia adverse nutrient cycling. High numbers years (Froese and Pauly 2014g). The (Rocabayera and Veiga 2012). of roach consume large amounts of stone moroko becomes sexually mature zooplankton, which results in algal and begins spawning at 1 year Biology blooms, increased turbidity, and (Witkowski 2011). Females release The roach has an average body length changes in nutrient availability and several dozen eggs per spawning event of 25 cm (9.8 in) and reported maximum cycling (Rocabayera and Veiga 2012). and spawn several times per year. The length of 50 cm (19.7 in) (Rocabayera total number of eggs spawned per and Veiga 2012). The maximum Stone Moroko (Pseudorasbora parva) female ranges from a few hundred to a published weight is 1.84 kg (4 lb) The stone moroko was first described few thousand eggs (Witkowski 2011). (Froese and Pauly 2014f). and cataloged by Temminick and Male fish aggressively guard eggs until The roach can live up to 14 years Schlegel in 1846 and belongs to the hatching (Witkowski 2011). (Froese and Pauly 2014f). Male fish are order Cypriniformes and family The stone moroko maintains an sexually mature at 2 to 3 years and Cyprinidae (ITIS 2014). Although the omnivorous diet of small insects, fish, female fish at 3 to 4 years. A whole preferred common name is the stone mollusks, planktonic crustaceans, fish roach population typically spawns moroko, this fish species is also called eggs, algae (Froese and Pauly 2014g), within 5 to 10 days, with each female the topmouth gudgeon (Froese and and plants (Kottelat and Freyhof 2007). producing 700 to 77,000 eggs Pauly 2014g). The stone moroko is an unaffected (Rocabayera and Veiga 2012). Eggs hatch carrier of the pathogenic parasite Native Range and Habitat approximately 12 days later (Kottelat Sphaerothecum destruens (Gozlan et al. and Freyhoff 2007). The stone moroko inhabits a 2005, Pinder et al. 2005). This parasite The roach has a general, omnivorous temperate climate (Baensch and Riehl is transferred to water from healthy diet, including benthic invertebrates, 1993). Its native range is Asia, including stone morokos. Once in the water, this zooplankton, plants, and detritus southern and central Japan, Taiwan, parasite has infected Chinook salmon (Rocabayera and Veiga 2012). Of the Korea, China, and the Amur River basin. (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), Atlantic European cyprinids (carps, minnows, The stone moroko resides in freshwater salmon, sunbleak (Leucaspius and their relatives), the roach is one of lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and delineatus), and fathead minnows the most efficient molluscivores irrigation canals (Copp 2007). (Pimephales promelas) (Gozlan et al. (Winfield and Winfield 1994). 2005). Sphaerothecum destruens infects Nonnative Range and Habitat Parasitic infections, including worm the internal organs, resulting in cataracts (Diplostomum spathaceum), The stone moroko was introduced to spawning failure, organ failure, and black spot disease (diplostomiasis), and Romania in the early 1960s with a death (Gozlan et al. 2005). tapeworm (Ligula intestinalis), have all Chinese carp shipment (Copp et al. Invasiveness been found associated with the roach 2010). By 2000, this fish species had (Rocabayera and Veiga 2012), as has the invaded nearly every other European The stone moroko has proven to be a pathogen bacterium Aeromonas country and additional countries in Asia highly invasive fish, establishing salmonicida, which causes furunculosis (Copp 2007). This species was primarily invasive populations in nearly every (skin ulcers) in several fish species introduced unintentionally with fish European country over a 40-year span (Wiklund and Dalsgaard 1998). shipped purposefully. Natural dispersal (Copp 2007, Copp et al. 2010). This fish also occurred in most countries (Copp species has proven to be adaptive and Invasiveness 2007). tolerant of a variety of habitats, The main issues associated with Within Asia, the stone moroko has including those of poorer quality (Beyer invasive roach populations include been introduced to Afghanistan, et al. 2007). This species’ invasiveness competition with native fish species, Armenia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Laos, is further aided by multiple spawning hybridization with native fish species, Taiwan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan (Copp events and the guarding of eggs by the and altered ecosystem nutrient cycling 2007). In Europe, this fish species’ male until hatching (Kottelat and (Rocabayera and Veiga 2012). The roach nonnative range includes Albania, Freyhof 2007). is a highly adaptive species and adapts Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech In many areas of introduction and to a different habitat or diet to avoid Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, establishment (for example, United

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Kingdom, Italy, China, and Russia), the introduction to Lakes Victoria and breeding cycle (Goldschmidt and Witte stone moroko has been linked to the Kyoga, this fish species has been 1990). decline of native freshwater fish accidentally and deliberately introduced Nile perch less than 5 cm eat populations (Copp 2007). The stone to many of the neighboring lakes and zooplankton (cladocerans and moroko has been found to dominate the waterways (Witte 2013). The increase in copepods) (Witte 2013). Juvenile Nile fish community when it becomes Nile perch population was first noted in perch (35 to 75 cm long) feed on Kenyan waters in 1979, in Ugandan established. Native fishes have invertebrates, primarily aquatic insects, exhibited decreased growth rate and waters 2 to 3 years later, and in crustaceans, and mollusks (Ribbink reproduction, and they shifted their diet Tanzanian waters 4 to 5 years later 1987). Adult Nile perch are primarily as a result of food competition (Britton (Witte 2013). There are currently only a piscivorous (fish eaters), but they also et al. 2010b). few lakes in the area without a Nile Additionally, this species is a vector perch population (Witte 2013). consume large crustaceans (Caridina of Sphaerothecum destruens, which is a The Nile perch was also introduced and Macrobrachium shrimp) and insects documented pathogen of salmonids into Cuba for aquaculture and sport in (Witte 2013). native to the United States (Gozlan et al. 1982 and 1983 (Welcomme 1988), but The Nile perch is host to a number of 2005, Gozlan et al. 2009, Andreou et al. we have no information on the parasites capable of causing infections 2011). Sphaerothecum destruens has subsequent status. and diseases in other species, including caused mortalities in cultured North Nile perch were stocked in Texas sporozoa infections (Hennegya sp.), American salmon (Andreou et al. 2011). waters in 1978, 1979, and 1984 (88, 14, Dolops infestation, Ergasilus disease, and 26 fish respectively in Victor Nile Perch (Lates niloticus) gonad nematodosis disease (Philometra Braunig Lake); in 1981 (68,119 in Coleto sp.), and Macrogyrodactylus and The Nile perch was first described Creek Reservoir); and in 1983 (1,310 in Diplectanum infestation (Paperna 1996, and cataloged by Linnaeus in 1758 and Fairfield Lake) (Fuller et al. 1999, Froese and Pauly 2014i). is in the order Perciformes and family TPWD 2013a). These introductions were Centropomidae (ITIS 2014). Although unsuccessful at establishing a self- Invasiveness its preferred common name is the Nile sustaining population (Howells 1992, perch, it is also referred to as the Howells and Garret 1992, Howells The Nile perch has been listed as one African snook and Victoria perch (Witte 2001). Although the fish did not of the 100 ‘‘World’s Worst’’ Invaders by 2013). establish, biologists in Texas and the Global Invasive Species Database Florida recommended against stocking (http://www.issg.org) (Snoeks 2010, Native Range and Habitat Nile perch because of its ability to ISSG 2015). During the 1950s and The Nile perch inhabits a tropical tolerate cold winter temperatures in 1960s, this fish was introduced to climate with an optimal water some local waters, tolerance of salt several East African lakes for temperature of 28 °C (82 °F) and an water, and ability to range widely in commercial fishing. This fish is now upper lethal temperature of 38 °C (100 riverine habitats, as well as large size prevalent in Lake Victoria and °F) (Kitchell et al. 1997). The species’ and predatory nature (Howells and constitutes more than 90 percent of native distribution includes much of Garret 1992). Today, Nile perch are a demersal (bottom-dwelling) fish mass central, western, and eastern Africa. The prohibited exotic species in Texas within this lake (Witte 2013). Since its species is common in the Nile, Chad, (TPWD 2013b, 2016). introduction, native fish populations Senegal, Volta, and Zaire River basins Biology have declined or disappeared (Witte and brackish Lake Mariout near 2013). Approximately 200 native Alexandria, Egypt, on the The Nile perch has a perch-like body haplochromine cichlid species have Mediterranean coast (Azeroual et al. with an average body length of 1 meter become locally extinct due to predation 2010, Witte 2013). Nile perch reside in (m) (3.3 feet (ft)), maximum length of 2 and competition (Snoeks 2010, Witte brackish lakes and freshwater lakes, m (6.6 ft) (Ribbink 1987, Froese and 2013). rivers, stream, reservoirs, and irrigation Pauly 2014h), and maximum weight of According to Gophen (2015), the Lake channels (Witte 2013). 200 kg (441 lb) (Ribbink 1987). The Nile perch is gray-blue on the dorsal side Victoria ecosystem was unique and Nonnative Range and Habitat with gray-silver along the flank and comprised at least 400 endemic species The Nile perch, which is not native to ventral side (Witte 2013). of haplochromine fishes. Historically, Lake Victoria in Africa, was first The age of sexual maturity varies with the food web structure was naturally introduced to the lake in 1954 from habitat location. Most male fish become balanced, with short periods of anoxia nearby Lake Albert. This species was sexually mature before females (1 to 2 in deep waters and dominance of introduced on the Ugandan side and years versus 1 to 4 years of age) (Witte diatomides algal species. During the spread to the Kenyan side. A breeding 2013). This species spawns throughout 1980s, Nile perch became the dominant population existed in the lake by 1962 the year with increased spawning fish. The haplochromine species were (Witte 2013). during the rainy season (Witte 2013). depleted, and the whole ecosystem was The Nile perch was also introduced to The Nile perch produce 3 million to 15 modified. Algal assemblages were Lake Kyoga (1954 and 1955) to gauge million eggs per breeding cycle (Asila changed to Cyanobacteria; anoxia the effects of Nile perch on fish and Ogari 1988). This high fecundity became more frequent and occurred in populations similar to that of Lake allows the Nile perch to quickly shallower waters. The effect of the Nile Victoria. At the time of introduction, establish in new regions with favorable perch predation and its ecological people were unaware that this species habitats (Ogutu-Ohwayo 1988). implications in Lake Victoria is also had already been introduced Additionally, the Nile perch’s confirmed by the elimination of unofficially into Lake Victoria (Witte reproductive potential in introduced planktivory by the haplochromine 2013). Additional introductions of Nile habitats is much greater than that of its fishery. Consequently, this loss has perch occurred in 1962 and 1963 in prey, haplochromine cichlids (fish from resulted in significant shifts to the Kenyan and Ugandan waters to promote the family Cichlidae), which have a trophic-level structure and loss of a commercial fishery. Since its initial reproductive rate of 13 to 33 eggs per biodiversity of this lake’s ecosystem.

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Amur Sleeper (Perccottus glenii) (Reshetnikov 2004, Grabowska 2011). Body shape is fusiform with two The Amur sleeper was first described These four fish were held in aquaria dorsal fins, short pelvic fins, and and cataloged by B.I. Dybowski in 1877, until 1916, when they were released rounded caudal fin (Grabowska 2011). as part of the order Perciformes and into a pond, where they subsequently The Amur sleeper has dark coloration of greenish olive, brownish gray, or dark family Odontobutidae (Bogutskaya and established a population before green with dark spots and pale yellow Naseka 2002, ITIS 2014). The Amur naturally dispersing into nearby to blue-green flecks (Grabowska 2011). sleeper is the preferred common name waterbodies (Reshetnikov 2004, Males are not easily discerned from of this freshwater fish, but this fish is Grabowska 2011). In 1948, additional females except during breeding season. also called the Chinese sleeper or rotan Amur sleepers were introduced to Breeding males are darker (almost black) (Bogutskaya and Naseka 2002, Froese Moscow for use in ornamental ponds by with bright blue-green spots (Grabowska and Pauly 2014j). In this final rule, we members of an expedition (Bogutskaya and Naseka 2002, Reshetnikov 2004). 2011). will refer to the species as the Amur The Amur sleeper lifespan is from 7 sleeper. These fish escaped the ponds into which they had been stocked and to 10 years. Within native ranges, the Native Range and Habitat spread to nearby waters in the city of fish rarely lives more than 4 years, whereas in nonnative ranges, the fish The Amur sleeper inhabits a Moscow and Moscow Province (Reshetnikov 2004). generally lives longer (Bogutskaya and temperate climate (Baensch and Riehl Naseka 2002, Grabowska 2011). The fish 2004). The species’ native distribution Additionally, Amur sleepers were introduced to new areas when they were reaches maturity between 2 and 3 years includes much of the freshwater regions of age (Grabowska 2011) and has at least of northeastern China, northern North unintentionally shipped to fish farms in fish stocks, such as silver carp two spawning events per year. Korea, and eastern Russia (Reshetnikov The number of eggs per spawning (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and and Schliewen 2013). Within China, event varies with female size. In the grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). this species is predominantly native to Wloclawski Reservoir, which is outside From these initial introductions, the the lower to middle region of the Amur of the Amur sleeper’s native range, the Amur sleepers were able to expand from River watershed, including the Zeya, females produced an average of 7,766 their native range through escape, Sunguri, and Ussuri tributaries eggs per female (range 1,963 to 23,479 release, and transfer between fish farms (Bogutskaya and Naseka 2002, eggs) (Grabowska et al. 2011). Male (Reshetnikov 2004). Additionally, Amur Grabowska 2011) and Lake Khanka Amur sleepers are active in prenatal sleepers tolerate being transported and (Courtenay 2006). The Amur sleeper’s care by guarding eggs and aggressively have been moved from one waterbody to range extends northward to the Tugur defending the nest (Bogutskaya and River (Siberia) (Grabowska 2011) and another by anglers as bait (Reshetnikov Naseka 2002, Grabowska et al. 2011). southward to the Sea of Japan 2004). The Amur sleeper is a voracious, (Bogutskaya and Naseka 2002, The Amur sleeper is an invasive generalist predator that eats Grabowska 2011). To the west, the species in western Russia and 16 invertebrates (such as freshwater species does not occur in the Amur additional countries: Mongolia, Belarus, crayfish, shrimp, mollusks, and insects), River upstream of Dzhalinda Ukraine, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, amphibian tadpoles, and small fish (Bogutskaya and Nasaka 2002). Poland, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, (Bogutskaya and Naseka 2002). The Amur sleeper inhabits freshwater Serbia, Bulgaria, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Reshetnikov (2003) found that the Amur lakes, ponds, canals, backwaters, flood Croatia, and recently Germany, where it sleeper significantly reduced species plains, oxbow lakes, and marshes is dispersing up the Danube River into diversity of fishes and amphibians (Grabowska 2011). This fish is a poor western Europe (Reshetnikov and where it was introduced. In some small swimmer, thriving in slow-moving Schliewen 2013). The Amur sleeper is water bodies, Amur sleepers waters with dense vegetation and established within the Baikal, Baltic, considerably decrease the number of muddy substrate and avoiding main and Volga water basins of Europe and species of aquatic macroinvertebrates, river currents (Grabowska 2011). The Asia (Bogutskaya and Naseka 2002) and amphibian larvae, and fish species Amur sleeper can live in poorly the Danube of Europe (Reshetnikov and (Reshetnikov 2003, Pauly 2014, Kottelat oxygenated water and can also survive Schliewen 2013). The occurrence of the and Freyhof 2007). in dried out or frozen water bodies by Amur sleeper in a far-western region of The predators of Amur sleepers burrowing into and hibernating in the Europe is highly troublesome because include pike, perch, snakeheads mud (Bogutskaya and Nasaka 2002, this invasive and hardy predator (Channa spp.), and gulls (Laridae) Grabowska 2011). represents a major threat to European (Bogutskaya and Naseka 2002). It is Although the Amur sleeper is a freshwater shallow lentic water-body believed that this species is primarily freshwater fish, there are limited reports ecosystems where the Amur sleeper is controlled by snakeheads in their native of it appearing in saltwater capable of depleting diversity in species range. Eggs and juveniles are fed on by environments (Bogutskaya and Naseka of macroinvertebrates, amphibians, and a variety of insects (Bogutskaya and 2002). These reports seem to occur with fish (Reshetnikov and Schliewen 2013). Naseka 2002). The Amur sleeper reportedly has high flood events and are likely a Biology consequence of these fish being carried parasitic burdens of more than 40 downstream into these saltwater The Amur sleeper is a small- to parasite species (Grabowska 2011). The environments (Bogutskaya and Naseka medium-sized fish with a maximum host-specific parasites, including 2002). body length of 25 cm (9.8 in) Nippotaenia mogurndae and (Grabowska 2011) and weight of 250 g Gyrodactylus perccotti, have been Nonnative Range and Habitat (0.6 lb) (Reshetnikov 2003). As with transported to new areas along with the This species’ first known introduction other fish species, both body length and introduced Amur sleeper (Kosˇuthova´ et was in western Russia. In 1912, Russian weight vary with food supply, and al. 2004, Grabowska 2011). The cestode naturalist I.L. Zalivskii brought four larger Amur sleeper specimens have (tapeworm) Nippotaenia mogurndae Amur sleepers to the Lisiy Nos been reported from its nonnative range was first reported in Europe in the River settlement (St. Petersburg, Russia) (Bogutskaya and Naseka 2002). Latorica in east Slovakia in 1998, after

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this same river was invaded by the Native Range and Habitat not easily externally differentiated from ˇ ´ Amur sleeper (Kosuthova et al. 2004). The European perch inhabits a female fish (Allen 2004). The European perch lives up to 22 This parasite may be able to infect other temperate climate (Riehl and Baensch ˇ ´ years (Froese and Pauly 2014k), fish species (Kosuthova et al. 2008). 1991, Froese and Pauly 2014). This although the average is 6 years (Kottelat Thus, the potential for the Amur sleeper species’ native range extends and Freyhof 2007). This fish may to function as a parasitic host could aid throughout Europe and regions of Asia, in the transmission of parasites to new participate in short migrations prior to including Afghanistan, Armenia, environments and potentially to new spawning in February through July, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Kazakhstan, species (Kosˇuthova´ et al. 2008, depending on latitude and altitude Mongolia, Turkey, and Uzbekistan Kosˇuthova´ et al. 2009). (Kottelat and Freyhof 2007). Female fish (Froese and Pauly 2014k). The fish are sexually mature at 2 to 4 years and Invasiveness resides in a range of habitats that males at 1 to 2 years (Kottelat and The Amur sleeper is considered one includes estuaries and freshwater lakes, Freyhof 2007). of the most widespread, invasive fish in ponds, rivers, and streams (Froese and The European perch is a generalist European freshwater ecosystems within Pauly 2014k). predator with a diet of zooplankton, the last several decades (Copp et al. Nonnative Range and Habitat macroinvertebrates (such as copepods 2005a, Grabowska 2011, Reshetnikov and crustaceans), and small fish and Ficetola 2011). Reshetnikov and The European perch has been (Kottelat and Freyhof 2007, Froese and Ficetola (2011) indicate that there are 13 intentionally introduced to several Pauly 2014k). expansion centers for this fish outside of countries for recreational fishing, The European perch can also carry the its native range. Once this species has including Ireland (in the 1700s), OIE-notifiable disease epizootic been introduced, it has proven to be Australia (in 1862), South Africa (in haematopoietic necrosis (EHN) virus capable of establishing sustainable 1915), Morocco (in 1939), and Cyprus (NSW DPI 2013). Several native populations (Reshetnikov 2004). Within (in 1971) (FAO 2014, Froese and Pauly Australian fish (including the silver the Vistula River (Poland), the Amur 2014k). This species was introduced perch (Bidyanus bidyanus) and Murray sleeper has averaged an annual intentionally to Turkey for aquaculture cod (Maccullochella peelii)) are expansion of its range by 88 kilometers (FAO 2004) and unintentionally to extremely susceptible to the virus and (km) (54.5 miles (mi) per year) Algeria when it was included in the have had significant population (Grabowska 2011). A recent study transport water with carp intentionally declines over the past decades with the (Reshetnikov and Ficetola 2011) brought into the country (Kara 2012, continued invasion of European perch suggests many other regions of Europe Froese and Pauly 2014k). European (NSW DPI 2013). and Asia, as well as the northeastern perch have also been introduced to United States and southeastern Canada, China (in the 1970s), Italy (in 1860), Invasiveness have suitable climates for the Amur New Zealand (in 1867), and Spain (no The European perch has been sleeper and are at risk for an invasion. date) for unknown reasons (FAO 2014). introduced to many new regions The Amur sleeper demonstrates many In Australia, this species was first through fish stocking for recreational of the strongest traits for invasiveness: It introduced as an effort to introduce use. The nonnative range has also consumes a highly varied diet, is fast wildlife familiar to European colonizers expanded as the fish has swum to new growing with a high reproductive (Arthington and McKenzie 1997). The areas through connecting waterbodies potential, easily adapts to different European perch was first introduced to (lakes, river, and streams within the environments, and has an expansive Tasmania in 1862, Victoria in 1868, and same watershed). In New South Wales, native range and proven history of to southwest Western Australia in 1892 Australia, these fish are a serious pest increasing its nonnative range by itself and the early 1900s (Arthington and and are listed as Class 1 noxious species and through human-mediated activities McKenzie 1997). This species has now (NSW DPI 2013). These predatory fish (Grabowska 2011). Where it is invasive, invaded western Victoria, New South have been blamed for the local the Amur sleeper competes with native Wales, Tasmania, Western Australia, extirpation of the mudminnow species for similar habitat and diet and South Australian Gulf Coast (NSW (Galaxiella munda) (Moore 2008, ISSG resources (Reshetnikov 2003, Kottelat DPI 2013). In the 1980s, the European 2010) and depleted populations of and Freyhof 2007). This fish has also perch invaded the Murray River in native invertebrates and fish (Moore been associated with the decline in southwestern Australia (Hutchison and 2008). This species reportedly populations of the European Armstrong 1993). consumed 20,000 rainbow trout mudminnow (Umbra krameri), crucian Biology (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fry from an carp, and belica (Leucaspius delineates) Australian reservoir in less than 3 days (Grabowska 2011). This species hosts The European perch has an average (NSW DPI 2013). The introduction of parasites that may be transmitted to body length of 25 cm (10 in) with a these fish in New Zealand and China native fish species when introduced maximum length of 60 cm (24 in) has severely altered native freshwater outside of its native range (Kosˇuthova´ et (Kottelat and Freyhof 2007, Froese and communities (Closs et al. 2003). al. 2008, Kosˇuthova´ et al. 2009) Pauly 2014k) and an average body European perch form dense weight of 1.2 kg (2.6 lb) with a populations, forcing them to compete European Perch (Perca fluviatilis) maximum weight of 4.75 kg (10.5 lb) amongst each other for a reduced food The European perch was first (Froese and Pauly 2014k). European supply. This competition results in described and cataloged by Linnaeus in perch color varies with habitat. Fish in stunted fish that are less appealing to 1758, and is part of the order well-lit shallow habitats tend to be the recreational fishery (NSW DPI 2013). Perciformes and family Percidae (ITIS darker, whereas fish residing in poorly 2014). European perch is the preferred lit areas tend to be lighter. These fish Zander (Sander lucioperca) common name, but this species may may also absorb carotenoids (nutrients The zander was first described and also be referred to as the Eurasian perch that cause color) from their diet catalogued by Linnaeus in 1758, and or redfin perch (Allen 2004, Froese and (crustaceans), resulting in reddish- belongs to the order Perciformes and Pauly 2014). yellow color (Allen 2004). Male fish are family Percidae (ITIS 2014). Although

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its preferred common name in the in Spiritwood Lake, there have been trematode Bucephalus polymorphus, United States is the zander, this fish documented reports of captured which has been linked to a decrease in species is also called the pike-perch and juvenile zanders from this lake (Fuller native French cyprinid populations European walleye (Godard and Copp 2009). In 2009, the North Dakota Game (Kvach and Mierzejewska 2011). 2011, Froese and Pauly 2014l). and Fish Department reported a small, Wels Catfish (Silurus glanis) established population of zanders Native Range and Habitat within Spiritwood Lake (Fuller 2009), The wels catfish was first described The zander’s native range includes and a zander caught in 2013 was and cataloged by Linnaeus in 1758, and the Caspian Sea, Baltic Sea, Black Sea, considered the State record (North belongs to the order Siluriformes and Aral Sea, North Sea, and Aegean Sea Dakota Game and Fish 2013). family Siluridae (ITIS 2014). The basins. In Asia, this fish is native to preferred common name is the wels Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Biology catfish, but this fish is also called the Georgia, Iran, Kazakhstan, and The zander has an average body Danube catfish, European catfish, and Uzbekistan. In Europe, the zander is length of 50 cm (1.6 ft) and maximum sheatfish (Rees 2012, Froese and Pauly native to much of eastern Europe body length of 100 cm (3.3 ft). The 2014m). (Albania, Austria, Czech Republic, maximum published weight is 20 kg (44 Estonia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, lb) (Froese and Pauly 2014l). The zander Native Range and Habitat Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, has a long, slender body with yellow- The wels catfish inhabits a temperate Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, gray fins and dark bands running from climate (Baensch and Riehl 2004). The Ukraine, and Serbia and Montenegro) the back down each side (Godard and species is native to eastern Europe and and the Scandinavian Peninsula Copp 2011). western Asia, including the North Sea, (Finland, Norway, and Sweden) (Godard The zander’s age expectancy is Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Caspian Sea, and and Copp 2011, Froese and Pauly inversely correlated to its body growth Aral Sea basins (Rees 2012, Froese and 2014l). The northernmost records of rate. Slower-growing zanders may live Pauly 2014m). The species resides in native populations are in Finland up to up to 20 to 24 years, whereas faster- slow-moving rivers, backwaters, shallow 64 °N (Larsen and Berg 2014). growing fish may live only 8 to 9 years floodplain channels, and heavily The zander resides in brackish coastal (Godard and Copp 2011). Female vegetated lakes (Kottelat and Freyhof estuaries and freshwater rivers, lakes, zanders typically spawn in April and 2007). The wels catfish has also been and reservoirs. The species prefers May and produce approximately 150 to found in brackish water of the Baltic turbid, slightly eutrophic waters with 400 eggs per gram of body mass. After and Black Seas (Froese and Pauly high dissolved oxygen concentrations spawning, male zanders protect the nest 2014m). The species is a demersal (Godard and Copp 2011). The zander and fan the eggs with their tails (Godard (bottom-dwelling) species that prefers can survive in salinities up to 20 parts and Copp 2011). residing in crevices and root habitats per thousand (ppt), but prefers The zander is piscivorous, and its diet (Rees 2012). environments with salinities less than includes smelt (Osmerus eperlanus), 12 ppt and requires less than 3 ppt for ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus), Nonnative Range and Habitat reproduction (Larsen and Berg 2014). European perch, vendace (Coregonus The wels catfish was introduced to albula), roach, and other zanders the United Kingdom and western Nonnative Range and Habitat (Kangur and Kangur 1998). Europe during the 19th century. The The zander has been repeatedly Several studies have found that species was first introduced to England introduced outside of its native range zanders can be hosts for multiple in 1880 for recreational fishing at the for recreational fishing and aquaculture parasites (Godard and Copp 2011). The private Bedford manor estate of Woburn and also to control cyprinids (Godard nematode Anisakis, which is known to Abbey. Since then, wels catfish have and Copp 2011, Larsen and Berg 2014). infect humans through fish been stocked both legally and illegally This species has been introduced to consumption, has been documented in into many lakes and are now widely much of Europe, parts of Asia (China, the zander (Eslami and Mokhayer 1977, distributed throughout the United Kyrgyzstan, and Turkey), and northern Eslami et al. 2011). A study in the Kingdom (Rees 2012). This species was Africa (Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia). Polish section of Vistula Lagoon found introduced to Spain, Italy, and France Within Europe, the zander has been 26 species of parasites associated with for recreational fishing and aquaculture introduced to Belgium, Bulgaria, the zander, which was more than any of (Rees 2012). Wels catfish were Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Italy, the other 15 fish species studied introduced to the Netherlands as a the Netherlands, Portugal, the Azores, (Rolbiecki 2002, 2006). substitute predator to control cyprinid Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, and the fish populations (De Groot 1985) after Invasiveness United Kingdom (Godard and Copp the native pike were overfished. The 2011, Froese and Pauly 2014l). In The zander has been intentionally wels catfish has also been introduced to Denmark, although the zander is native, introduced numerous times for Algeria, Belgium, Bosnia-Hercegovina, stocking is not permitted to prevent the aquaculture, recreational fishing, and China, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, species from being introduced into lakes occasionally for biomanipulation to Finland, Portugal, Syria, and Tunisia, and rivers where it is not presently remove unwanted cyprinids (Godard although they are not known to be found and where introduction is not and Copp 2011). Biomanipulation is the established in Algeria or Cyprus (Rees desirable (Larsen and Berg 2014). management of an ecosystem by adding 2012). The zander has been previously or removing species. The zander introduced to the United States. migrates for spawning, which further Biology Juvenile zanders were stocked into expands its invasive range. It is a The wels catfish commonly grows to Spiritwood Lake (North Dakota) in 1989 predatory fish that is well-adapted to 3 m (9.8 ft) in body length with a for recreational fishing (Fuller et al. turbid water and low-light habitats maximum length of 5 m (16.4 ft) and is 1999, Fuller 2009, USGS NAS 2014). (Sandstro¨m and Kara˚s 2002). The zander Europe’s largest freshwater fish (Rees Although previous reports indicated competes with and preys on native fish. 2012). The maximum published weight that zanders did not become established The zander is also a vector for the is 306 kg (675 lb) (Rees 2012).

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This species has a strong, elongated, control, and recreational fishing (Rees °C (93 °F), partial hibernation scaleless, mucus-covered body with a 2012). Although this species has been (decreased metabolism and feeding) flattened tail. The body color is variable intentionally introduced for aquaculture occurs below 16 °C (61 °F), and death but is generally mottled with dark and fishing, it has also expanded its occurs when temperatures rise above 36 greenish-black and creamy-yellow sides. nonnative range by escaping from °C (97 °F) (Gherardi 2012). The common Wels catfishes possess six barbels; two breeding and stocking facilities (Rees yabby can also survive drought for long ones on each side of the mouth, 2012). This species is tolerant of a several years by sealing itself in a deep and four shorter ones under the jaw variety of warm-water habitats, burrow (burrows well over 5 m; 16.4 ft (Rees 2012). including those with low dissolved have been found) and aestivating (the Although the maximum reported age oxygen levels. The invasive success of crayfish’s respiration, pulse, and is 80 years (Kottelat and Freyhof 2007), the wels catfish will likely be further digestion nearly cease) (NSW DPI 2015). the average lifespan of a wels catfish is enhanced with the predicted increase in This species can tolerate a wide range 15 to 30 years. This species becomes water temperature with climate change of dissolved oxygen concentrations and ° sexually mature at 3 to 4 years of age. (2 to 3 C by 2050) (Rahel and Olden salinities (Mills and Geddes 1980) but Nocturnal spawning occurs annually 2008, Britton et al. 2010a). prefers salinities less than 8 ppt and aligns with optimal temperature The major risks associated with (Withnall 2000, Gherardi 2012). Growth and day length between April and invasive wels catfish to the native fish ceases at salinities above 8 ppt August (Kottelat and Freyhof 2007, Rees population include disease transmission (Withnall 2000). This correlates with 2012). The number of eggs produced per (SVC) and competition for habitat and Beatty’s (2005) study where all yabbies female, per year is highly variable, and prey species (Rees 2012). This fish found in waters greater than 20 ppt were depends on age, size, geographic species also excretes large amounts of dead. Yabbies have been found in ponds location, and other factors. Studies in phosphorus and nitrogen (estimated 83- where the dissolved oxygen was below Asia have documented egg production to 286-fold and 17- to 56-fold, 1 percent saturation (NSW DPI 2015). of a range of approximately 8,000 to respectively) (Bouleˆtreau et al. 2011) The common yabby resides in a 467,000 eggs with the maximum into the ecosystem and consequently variety of habitats, including desert reported being 700,000 eggs (Copp et al. greatly disrupts nutrient cycling and mound springs, alpine streams, 2009). Male fish will guard the nest, transport (Schaus et al. 1997, McIntyre subtropical creeks, rivers, billabongs repeatedly fanning their tails to ensure et al. 2008, Bouleˆtreau et al. 2011). (small lake, oxbow lake), temporary proper ventilation until the eggs hatch Because of their large size, multiple lakes, swamps, farm dams, and 2 to 10 days later (Copp et al. 2009). wels catfish in one location magnify irrigation channels (Gherardi 2012). The Young catfish develop quickly and, on these effects and can greatly increase yabby is found in mildly turbid waters average, achieve a 38- to 48-cm (15- to algae and plant growth (Bouleˆtreau et al. and muddy or silted bottoms. The 19-in) total length within their first year 2011), which reduces water quality. (Copp et al. 2009). common yabby digs burrows that This species is primarily nocturnal Common Yabby (Cherax destructor) connect to waterways (Withnall 2000). and will exhibit territorial behavior Unlike the 10 fish in this rule, the Burrowing can result in unstable and (Copp et al. 2009). The wels catfish is yabby is a crayfish. Crayfish are collapsed banks (Gherardi 2012). a solitary ambush predator but is also an invertebrates with hard shells. They can Nonnative Range and Habitat opportunistic scavenger of dead fish live and breathe underwater, and they (Copp et al. 2009). Juvenile catfish crawl along the substrate on four pairs The common yabby is commercially typically eat invertebrates. Adult catfish of walking legs (Holdich and Reeve valuable and is frequently imported by are generalist predators with a diet that 1988); the pincers are considered countries for aquaculture, aquariums, includes fish (at least 55 species), another pair of walking legs. The and research (Gherardi 2012); it is raised crayfish, small mammals (such as common yabby was first described and in aquaculture as food for humans rodents), and waterfowl (Copp et al. cataloged by Clark in 1936 and belongs (NSW DPI 2015). This species has 2009, Rees 2012). Wels catfish have to the phylum Arthropoda, order spread throughout Australia, and its been observed beaching themselves to Decapoda, and family Parastacidae (ITIS nonnative range extends to New South prey on land birds located on river 2014). This freshwater crustacean may Wales east of the Great Dividing Range, banks (Cucherousset 2012). also be called the yabby or the common Western Australia, and Tasmania. This Juvenile wels catfish can carry the crayfish. The term ‘‘yabby’’ is also crayfish species was introduced to highly infectious SVC (Hickley and commonly used for crayfish in Western Australia in 1932 for Chare 2004). This disease is recognized Australia. commercial aquaculture from where it worldwide and is classified as a escaped and established in rivers and notifiable animal disease by the World Native Range and Habitat irrigation dams (Souty-Grosset et al. Organisation for Animal Health (OIE The common yabby is native to 2006). Outside of Australia, this species 2014). The wels catfish is also a host to eastern Australia and extends from has been introduced into Italy and at least 52 parasites, including: South Australia, northward to southern Spain where it has become established Trichodina siluri, Myxobolus miyarii, parts of the Northern Territory, and (Gherardi 2012). The common yabby has Leptorhynchoides plagicephalus and eastward to the Great Dividing Range been introduced to China, South Africa, Pseudotracheliastes stellifer, all of (Eastern Highlands) (Souty-Grosset et al. and Zambia for aquaculture (Gherardi which may be detrimental to native fish 2006, Gherardi 2012). 2012) but has not become established in survival (Copp et al. 2009). The common yabby inhabits the wild in those countries. The first temperate and tropical climates. In European introduction occurred in Invasiveness aquaculture, the yabby tolerates the 1983, when common yabbies were The wels catfish is a habitat-generalist wide range of water temperatures from transferred from a California farm to a that tolerates poorly oxygenated waters 1 to 35 °C (34 to 95 °F), with an optimal pond in Girona, Catalonia, Spain and has been repeatedly introduced to water temperature range of 20 to 25 °C (Souty-Grosset et al. 2006). This crayfish the United Kingdom and western (68 to 77 °F) (Withnall 2000). Growth species became established in Zaragoza Europe for aquaculture, research, pest halts below 15 °C (59 °F) and above 34 Province, Spain, after being introduced

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in 1984 or 1985 (Souty-Grosset et al. spot disease, Psorospermium sp. (a Rapid Screening 2006). parasite), and thelohaniasis (Jones and Lawrence 2001, Souty-Grosset et al. The first step that the Service Biology 2006, Gherardi 2012). The crayfish performed in selecting species to The common yabby has been plague is an OIE-reportable disease. evaluate for listing as injurious was to described as a ‘‘baby lobster’’ because of Twenty-three bacteria species have been prepare a rapid screen to assess which its relatively large body size for a found in the yabby as well (Jones and species out of thousands of foreign crayfish and because of its unusually Lawrence 2001). species not yet found in the United large claws. Yabbies have a total body States should be categorized as high-risk length up to 15 cm (6 in) with a smooth Invasiveness of invasiveness. We compiled the external carapace (exoskeleton) (Souty- The common yabby has a quick information in Ecological Risk Grosset et al. 2006, Gherardi 2012). growth and maturity rate, high Screening Summaries (ERSS) for each Body color can vary with geographic reproductive potential, and generalist species to determine the Overall Risk location, season, and water conditions diet. These attributes, in addition to the Assessment of each species. (Withnall 2000). Most captive-cultured species’ tolerance for a wide range of The Overall Risk Assessment yabbies are blue-gray, whereas wild freshwater habitats, make the common incorporates scores for the history of yabbies may be green-beige to black yabby an efficient invasive species. invasiveness, climate match between (Souty-Grosset et al. 2006, Withnall Additionally, the invasive range of the the species’ range (native and invaded 2000). Yabbies in the aquarium trade common yabby is expected to expand ranges) and the United States, and can be blue or white and go by the with climate change (Gherardi 2012). certainty of assessment. names blue knight and white ghost Yabbies can also live on land and travel The climate match analysis (LiveAquaria.com 2014a, b). long distances by walking between (Australian Bureau of Rural Sciences Most common yabbies live 3 years water bodies (Gherardi 2011). 2010) incorporates 16 climate variables with some living up to 6 years (Souty- (eight for rainfall and eight for Grosset et al. 2006, Gherardi 2012). The common yabby may reduce temperature) to calculate climate scores Females can be distinguished from biodiversity through competition and that can be used to calculate a Climate males by the presence of gonopores at predation with native species. In its 6 ratio. The Climate 6 score (or ratio) is the base of the third pair of walking nonnative range, the common yabby has determined by this formula: (Sum of the legs; while males have papillae at the proven to out-compete native crayfish Counts for Climate Match Scores 6–10)/ base of the fifth pair of walking legs species for food and habitat (Beatty (Gherardi 2012). The female yabby 2006, Gherardi 2012). Native freshwater (Sum of all Climate Match Scores). This becomes sexually mature before it is 1 crayfish species are also at risk from ratio was shown to be the best predictor year old (Gherardi 2012). Spawning is parasitic infections from the common of success of introduction of exotic dependent on day length and water yabby (Gherardi 2012). freshwater fish (Bomford 2008). Using the Climate 6 ratio, species can be temperatures. When water temperatures Summary of the Presence of the 11 ° ° categorized as having a low (0.000 to rise above 15 C (59 F), the common Species in the United States yabby will spawn from early spring to 0.005), medium (greater than 0.005 to mid-summer. When the water Only one of the 11 species, the less than 0.103), or high (greater than temperature is consistently between 18 zander, is known to be present in the 0.103) climate match (Bomford 2008; and 20 °C (64 to 68 °F) with daylight of wild within the United States. There has USFWS 2013b). more than 14 hours, the yabby will been a small established population of The climate match score is a spawn up to five times a year (Gherardi zander within Spiritwood Lake (North calculation that ranges from 0 to 10. It 2012). Young females produce 100 to Dakota) since 1989. Crucian carp were compares the 16 climate variables as 300 eggs per spawning event, while reportedly introduced to Chicago lakes one point (source climate station) to older (larger) females can produce up to and lagoons during the early 1900s. another point (target station). The 1,000 eggs (Withnall 2000). Incubation Additionally, Nile perch were equation calculates a figurative is also dependent on water temperature introduced to Texas reservoirs between ‘‘distance’’ between every source and and typically lasts 19 to 40 days 1978 and 1985. However, neither the target station, then selects the highest (Withnall 2000). crucian carp nor the Nile perch score (best match and closest The common yabby grows through established populations, and these two ‘‘distance’’). This distance is then molting, which is shedding of the old species are no longer present in the wild normalized on a score from 0 to 10 to carapace and then growing a new one in U.S. waters. Although these species make it easier to understand and to (Withnall 2000). A juvenile yabby will are not yet present in the United States calculate ratios. The 16 climate molt every few days, whereas, an adult (except for one species in one lake), all parameters used to estimate the extent yabby may molt only annually or 11 species have a high climate match in of climatically matched habitat in the semiannually (Withnall 2000). parts of the United States and have been CLIMATE program are in Table 1 The common yabby is an introduced, become established, spread, (Bomford et al. 2010). opportunistic omnivore with a and been documented as causing harm carnivorous summer diet and in countries outside of their native TABLE 1—THE CLIMATE PARAMETERS herbivorous winter diet (Beatty 2005). ranges in habitats and ecosystems USED IN THE CLIMATE PROGRAM The diet includes fish (Gambusia similar to those found in the United holbrooki), plant material, detritus, and States. Acting now to prohibit both their Temperature Rainfall parameters zooplankton. The yabby is also importation and interstate parameters (°C) (mm) cannibalistic, especially where space transportation and thereby prevent the and food are limited (Gherardi 2012). species’ likely introduction, Mean annual ...... Mean annual. The common yabby is affected by at establishment, and spread in the wild Minimum of coolest Mean of wettest least ten parasites (Jones and Lawrence and associated harm to the interests of month. month. 2001), including the crayfish plague agriculture or to wildlife or wildlife Maximum of warmest Mean of driest month. (caused by Aphanomyces astaci), burn resources of the United States is critical. month.

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TABLE 1—THE CLIMATE PARAMETERS to the United States ranged from carp has been introduced and become USED IN THE CLIMATE PROGRAM— medium for the Nile perch to high for established in Croatia, Greece, France, Continued the remaining nine fish and one crayfish Italy, and England (Crivelli 1995, species. The certainty of assessment Kottelat and Freyhof 2007). Temperature (with sufficient and reliable Potential Introduction and Spread parameters Rainfall parameters information) was high for all species. (°C) (mm) Potential pathways of introduction Injurious Wildlife Evaluation Criteria into the United States include stocking Average range ...... Mean monthly coeffi- Once we determined that all 11 for recreational fishing and through cient of variation. species were good candidates for further misidentified shipments of ornamental Mean of coolest quar- Mean of coolest quar- fish (Wheeler 2000, Hickley and Chare ter. ter. and more in-depth evaluation because Mean of warmest Mean of warmest of their overall invasive risk, we used 2004, Innal and Erk’ahan 2006, Sayer et quarter. quarter. the criteria below to evaluate whether al. 2011). Additionally, crucian carp Mean of wettest quar- Mean of wettest quar- each of these species qualifies as may be misidentified as other carp ter. ter. injurious under the Act. The analysis species, such as the Prussian carp or Mean of driest quarter Mean of driest quar- using these criteria serve as a general common carp, and thus they are likely ter. basis for the Service’s injurious wildlife underreported (Godard and Copp 2012). listing decisions. Biologists within the The crucian carp prefers a temperate We use Climate 6 scores because that Service evaluate both the factors that climate (as found in much of the United system was peer reviewed (Bomford contribute to and the factors that reduce States) and tolerates high summer air 2008). In Bomford’s seminal risk the likelihood of injuriousness: temperatures (up to 35 °C (95 °F)) and assessment manual, she stated, ‘‘The (1) Factors that contribute to being can survive in poorly oxygenated waters generic model is based on Climate 6 (as considered injurious: (Godard and Copp 2012). The crucian opposed to Climate 5, 7 or 8), since • The likelihood of release or escape; carp has an overall high climate match Climate 6 was shown to be the best • Potential to survive, become with a Climate 6 ratio of 0.355. This predictor of success of introduction,’’ established, and spread; species has a high climate match referring to exotic freshwater fish. We • Impacts on wildlife resources or throughout much of the Great Lakes believe that the categorical system ecosystems through hybridization and region, southeastern United States, and provided by generating and using the competition for food and habitats, southern Alaska and Hawaii. Low Climate 6 Ratio is effective for our habitat degradation and destruction, matches occur in the desert Southwest. current needs. For more information on predation, and pathogen transfer; If introduced, the crucian carp is how the climate match scores are • Impacts to endangered and likely to spread and become established derived, please see the revised Standard threatened species and their habitats; in the wild due to its ability to be a Operating Procedures (USFWS 2016). • Impacts to human beings, forestry, habitat and diet generalist and adapt to As explained in the proposed rule, the horticulture, and agriculture; and new environments, its long lifespan Service expanded the source ranges • Wildlife or habitat damages that (maximum 10 years), and its ability to (native and nonnative distribution) of may occur from control measures. establish outside of the native range. several species for the climate match (2) Factors that reduce the likelihood from those listed in the ERSSs. The of the species being considered as Potential Impacts to Native Species revised source ranges included injurious: (including Threatened and Endangered additional locations referenced in • Ability to prevent escape and Species) FishBase (Froese and Pauly 2014), the establishment; As mentioned previously, the crucian • CABI ISC, and the Handbook of Potential to eradicate or manage carp can compete with native fish European Freshwater Fishes (Kottelat established populations (for example, species, alter the health of freshwater and Freyhof 2007). Additional source making organisms sterile); habitats, hybridize with other invasive • points were also specifically selected for Ability to rehabilitate disturbed and injurious carp species, and serve as ecosystems; the stone moroko’s distribution within • a vector of the OIE-reportable fish the United Kingdom (Pinder et al. 2005). Ability to prevent or control the disease SVC (Ahne et al. 2002, Godard spread of pathogens or parasites; and There were no revisions to the climate • and Copp 2012). The introduction of match for the Nile perch, Amur sleeper, Any potential ecological benefits to crucian carp to the United States could or common yabby. The target range for introduction. result in increased competition with For this final rule, a hybrid is defined the climate match included the States, native fish species for food resources as any progeny (offspring) from any District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto (Welcomme 1988). The crucian carp cross involving a parent from 1 of the Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. consumes a variety of food resources, 11 species. These progeny would likely The ERSS process was peer-reviewed including plankton, benthic have the same or similar biological in 2013 per OMB guidelines (OMB invertebrates, plant materials, and characteristics of the parent species 2004). More information on the ERSS detritus (Kottelat and Freyhof 2007). (Ellstrand and Schierenbeck 2000, process and its peer review is posted With this varied diet, crucian carp Mallet 2007), which, according to our online at http://www.fws.gov/ would directly compete with numerous analysis, would indicate that they are injuriouswildlife/Injurious_ native species. prevention.html, http://www.fws.gov/ injurious to the interests of agriculture, The crucian carp has a broad climate science/pdf/ERSS-Process-Peer-Review- or to wildlife or wildlife resources of the match throughout the country, and thus Agenda-12-19-12.pdf, and http:// United States. its introduction and establishment www.fws.gov/science/pdf/ERSS-Peer- Factors That Contribute to could further stress the populations of Review-Response-report.pdf. Injuriousness for Crucian Carp numerous endangered and threatened The Overall Risk Assessment was amphibian and fish species through found to be high for all 11 species. All Current Nonnative Occurrences competition for food resources. 11 species have a high risk for history This species is not currently found The ability of crucian carp to of invasiveness. Overall climate match within the United States. The crucian hybridize with other species of

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Cyprinidae (including common carp) kill native species. Control measures wild due to this species’ traits as a may exacerbate competition over that would harm other wildlife are not habitat generalist and generalist limited food resources and ecosystem recommended as mitigation plans to predator, with adaptability to new changes and, thus, further challenge reduce the injurious characteristics of environments, high reproductive native species (including native this species and, therefore, do not meet potential, long lifespan, extraordinary threatened or endangered fish species). control measures under the Injurious mobility, social nature, and proven Crucian carp harbor the fish disease Wildlife Evaluation Criteria. invasiveness outside of the species’ SVC and additional parasitic infections. No other control methods are known native range. Although SVC also infects other carp for the crucian carp, but several other species, the virus causing this disease control methods are currently being Potential Impacts to Native Species can also be transmitted through the used or are in development for (including Endangered and Threatened water column to native fish species introduced and invasive carp species of Species) causing fish mortalities. Mortality rates other genera. For example, the U.S. Introduction of the Eurasian minnow from SVC have been documented up to Geological Survey (USGS) is developing can affect native species through several 70 percent among juvenile fish and 30 a method to orally deliver a piscicide mechanisms, including competition percent among adult fish (Ahne et al. (Micromatrix) specifically to invasive over resources, predation, and parasite 2002). Therefore, as a vector of SVC, this bighead carp and silver carp (Luoma transmission. Introduced Eurasian fish species may also be responsible for 2012). This developmental control minnows have a more serious effect in reduced wildlife diversity. Crucian carp measure is expensive and not waters with fewer species than those may outcompete native fish species, guaranteed to prove effective for any waters with a more developed, complex thus replacing them in the trophic carps. fish community (Museth et al. 2007). In scheme. Large populations of crucian Potential Ecological Benefits for Norway, dense populations of the carp can result in considerable Introduction Eurasian minnow have resulted in an predation on aquatic plants and average 35 percent reduction in invertebrates. Changes in ecosystem We are not aware of any documented recruitment and growth rates in native cycling and wildlife diversity may have ecological benefits for the introduction brown trout (Museth et al. 2007). In the negative effects on the aesthetic, of crucian carp. United States, introduced Eurasian recreational, and economic benefits of Factors That Contribute to minnow populations would likely the environment. Injuriousness for Eurasian Minnow compete with and adversely affect Potential Impacts to Humans Atlantic salmon, State-managed brown Current Nonnative Occurrences trout, and other salmonid species. We have no reports of the crucian This species is not currently found carp being directly harmful to humans. Eurasian minnow introductions have within the United States. The Eurasian also disturbed freshwater benthic Potential Impacts to Agriculture minnow was introduced to new invertebrate communities (N#stad and waterways in its native range of Europe The introduction of crucian carp is Brittain 2010). Increased predation by and Asia (Sandlund 2008). This fish likely to affect agriculture by Eurasian minnows has led to shifts in species also has been introduced contaminating commercial aquaculture. invertebrate populations and changes in outside of its native range to new This fish species can harbor SVC, which benthic diversity (Hesthagen and locations within Norway (Sandlund can infect numerous fish species, Sandlund 2010). Many of the 2008, Hesthagen and Sandlund 2010). including common carp, koi (C. carpio), invertebrates consumed by the Eurasian crucian carp, bighead carp Potential Introduction and Spread minnow are also components of the diet (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), silver of the brown trout, thus exacerbating Likely pathways of introduction competition between the introduced carp, and grass carp (Ahne et al. 2002). include release or escape when used as This disease can cause serious fish Eurasian minnow and brown trout live bait, unintentional inclusion in the (Hesthagen and Sandlund 2010). mortalities, and thus can detrimentally transport water of intentionally stocked affect the productivity of several species Additionally, Eurasian minnows have fish (often with salmonids), and been shown to consume vendace (a in commercial aquaculture facilities, intentional introduction for vector including grass carp, goldfish, koi, salmonid) larvae (Huusko and Sutela (insect) management (Sandlund 2008). 1997). If introduced, the Eurasian fathead minnows (Pimephales Once introduced, this species can promelas), and golden shiner minnow’s diet may include the larvae of spread and establish in nearby U.S. native salmonids, including salmon (Notemigonus crysoleucas) (Ahne et al. waterways. 2002, Goodwin 2002). and trout species (Oncorhynchus and The Eurasian minnow prefers a Salvelinus spp.). Factors That Reduce or Remove temperate climate (Froese and Pauly Injuriousness for Crucian Carp 2014e). This minnow is capable of The Eurasian minnow serves as a host establishing in a variety of aquatic to parasites, such as Gyrodactylus Control ecosystems ranging from freshwater to aphyae, that it can transmit to other fish Lab experiments indicate that the brackish water (Sandlund 2008). The species, including salmon and trout piscicide rotenone (a commonly used Eurasian minnow has an overall high (Zietara et al. 2008). Once introduced, natural fish poison) could be used to climate match to the United States with these parasites would likely spread to control a crucian carp population (Ling a Climate 6 ratio of 0.397. The highest native salmon and trout species. 2003). However, rotenone is not target- climate matches are in the northern Depending on pathogenicity, parasites specific (Wynne and Masser 2010). States, including Alaska. The lowest of the Gyrodactylus species may cause Depending on the applied climate matches are in the Southeast high fish mortality (Bakke et al. 1992). concentration, rotenone kills other and Southwest. Potential Impacts to Humans aquatic species in the water body. Some If introduced to the United States, the fish species are more susceptible than Eurasian minnow is highly likely to We have no reports of the Eurasian others, and the use of this piscicide may spread and become established in the minnow being harmful to humans.

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Potential Impacts to Agriculture Switzerland (Britton 2011); it also endangered or threatened under the The Eurasian minnow may impact includes the Iberian Peninsula (Ribeiro Endangered Species Act. agriculture by affecting aquaculture. et al. 2015). Prussian carp can alter freshwater This species harbors a parasite that may Potential Introduction and Spread habitats. This was documented in Lake infect other fish species and can cause Potential pathways of introduction Mikri Prespa (Greece), where scientists high fish mortality (Bakke et al. 1992). include stocking for recreational fishing correlated increased turbidity with Eurasian minnow populations can and aquaculture. Once introduced, the increased numbers of Prussian carp adversely impact both recruitment and Prussian carp will naturally disperse to (Crivelli 1995). This carp species growth of brown trout. Reduced new waterbodies. increased turbidity levels by disturbing recruitment and growth rates can reduce The Prussian carp prefers a temperate sediment during feeding. These carp the economic value associated with climate and resides in a variety of also intensively fed on zooplankton, brown trout aquaculture and freshwater environments, including thus resulting in increased recreational fishing. those with low dissolved oxygen phytoplankton abundance and Factors That Reduce or Remove concentrations and increased pollution phytoplankton blooms (Crivelli 1995). Injuriousness for Eurasian Minnow (Britton 2011). The Prussian carp has an Increased turbidity results in overall high climate match with a Control imbalances in nutrient cycling and Climate 6 ratio of 0.414. This fish ecosystem energetics. If introduced to Once introduced, it is difficult and species has a high climate match to the the United States, Prussian carp could costly to control a Eurasian minnow Great Lakes region, northern Plains, cause increased lake and pond turbidity, population (Sandlund 2008). some western mountain States, and increased phytoplankton blooms, Eradication may be possible from small parts of California. The Prussian carp imbalances to ecosystem nutrient waterbodies in cases where the has a medium climate match to much of population is likely to serve as a center the United States, including southern cycling, and altered freshwater for further spread, but no details are Alaska and regions of Hawaii. This ecosystems. given on how to accomplish such species has a low climate match to the Several different types of parasitic eradication (Sandlund 2008). Control southeastern United States, especially infections, such as black spot disease may also be possible using habitat Florida and along the Gulf Coast. This (Posthodiplostomatosis) and from the modification or biocontrol (introduced species is not found within the United parasite Thelohanellus, are associated predators); however, we know of no States but has been recently discovered with the Prussian carp (Ondracˇkova´ et published accounts of long-term success as established in Alberta, Canada (Elgin al. 2002, Markovı´c et al. 2012). Black by either method. Both control measures et al. 2014); the climate match was run spot disease particularly affects young of habitat modification and biocontrol prior to this new information, so the fish and can cause physical cause wildlife or habitat damages and results do not include any actual deformations, decreased growth, and are expensive mitigation strategies and, locations in North America. decrease in body condition (Ondracˇkova´ therefore, are not recommended or If introduced, the Prussian carp is et al. 2002). These parasites and the considered appropriate under the likely to spread and establish as a respective diseases may infect and Injurious Wildlife Evaluation Criteria as consequence of its tolerance to poor- a risk management plan for this species. quality environments, rapid growth rate, decrease native fish stocks. Prussian carp may compete with Potential Ecological Benefits for very rare ability to reproduce from Introduction unfertilized eggs (gynogenesis), and native fish species and may replace proven invasiveness outside of the them in the trophic scheme. Large There has been one incidence where native range. populations of Prussian carp can cause the Eurasian minnow was introduced as Potential Impacts to Native Species heavy predation on aquatic plants and a biocontrol for the Tune fly invertebrates (Anseeuw et al. 2007). (Simuliidae) (Sandlund 2008). However, (including Threatened and Endangered Changes in ecosystem cycling and we do not have information on the Species) wildlife diversity may have negative success of this introduction. We are not The Prussian carp is closely related aware of any other documented effects on the aesthetic, recreational, and behaviorally similar to the crucian and economic benefits of the ecological benefits associated with the carp (Godard and Copp 2012). As with environment. Eurasian minnow. crucian carp, introduced Prussian carp Factors That Contribute to may compete with native fish species, Potential Impacts to Humans Injuriousness for Prussian Carp alter freshwater ecosystems, and serve as a vector for parasitic infections. We have no reports of the Prussian Current Nonnative Occurrences Introduced Prussian carp have been carp being harmful to humans. This species is not found within the responsible for the decreased Potential Impacts to Agriculture United States. However, it was recently biodiversity and overall populations of reported to be established in waterways native fish (including native The Prussian carp may impact in southern Alberta, Canada, which is Cyprinidae), invertebrates, and plants agriculture by affecting aquaculture. As the first confirmed record in the wild in (Anseeuw et al. 2007, Lusk et al. 2010). mentioned in the Potential Impacts to North America (Elgin et al. 2014). The Thus, if introduced to the United States, Native Species section, Prussian carp Prussian carp has been introduced to the Prussian carp will likely affect harbor several types of parasites that many countries of central and Western numerous native Cyprinid species, may cause physical deformations, Europe. This species’ current nonnative including chub, dace, shiner, and decreased growth, and decrease in body range includes the Asian countries of minnow fish species (Froese and Pauly condition (Ondracˇkova´ et al. 2002). Armenia, Turkey, and Uzbekistan and 2014c). Several of these native Impaired fish physiology and health the European countries of Belarus, Cyprinids, such as the laurel dace detract from the productivity and value Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, (Chrosomus saylori) and humpback of commercial aquaculture. Estonia, France, Germany, Poland, and chub (Gila cypha), are listed as

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Factors That Reduce or Remove choice, high reproductive potential, Large populations of the roach may Injuriousness for Prussian Carp ability to reproduce with other cyprinid alter nutrient cycling in lake species, long lifespan, and extraordinary Control ecosystems. Increased populations of mobility. This species has also proven roach may prey heavily on zooplankton, We are not aware of any documented invasive outside of its native range. thus resulting in increased control methods for the Prussian carp. phytoplankton communities and algal The piscicide rotenone has been used to Potential Impacts to Native Species blooms (Rocabayera and Veiga 2012). control the common carp and crucian (including Endangered and Threatened These changes alter nutrient cycling and carp population (Ling 2003) and may be Species) can consequently affect native aquatic effective against Prussian carp. Potential effects to native species from However, rotenone is not target-specific species that depend on certain nutrient the introduction of the roach include balances. (Wynne and Masser 2010). Depending competition over food and habitat on the applied concentration, rotenone resources, hybridization, altered Several parasitic infections, including kills other aquatic species in the water ecosystem nutrient cycling, and parasite worm cataracts, black spot disease, and body. Some fish species are more and pathogenic bacteria transmission. tapeworms, have been associated with susceptible than others, and, even if The roach is a highly adaptive species the roach (Rocabayera and Veiga 2012). effective against Prussian carp, the use and will switch between habitats and The pathogenic bacterium Aeromonas of this piscicide may kill native species food sources to best avoid predation and salmonicida also infects the roach, (Allen et al. 2006). Control measures competition from other species causing furunculosis (Wiklund and that would harm other wildlife are not (Winfield and Winfield 1994). The Dalsgaard 1998). This disease causes recommended as mitigation to reduce roach consumes an omnivorous skin ulcers and hemorrhaging. The the injurious characteristics of this generalist diet, including benthic disease can be spread through a fish’s species and, therefore, do not meet invertebrates (especially mollusks), open sore. This disease affects both control measures under the Injurious zooplankton, plants, and detritus Wildlife Evaluation Criteria. farmed and wild fish. The causative (Rocabayera and Veiga 2012). With such bacteria A. salmonicida has been Potential Ecological Benefits for a varied diet, the roach would be isolated from fish in U.S. freshwaters Introduction expected to compete with numerous (USFWS 2011). The roach may spread We are not aware of any documented native fish species from multiple these parasites and bacteria to new ecological benefits for the introduction trophic levels. The trophic level is the environments and native fish species. of the Prussian carp. position an organism occupies in a food chain. Such species may include Potential Impacts to Humans Factors That Contribute to shiners, daces, chubs, and stonerollers, Injuriousness for Roach several of which are federally listed as We have no reports of the roach being harmful to humans. Current Nonnative Occurrences endangered or threatened. Likewise, introduction of the roach This species is not found in the Potential Impacts to Agriculture would be expected to detrimentally United States. The roach has been affect native mollusk species (including The roach may affect agriculture by introduced and become established in mussels and snails), some of which may decreasing aquaculture productivity if England, Ireland, Italy, Madagascar, be federally endangered or threatened. they are unintentionally introduced into Morocco, Cyprus, Portugal, the Azores, One potentially affected species is the aquaculture operations in the United Spain, and Australia (Rocabayera and endangered Higgins’ eye pearly mussel Veiga 2012). States, such as when invaded (Lampsilis higginsii), which is native to watersheds flood aquaculture ponds or Potential Introduction and Spread the upper Mississippi River watershed, by accidentally being included in a Potential introduction pathways where there is high climate match for shipment of fish, then outcompeting include stocking for recreational fishing the roach species. Increased competition and preying on the aquacultured fish, and use as bait fish. Once introduced, with and predation on native species spreading pathogens, or hybridizing released, or escaped, the roach naturally may alter trophic cycling and diversity with farmed fish. Hybridization can disperses to new waterways within the of native aquatic species. reduce the reproductive success and watershed. The roach can hybridize with other productivity of the commercial fisheries This species prefers a temperate fish species of its subfamily and aquaculture facilities. climate and can reside in a variety of (Leuciscinae), including rudd and freshwater habitats (Riehl and Baensch bream (Pitts et al. 1997, Kottelat and Roaches harbor several parasitic 1991). Hydrologic changes, such as Freyhof 2007). In Ireland, the roach has infections (Rocabayera and Veiga 2012) weirs and dams that extend aquatic hybridized with the rudd (Scardinius that can impair fish physiology and habitats that are otherwise scarce, erythrophthalmus) and the bream health. The pathogenic bacterium enhance the potential spread of the (Abramis brama); all three are in the Aeromonas salmonicida infects the roach (Rocabayera and Veiga 2012). The subfamily Leuciscinae. Although the roach, causing furunculosis (Wiklund roach has an overall high climate match bream is not found in the United States, and Dalsgaard 1998). The disease can be to the United States with a Climate 6 the rudd is already considered invasive spread through a fish’s open sore when ratio of 0.387. Particularly high climate in the Great Lakes (Fuller et al. 1999, the bacteria is shed from the ulcerated matches occurred in southern and Kapuscinski et al. 2012). Hybrids of skin and survives in water to infect central Alaska, the Great Lakes region, roaches and rudds could exacerbate the another fish. Introduction and spread of and the western mountain States. The potential adverse effects (competition) parasites and pathogenic bacterium to Southeast and Southwest have low of each separate species (Rocabayera an aquaculture facility can result in climate matches. and Veiga 2012). Furthermore, the roach increased incidence of fish disease and If introduced, the roach is likely to will likely be able to hybridize with mortality and decreased productivity spread and establish due to its highly some U.S. native species in the same and value. adaptive nature toward habitat and diet subfamily, which includes minnows.

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Factors That Reduce or Remove habitats, including those with poor The stone moroko is a vector of the Injuriousness for Roach dissolved oxygen concentrations (Copp pathogenic, rosette-like agent 2007). The stone moroko has an overall Sphaerothecum destruens (Gozlan et al. Control high climate match to the United States 2005, Pinder et al. 2005), which is a An introduced roach population with a Climate 6 ratio of 0.557. This documented pathogen of farmed and would be difficult to control species has a high or medium climate wild European fish. The stone moroko (Rocabayera and Veiga 2012). match to most of the United States. The is a healthy host for this nonspecific Application of the piscicide rotenone highest matches are in the Southeast, pathogen that could threaten may be effective for limited populations Great Lakes, central plains, and West aquaculture trade, including that of of small fish. However, rotenone is not Coast. salmonids (Gozlan et al. 2009). This target-specific (Wynne and Masser If introduced, the stone moroko is pathogen infects a fish’s internal organs 2010). Depending on the applied highly likely to establish and spread. causing spawning failure, organ failure, concentration, rotenone kills other This fish species is a habitat generalist and death (Gozlan et al. 2005). This aquatic species in the water body. Some and diet generalist and is quick growing, pathogen has been documented as fish species are more susceptible than highly adaptable to new environments, infecting the sunbleak (Leucaspius others, and the use of this piscicide may and highly mobile. Additionally, the delineatus), which are native to eastern kill native species. Control measures stone moroko has proven invasive Europe, and Chinook salmon that would harm other wildlife are not outside of its native range (Copp 2007, (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), Atlantic recommended as mitigation to reduce Kottelat and Freyhof 2007, Witkowski salmon, and the fathead minnow the injurious characteristics of this 2011, Yalc¸(n-O¨ zdilek et al. 2013). (Pimephales promelas), all three of species and, therefore, do not meet control measures under the Injurious Potential Impacts to Native Species which are native to the United States Wildlife Evaluation Criteria. (including Endangered and Threatened (Gozlan et al. 2005). Species) The stone moroko consumes large Potential Ecological Benefits for quantities of zooplankton. The declines Introduction In much of the stone moroko’s in zooplankton population results in nonnative range, the introduction of this We are not aware of any documented increased phytoplankton populations, species has been linked to the decline ecological benefits for the introduction which in turn causes algal blooms and of native freshwater fish species (Copp of the roach. unnaturally high nutrient loads 2007). The stone moroko could (eutrophication). These changes can Factors That Contribute to potentially adversely affect native cause imbalanced nutrient cycling, Injuriousness for Stone Moroko species through predation, competition, decrease dissolved oxygen disease transmission, and altering Current Nonnative Occurrences concentrations, and adversely impact freshwater ecosystems (Witkowski the health of native aquatic species. This fish species is not found within 2011). the United States. The stone moroko has Stone moroko introductions have Potential Impacts to Humans been introduced and become mostly originated from unintentional established throughout Europe and inclusion in the transport water of We have no reports of the stone Asia. Within Asia, this fish species is intentionally stocked fish species. In moroko being harmful to humans. invasive in Afghanistan, Armenia, Iran, many stocked ponds, the stone moroko Kazakhstan, Laos, Taiwan, Turkey, and Potential Impacts to Agriculture actually outcompetes the farmed fish Uzbekistan (Copp 2007). In Europe, this fish species’ nonnative range includes species for food resources, which results The stone moroko may affect Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, in decreased production of the farmed agriculture by decreasing aquaculture Czech Republic, Denmark, France, fish (Witkowski 2011). The stone productivity. This species often Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, moroko’s omnivorous diet includes contaminates farmed fish stocks and Lithuania, Moldova, Montenegro, the insects, fish, fish eggs, molluscs, competes with the farmed species for Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Russia, planktonic crustaceans, algae (Froese food resources, resulting in decreased Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, and Pauly 2014g), and plants (Kottelat aquaculture productivity (Witkowski Switzerland, Ukraine, and the United and Freyhof 2007). With this diet, the 2011). The stone moroko is an Kingdom (Copp 2007). The stone stone moroko would compete with unaffected carrier of the pathogenic, moroko’s nonnative range also includes many native U.S. freshwater fish, rosette-like agent Sphaerothecum Algeria and Fiji (Copp 2007). including minnow, dace, sunfish, and destruens (Gozlan et al. 2005, Pinder et darter species. al. 2005). This pathogen is transmitted Potential Introduction and Spread In the United Kingdom, Italy, China, through water and causes reproductive The primary introduction pathways and Russia, the introduction of the stone failure, disease, and death to farmed are as unintentional inclusion in the moroko correlates with dramatic fish. This pathogen is not species- transport water of intentionally stocked declines in native fish populations and specific and has been known to infect fish shipments for both recreational species diversity (Copp 2007). The stone cyprinid and salmonid fish species. fishing and aquaculture, released or moroko first competes with native fish Sphaerothecum destruens is responsible escaped bait, and released or escaped for food resources and then predates on for disease outbreaks in North American ornamental fish. Once introduced, the the eggs, larvae, and juveniles of these salmonids and causes mortality in both stone moroko naturally disperses to new same native fish species (Pinder 2005, juvenile and adult fish (Gozlan et al. waterways within a watershed. Since Britton et al. 2007). In England, where 2009). If this pathogen was introduced the 1960s, this fish has invaded nearly stone morokos were introduced, they to an aquaculture facility, it is likely to every European country and many dominated the fish community quickly, spread and infect numerous fish, Asian countries (Copp et al. 2005). and the other fish species exhibited resulting in high mortality. Further The stone moroko inhabits a decreased growth rates and research is needed to ascertain this temperate climate (Baensch and Riehl reproduction, as well as shifts in their pathogen’s prevalence in the wild 1993) and a variety of freshwater trophic levels (Britton et al. 2010b). environment (Gozlan et al. 2009).

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Factors That Reduce or Remove If introduced into the United States, decreased the availability of fish for Injuriousness for Stone Moroko the Nile perch is likely to establish and household consumption (Witte 2013). spread due to this species’ nature as a Control If introduced to the United States, habitat generalist and generalist Nile perch are expected to prey on small An established, invasive stone predator, long lifespan, quick growth native fish species, such as moroko population would be both rate, high reproductive potential, mudminnows, cyprinids, sunfishes, and difficult and costly to control (Copp extraordinary mobility, and proven darters. Nile perch would likely prey 2007). Additionally, this fish species invasiveness outside of the species’ on, compete with, and decrease the has a higher tolerance for the piscicide native range (Witte 2013, Asila and species diversity of native cyprinid fish. rotenone than most other fish belonging Ogari 1988, Ribbinick 1982). Nile perch are expected to compete with to the cyprinid group (Allen et al. 2006). Potential Impacts to Native Species larger native fish species, including Application of rotenone for stone (including Endangered and Threatened largemouth bass (Micropterus moroko control may kill native aquatic Species) salmoides) and smallmouth bass fish species. Control measures that (Micropterus dolomieu), blue catfish would harm other wildlife are not Potential impacts of introduction of (Ictalurus furcatus), channel catfish recommended as mitigation to reduce the Nile perch include outcompeting (Ictalurus punctatus), and flathead the injurious characteristics of this and preying on native species, altering catfish (Pyodictis olivaris). These native habitats and trophic systems, and species and, therefore, do not meet fish species are not only economically disrupting ecosystem nutrient cycling. control measures under the Injurious important to both commercial and The Nile perch can produce up to 15 Wildlife Evaluation Criteria. recreational fishing, but are integral million eggs per breeding cycle (Asila components of freshwater ecosystems. Potential Ecological Benefits for and Ogari 1988), likely contributing to Introduction this species’ efficiency and effectiveness Potential Impacts to Humans in establishing an introduced We are not aware of any documented We have no reports of the Nile perch population. ecological benefits for the introduction being harmful to humans. of the stone moroko. Historical evidence from the Lake Victoria (Africa) basin indicate that the Potential Impacts to Agriculture Factors That Contribute to Nile perch outcompeted and preyed on Injuriousness for Nile Perch at least 200 endemic fish species, We are not aware of any reported effects to agriculture. However, Nile Current Nonnative Occurrences leading to their extinction (Kaufman 1992, Snoeks 2010, Witte 2013). Many perch may affect aquaculture if they are This species is not currently found of the affected species were unintentionally introduced into within the United States. The Nile perch haplochromine cichlid fish species, and aquaculture operations in the United is invasive in the Kenyan, Tanzanian, the populations of native lung fish States, such as when invaded and Ugandan watersheds of Lake (Protopterus aethiopicus) and catfish watersheds flood aquaculture ponds or Victoria and Lake Kyoga (Africa). This species (Bagrus docmak, Xenoclarias by accidentally being included in a species has also been introduced to eupogon, Synodontis victoria) also shipment of fish, by outcompeting and Cuba (Welcomme 1988). witnessed serious declines (Witte 2013). preying on the aquacultured fish. Potential Introduction and Spread By the late 1980s, only three fish Factors That Reduce or Remove species, including the cyprinid Injuriousness for Nile Perch This species was stocked in Texas Rastrineobolas argentea and the reservoirs, although this population introduced Nile perch and Nile tilapia Control failed to establish (Fuller et al. 1999, (Oreochromis niloticus), were common Nile perch grow to be large fish with Howells 2001). However, with in Lake Victoria (Witte 2013). a body length of 2 m (6 ft) and continued release events, we anticipate The haplochromine cichlid species maximum weight of 200 kg (440 lb) that the Nile perch is likely to establish comprised 15 subtrophic groups with (Ribbinick 1987). Witte (2013) notes that in parts of the United States, including varied food (detritus, phytoplankton, this species would be difficult and the Southeast, Southwest, Hawaii, algae, plants, mollusks, zooplankton, costly to control. We are not aware of Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands. insects, prawns, crabs, fish, and any documented reports of successfully Likely introduction pathways include parasites) and habitat preferences (Witte controlling or eradicating an established use for aquaculture and recreational and Van Oijen 1990, Van Oijen 1996). Nile perch population. fishing. Over the past 60 years, the Nile The depletion of so many fish species perch has invaded, established, and has drastically altered the Lake Victoria Potential Ecological Benefits for become the dominant fish species ecosystem’s trophic-level structure and Introduction within this species’ nonnative African biodiversity. These changes resulted in We are not aware of any documented range (Witte 2013). abnormally high lake eutrophication ecological benefits for the introduction The Nile perch prefers a tropical and frequency of algal blooms (Witte of the Nile perch. climate and can inhabit a variety of 2013). freshwater and brackish habitats (Witte The depletion of the native fish Factors That Contribute to 2013). The Nile perch has an overall species in Lake Victoria by Nile perch Injuriousness for the Amur Sleeper medium climate match to the United led to the loss of income and food for Current Nonnative Occurrences States with a Climate 6 ratio of 0.038. local villagers. Nile perch was not a Of the 11 species in this rule, the Nile suitable replacement for traditional This species has not been reported perch has the only overall medium fishing. Fishing for this larger species within the United States. The Amur climate match. However, this fish required equipment that was sleeper is invasive in Europe and Asia species has a high climate match to the prohibitively more expensive, required in the countries of Belarus, Bulgaria, Southeast (Florida and Gulf Coast), processing that could not be done by the Croatia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Southwest (California), Hawaii, Puerto wife and children, required the men to Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. be away for extended periods, and Serbia, Slovakia, Ukraine, Russia, and

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Mongolia (Froese and Pauly 2014j, Potential Impacts to Native Species fish species, resulting in population Grabowska 2011). (including Endangered and Threatened declines of these native species. Species) Potential Introduction and Spread Additionally, the Amur sleeper The Amur sleeper is a voracious harbors parasites, including Although the Amur sleeper has not generalist predator whose diet includes Nippotaenia mogurndae and yet been introduced to the United crustaceans, insects, and larvae of Gyrodactylus perccotti. The States, the likelihood of introduction, mollusks, fish, and amphibian tadpoles introduction of the Amur sleeper has release, or escape is high as evidenced (Bogutskaya and Naseka 2002, resulted in the simultaneous by the history of introduction over a Reshetnikov 2008). Increased predation introduction of both parasites to the broad geographic region of Eurasia. with the introduction of the Amur Amur sleeper’s nonnative range. These Since its first introduction outside of its sleeper has resulted in decreased parasites have expanded their own native range in 1916, the Amur sleeper species richness and decreased nonnative range and successfully has invaded 15 Eurasian countries and population of native fish (Grabowska infected new hosts of native fish species become a widespread, invasive fish 2011). In some areas, the Amur sleeper’s (Kosˇuthova´ et al. 2008). throughout European freshwater eating habits have been responsible for Potential Impacts to Humans ecosystems (Copp et al. 2005, the dramatic decline in juvenile fish and Grabowska 2011). The introduction of amphibian species (Reshetnikov 2003). We have no reports of Amur sleeper the Amur sleeper has been attributed to Amur sleepers prey on juvenile stages being harmful to humans. release and escape of aquarium and and can cause decreased reproductive Potential Impacts to Agriculture ornamental fish, unintentional and success and reduced populations of the intentional release of Amur sleepers native fish and amphibians (Mills et al. The Amur sleeper may affect used for bait, and the unintentional 2004). Declines in lower trophic-level agriculture by decreasing aquaculture inclusion in the transport water of populations (invertebrates) also result in productivity. This fish species hosts intentionally stocked fish (Reshetnikov increased competition among native parasites, including Nippotaenia 2004, Grabowska 2011, Reshetnikov and predatory fish, including the European mogurndae and Gyrodactylus perccotti. Ficetola 2011). mudminnow (Umbra krameri) These parasites may switch hosts (Grabowska 2011). (Kosˇuthova´ et al. 2008) and infect Once this species has been Two species similar to the European farmed species involved in aquaculture. introduced, it has proven to be capable mudminnow, the eastern mudminnow Increased parasite load impairs a fish’s of establishing (Reshetnikov 2004). The (Umbra pygmaea) and the central physiology and general health, and established populations can have rapid mudminnow (Umbra limi), are native to consequently may decrease aquaculture rates of expansion. Upon introduction the eastern United States. Both of these productivity. into the Vistula River in Poland, the species are integral members of Amur sleeper expanded its range by 44 freshwater ecosystems, with the eastern Factors That Reduce or Remove km (27 mi) the first year and up to 197 mudminnow ranging from New York to Injuriousness for Amur Sleeper km (122 mi) per year thereafter Florida (Froese and Pauly 2014n), and Control (Grabowska 2011). the central mudminnow residing in the freshwater of the Great Lakes, Hudson Once introduced and established, it Most aquatic species are constrained would be difficult, if not impossible, to in distribution by temperature, Bay, and Mississippi River basins (Froese and Pauly 2014o). Introduced control or eradicate the Amur sleeper. dissolved oxygen levels, and lack of All attempts to eradicate the Amur flowing water. However, the Amur Amur sleepers could prey on and reduce the population of native U.S. sleeper once it had established a sleeper has a wide water temperature reproducing population have been preference (Baensch and Riehl 2004), mudminnow species. The introduction or establishment of unsuccessful (Litvinov and O’Gorman can live in poorly oxygenated waters, 1996). Natural predators include pike, and may survive in dried-out or frozen the Amur sleeper is also expected to reduce native wildlife biodiversity. In snakeheads, and perch (Bogutskaya and water bodies by burrowing into and Naseka 2002). Not all freshwater hibernating in the mud (Grabowska the Selenga River (Russia), the Amur sleeper competes with the native systems have these or similar predatory 2011). The Amur sleeper has an overall Siberian roach (Rutilus rutilus lacustris) species, and thus would allow the Amur high climate match to the United States and Siberian dace (Leuciscus leuciscus sleeper population to be uncontrolled. with a Climate 6 ratio of 0.376. The baicalensis) for food resources. This Some studies have indicated that the climate match is highest in the Great competition results in decreased Amur sleeper may be eradicated by Lakes region (Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, populations of native fish species, adding calcium chloride (CaCl2) or Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota), which may result in economic losses ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) to the central and high Plains (Iowa, Nebraska, and negative effects on commercial water body (Grabowska 2011). However, and Missouri), western mountain States fisheries (Litvinov and O’Gorman 1996, this same study found that the Amur (South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Grabowska 2011). sleeper was one of the most resistant Wyoming, and Colorado), and central to Species similar to Siberian roach and fish species to either treatment. Thus, eastern Alaska. Siberian dace that are native to the the use of either treatment would likely If introduced, the Amur sleeper United States include those of the genus negatively affect many other native would be expected to establish and Chrosomus, such as the blackside dace organisms and is not considered a viable spread in the wild due to this species’ (Chrosomus cumberlandensis), northern option. Control measures that would ability as a habitat generalist, generalist redbelly dace (C. eos), southern redbelly harm other wildlife are not predator, rapid growth, high dace (C. erythrogaster), and Tennessee recommended as mitigation to reduce reproductive potential, adaptability to dace (C. tennesseensis). Like with the the injurious characteristics of this new environments, extraordinary Siberian roach and the Siberian dace, species and, therefore, do not meet mobility, and a history of invasiveness introduced populations of the Amur control measures under the Injurious outside of the native range. sleeper may compete with native dace Wildlife Evaluation Criteria.

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Potential Ecological Benefits for resulting in irreversible changes to the Potential Impacts to Humans Introduction genetic structure of this important We have no reports of the European We are not aware of any documented native species (Schwenk et al. 2008). perch being harmful to humans. Hybridization can reduce the fitness of ecological benefits for the introduction Potential Impacts to Agriculture of the Amur sleeper. the native species and, in some cases, has resulted in drastic population The European perch may affect Factors That Contribute to declines causing endangered agriculture by decreasing aquaculture Injuriousness for European Perch classification and even extinction productivity. The European perch may Current Nonnative Occurrences (Mooney and Cleland 2001). potentially spread the viral disease EHN Furthermore, the yellow perch has value (NSW DPI 2013) to farmed fish in This fish species is not found within for both commercial and recreational aquaculture facilities. Although this the United States. The European perch fishing and is also an important forage virus is currently restricted to Australia, has been introduced and become fish in many freshwater ecosystems this disease can cause mass fish established in several countries, (Froese and Pauly 2014p). Thus, mortalities and is known to affect other including Ireland, Italy, Spain, declines in yellow perch populations fish species (NSW DPI 2013). Australia, New Zealand, China, Turkey, can result in serious consequences for Cyprus, Morocco, Algeria, and South Factors That Reduce or Remove upper trophic-level piscivorous fish. Africa. Injuriousness for European Perch Additionally, European perch can form Potential Introduction and Spread dense populations competing with each Control The main pathway of introduction is other to the extent that they stunt their It would be extremely difficult to through stocking for recreational own growth (NSW DPI 2013). control or eradicate a population of fishing. Once stocked, this fish species European perch prey on zooplankton, European perch. However, Closs et al. has expanded its nonnative range by macroinvertebrates, and fish; thus, the (2003) examined the feasibility of swimming through connecting introduction of this species can physically removing (by netting and waterbodies to new areas within the significantly alter trophic-level cycling trapping) European perch from small same watershed. and affect native freshwater freshwater environments. Although The European perch prefers a communities (Closs et al. 2003). these researchers were able to reduce temperate climate (Riehl and Baensch European perch are reportedly population numbers through repeated 1991, Froese and Pauly 2014k). This voracious predators that consume small removal efforts, European perch were species can reside in a wide variety of Australian fish (pygmy perch not completely eradicated from any of aquatic habitats ranging from freshwater Nannoperca spp., rainbowfish (various the freshwater lakes. Biological controls or chemicals might be effective; to brackish water (Froese and Pauly species), and carp gudgeons however, they would also have lethal 2014k). The European perch has an Hypseleotris spp.); and the eggs and fry effects on native aquatic species. overall high climate match to the United of silver perch (Bidyanus bidyanus), Control measures that would harm other States, with a Climate 6 ratio of 0.438, golden perch (Macquaria ambigua), wildlife are not recommended as with locally high matches to the Great Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii), and mitigation to reduce the injurious Lakes region, central Texas, western introduced trout species (rainbow, mountain States, and southern and characteristics of this species and, brook (Salvelinus fontinalis), and brown therefore, do not meet control measures central Alaska. Hawaii ranges from low trout (NSW DPI 2013)). In one instance, to high matches. Much of the rest of the under the Injurious Wildlife Evaluation European perch consumed 20,000 Criteria. country has a medium climate match. newly released nonnative rainbow trout If introduced to the United States, the fry from a reservoir in southwestern Potential Ecological Benefits for European perch is likely to spread and Australia in less than 72 hours (NSW Introduction establish in the wild as a generalist DPI 2013). Rainbow trout are native to We are not aware of any documented predator that is able to adapt to new the western United States. If introduced ecological benefits for the introduction environments and outcompete native into U.S. freshwaters, European perch of the European perch. fish species. Additionally, this species would be expected to prey on rainbow has proven to be invasive outside of its trout and other native fish. Factors That Contribute to native range. Injuriousness for Zander The European perch can also harbor Potential Impacts to Native Species and spread the viral disease Epizootic Current Nonnative Occurrences (including Threatened and Endangered Haematopoietic Necrosis (EHN) (NSW The zander was intentionally Species) DPI 2013). This virus can cause mass introduced into Spiritwood Lake (North The European perch can impact fish mortalities and affects silver perch, Dakota) in 1989 for recreational fishing. native species through outcompeting Murray cod, Galaxias fish, and The North Dakota Game and Fish and preying on them and by Macquarie perch (Macquaria Department reports that a small, transmitting disease. This introduced australasica) in their native habitats. established population occurs in this fish species competes with other The continued spread of this virus (with lake (Fuller 2009) and that a 32-in (81.3- European native species for both food the introduction of the European perch) cm) zander was caught by an angler in and habitat resources (Closs et al. 2003) has been partly responsible for 2013 (North Dakota Game and Fish and has been implicated in the local declining populations of native 2013). This was the largest zander in the extirpation (in Western Australia) of the Australian fish species (NSW DPI 2013). lake reported to date, which could mudminnow (Galaxiella munda) This virus is currently restricted to indicate that the species is finding (Moore 2008, ISSG 2010). Australia but could expand its suitable living conditions. We are not In addition to potentially competing international range with the aware of any other occurrences of with the native yellow perch (Perca introduction of European perch to new zanders within the United States. This flavescens), the European perch may waterways where native species would fish species has been introduced and also hybridize with this native species, have no natural resistance. become established through much of

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Europe, regions of Asia (China, The zander’s diet includes juvenile Factors That Reduce or Remove Kyrgyzstan, and Turkey), and Africa smelt, ruffe, European perch, vendace, Injuriousness for Zander (Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia). Within roach, and other zanders (Kangur and Control Europe, zanders have established Kangur 1998). The zander also feeds on populations in Belgium, Bulgaria, juvenile brown trout and Atlantic An established population of zanders Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Italy, salmon (Jepsen et al. 2000; Koed et al. would be both difficult and costly to the Netherlands, Portugal, the Azores, 2002). Increased predation on juvenile control (Godard and Copp 2011). In the Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, and the and young fish disrupts the species’ life United Kingdom (North Oxford Canal), United Kingdom. cycle and reproductive success. electrofishing was unsuccessful at eradicating localized populations of Potential Introduction and Spread Decreased reproductive success results in decreased populations (and zander (Smith et al. 1996). The zander has been introduced to the sometimes extinction) (Crivelli 1995) of Potential Ecological Benefits for United States, and a small population native fish species. If introduced, zander Introduction exists in Spiritwood Lake, North Dakota. could decrease native populations of Zanders have been stocked for Primary pathways of introduction have cyprinids (minnows, daces, and chub biomanipulation of small planktivorous originated with recreational fishing and species), salmonids (Atlantic salmon fish (cyprinid species) in a small, aquaculture stocking. The zander has and species of Pacific salmon artificial impoundment in Germany to also been introduced to control (Oncorhynchus spp.), and yellow perch. unwanted cyprinids (Godard and Copp improve water transparency with some 2011). Additionally, the zander disperse The zander is a vector for the success (Drenner and Hambright 1999). unaided into new waterways. trematode parasite Bucephalus However, in their discussion on using The zander prefers a temperate polymorphus (Poulet et al. 2009), which zanders for biomanipulation, Mehner et climate (Froese and Pauly 2014l). This has been linked to decreased native al. (2004) state that the introduction of species resides in a variety of freshwater cyprinid populations in France nonnative predatory species, which and brackish environments, including (Lambert 1997, Kvach and Mierzejewska includes the zander in parts of Europe, turbid waters with increased nutrient 2011). This parasite may infect native is not recommended for biodiversity concentrations (Godard and Copp 2011). cyprinid species and result in their and bioconservation purposes. We are The overall climate match to the United population declines. not aware of any other documented States is high with a Climate 6 ratio of The zander can hybridize with both ecological benefits of a zander 0.374. The zander has high climate the European perch and Volga perch introduction. matches in the Great Lakes region, (Sander volgensis) (Godard and Copp Factors That Contribute to northern Plains, western mountain 2011). Our native walleye and sauger Injuriousness for Wels Catfish States, and Pacific Northwest. Medium also hybridize (Hearn 1986, Van Zee et climate matches include southern al. 1996, Fiss et al. 1997), providing Current Nonnative Occurrences Alaska, western mountain States, further evidence that species of this This fish species is not found in the central Plains, and mid-Atlantic and genus can readily hybridize. Hence, wild in the United States. The wels New England regions. Low climate there is concern that zander may catfish has been introduced and become matches occur in Florida, along the Gulf hybridize with walleye (Fuller 2009) established in China; Algeria, Syria, and Coast, and desert Southwest regions. and sauger (P. Fuller, pers. comm. Tunisia; and the European countries of If introduced, the zander would likely 2015). Zander hybridizing with native Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, establish and spread as a consequence species could result in irreversible Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, of its nature as a generalist predator, changes to the genetic structure of Italy, Portugal, Spain, and the United ability to hybridize with multiple fish native species (Schwenk et al. 2008). Kingdom (Rees 2012). species, extraordinary mobility, long Hybridization can reduce the fitness of Potential Introduction and Spread lifespan (maximum 24 years) (Godard a native species and, in some cases, has and Copp 2011), and proven resulted in drastic population declines The wels catfish has not been invasiveness outside of the native range. leading to endangered classification introduced to U.S. ecosystems. Potential pathways of introduction include Potential Impacts to Native Species and, in rare cases, even extinction stocking for recreational fishing and (including Endangered and Threatened (Mooney and Cleland 2001). aquaculture. This catfish species has Species) Potential Impacts to Humans also been introduced for biocontrol of The zander may affect native fish cyprinid species in Belgium and species by outcompeting and preying on We are not aware of any documented through the aquarium and pet trade them, transferring pathogens to them, reports of the zander being harmful to (Rees 2012). Wels catfish were and hybridizing with them. The zander humans. introduced as a biocontrol for cyprinid is a top-level predator and competes Potential Impacts to Agriculture fish in the Netherlands, where it became with other native piscivorous fish invasive (Rees 2012). Once introduced, species. In Western Europe, increased The zander may impact agriculture by this fish species can naturally disperse competition from introduced zanders affecting aquaculture. This species is a to connected waterways. resulted in population declines of native vector for the trematode parasite The wels catfish prefers a temperate northern pike and European perch Bucephalus polymorphus (Poulet et al. climate. This species inhabits a variety (Linfield and Rickards 1979). If 2009), which has been linked to of freshwater and brackish introduced to the United States, the decreased native cyprinid populations environments. This species has an zander is projected to compete with in France (Lambert 1997, Kvach and overall high climate match in the United native top-level predators such as the Mierzejewska 2011). This parasite may States with a Climate 6 ratio of 0.302. closely related walleye (Sander vitreus), infect and harm native U.S. cyprinid High climate matches occur in the Great sauger (Sander canadensis), and species involved in the aquaculture Lakes, western mountain States, West northern pike. industry. Coast, and southern Alaska. All other

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regions had a medium or low climate include native chub, dace, and minnow humans and thus do not consider that match. fish species, some of which are federally wels catfish are injurious to humans. If introduced, the wels catfish is likely endangered or threatened. Native Potential Impacts to Agriculture to establish and spread. This species is freshwater mollusks and amphibians a generalist predator and fast growing, may also be affected, some of which are The wels catfish could impact with proven invasiveness outside of the also federally endangered or threatened. agriculture by affecting aquaculture. The native range. Additionally, this species Increased predation on native cyprinids, wels catfish may transmit the fish has a long lifespan (15 to 30 years, mollusks, crustaceans, and amphibians disease SVC to other cyprinids (Hickley maximum of 80 years) (Kottelat and can result in decreased species diversity and Chare 2004, Goodwin 2009). An Freyhof 2007). This species has an and increased food web disruption. SVC outbreak could result in mass extremely high reproductive rate The predatory nature of the wels mortalities among farmed fish stocks at (30,000 eggs per kg of body weight), catfish may also lead to species an aquaculture facility. with the maximum recorded at 700,000 extirpation (local extinction) or the Factors That Reduce or Remove eggs (Copp et al. 2009). The wels catfish extinction of native species. In Lake Injuriousness for Wels Catfish is highly adaptable to new warmwater Bushko (Bosnia), the wels catfish is environments, including those with low linked to the extirpation of the Control dissolved oxygen levels (Rees 2012). endangered minnow-nase An invasive wels catfish population The invasive success of this species is (Chondrostoma phoxinus) (Froese and would be difficult to control or manage likely to be further enhanced by Pauly 2014m). Although nase species (Rees 2012). We know of no effective increases in water temperature expected are native to Europe, the subfamily methods of control once this species is to occur with climate change (Rahel and Leuciscinae includes several native U.S. introduced because of its ability to Olden 2008, Britton et al. 2010a). species, such as dace and shiner spread into connected waterways, high Potential Impacts to Native Species species, which may be similar enough to reproductive potential, generalist diet, (including Threatened and Endangered serve as prey for the catfish. and longevity. Species) The wels catfish is a carrier of the Potential Ecological Benefits for virus that causes SVC and may transmit The wels catfish may affect native Introduction species through outcompeting and this virus to native fish (Hickley and We are not aware of any documented preying on native species, transferring Chare 2004). The spread of SVC can ecological benefits for the introduction diseases to them, and altering their deplete native fish stocks and disrupt habitats. This catfish is a giant predatory the ecosystem food web. SVC of the wels catfish. fish (maximum 5 m (16.4 ft), 306 kg (675 transmission would further compound Factors That Contribute to lb)) (Copp et al. 2009; Rees 2012) that adverse effects of both competition and Injuriousness for the Common Yabby will likely compete with other top predation by adding disease to already- trophic-level, native predatory fish for stressed native fish. Current Nonnative Occurrences both food and habitat resources. Stable Additionally, this catfish species The common yabby has moved isotope analysis, which assesses the excretes large amounts of phosphorus throughout Australia, and its nonnative isotopes of carbon and nitrogen from and nitrogen to the freshwater range extends to New South Wales east food sources and consumers to environment (Schaus et al. 1997, of the Great Dividing Range, Western determine trophic-level cycling, McIntyre et al. 2008). In France, where Australia, and Tasmania. This crayfish suggests that the wels catfish has the wels catfish are invasive, this large species was introduced to Western same trophic position as the northern species aggregates in groups averaging Australia in 1932, for commercial pike (Syva¨ranta et al. 2010). Thus, U.S. 25 individuals, thus creating the highest farming for food from where it escaped native species at risk of competition biogeochemical hotspots ever reported and established in rivers and irrigation with the wels catfish are top predatory for freshwater systems for phosphorus dams (Souty-Grosset et al. 2006). piscivores and may include species and nitrogen (Bouleˆtreau et al. 2011). Outside of Australia, this species has such as the northern pike, walleye, and Excessive nutrient input can disrupt been introduced to China, South Africa, sauger. Additionally, the wels catfish nutrient cycling and transport Zambia, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland can be territorial and unwilling to share (Bouleˆtreau et al. 2011) that can result (Gherardi 2012) for aquaculture and habitat with other fish (Copp et al. in increased eutrophication, increased fisheries (Gherardi 2012). The first 2009). frequency of algal blooms, and European introduction occurred in Typically utilizing an ambush decreased dissolved oxygen levels. 1983, when common yabbies were technique but also known to be an These decreases in water quality can transferred from a California farm to a opportunistic scavenger (Copp et al. affect both native fish and mollusks. pond in Girona, Catalonia (Spain) 2009), the wels catfish are generalist Potential Impacts to Humans (Souty-Grosset et al. 2006). This crayfish predators and may consume native species became established in Spain invertebrates, fish, crayfish, eels, small Wels catfish can achieve a giant size, after repeated introduction to the mammals, birds (Copp et al. 2009), and have large mouths, and are able to beach Zaragoza Province in 1984 and 1985 amphibians (Rees 2012). In France, the themselves to hunt and return to the (Souty-Grosset et al. 2006). stomach contents of wels catfish water. There are anecdotal reports of revealed a preference for cyprinid fish, exceptionally large wels catfish biting or Potential Introduction and Spread mollusks, and crayfish (Syva¨ranta et al. dragging people into the water, as well The common yabby has not 2010). Birds, amphibians, and small as reports of a human body in a wels established a wild population within mammals also contributed to the diet of catfish’s stomach, although it is not the United States. Souty-Grosset et al. these catfish (Copp et al. 2009). This known if the person was attacked or (2006) indicated that the first species has been observed beaching scavenged after drowning (Der Standard introduction of the common yabby to itself to prey on land birds on a river 2009; Stephens 2013; National Europe occurred with a shipment from bank (Cucherousset 2012). Native Geographic 2014). However, we have no a California farm. However, there is no cyprinid fish potentially affected documentation to confirm harm to recent information that indicates that

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the common yabby is present or The common yabby consumes a astaci), which affects European crayfish established in the wild within similar diet to other crayfish species, stocks (Souty-Grosset et al. 2006). North California. Primary pathways of resulting in competition over food American crayfish are known to be introduction include importation for resources. However, unlike most other chronic, unaffected carriers of the aquaculture, aquariums, bait, and crayfish species, the common yabby crayfish plague (Souty-Grosset et al. research. Once it is found in the wild, switches to an herbivorous, detritus diet 2006). However, the common yabby can the yabby can disperse on its own in when preferred prey is unavailable carry other diseases and parasites, water or on land. (Beatty 2006). This prey-switching including burn spot disease The common yabby prefers a tropical allows the common yabby to Psorospermium sp. (Jones and Lawrence climate but tolerates a wide range of outcompete native species (Beatty 2001), Cherax destructor bacilliform water temperatures from 1 to 35 °C (34 2006). If introduced, the common yabby virus (Edgerton et al. 2002), Cherax to 95 °F) (Withnall 2000). This crayfish could affect macroinvertebrate richness, destructor systemic parvo-like virus can also tolerate both freshwater and remove surface sediment deposits (Edgerton et al. 2002), Pleistophora sp. brackish environments with a wide resulting in increased benthic algae, and microsporidian (Edgerton et al. 2002), range of dissolved oxygen compete with native crayfish species for Thelohania sp. (Jones and Lawrence concentrations (Mills and Geddes 1980). food, space, and shelter (Beatty 2006). 2001, Edgerton et al. 2002, Moodie et al. The overall climate match to the United Forty-eight percent of U.S. native 2003), Vavraia parastacida (Edgerton et States was high, with a Climate 6 ratio crayfish are considered imperiled al. 2002), Microphallus minutus of 0.209 with a high climate match to (Taylor et al. 2007, Johnson et al. 2013). (Edgerton et al. 2002), Polymorphus the central Appalachians and Texas. The yabby’s preference for small fishes, biziurae (Edgerton et al. 2002), and If introduced, the common yabby is such as eastern mosquitofish Gambusia many others (Jones and Lawrence 2001, likely to establish and spread within holbrooki (Beatty 2006), could pose a Longshaw 2011). If introduced, the U.S. waters. This crayfish species is a potential threat to small native fishes. common yabby could spread these The common yabby eats plant true diet generalist with a diet of plant diseases among native crayfish species, detritus, algae and macroinvertebrates material, detritus, and zooplankton that resulting in decreased populations and (such as snails) and small fish (Beatty changes in ecosystem cycling. varies with seasonality and availability 2006). Increased predation pressure on The common yabby digs deep (Beatty 2005). Additionally, this species macroinvertebrates and fish may reduce burrows (Withnall 2000). This has a quick growth (Beatty 2005) and populations to levels that are unable to burrowing behavior has eroded and maturity rate, high reproductive sustain a reproducing population. collapsed dam walls for yabby farmers potential, and history of invasiveness Reduced populations or the (Withnall 2000). Increased erosion or outside of the native range. The invasive disappearance of certain native species bank collapse results in increased range of the common yabby is expected further alters trophic-level cycling. For sedimentation, which increases to expand with climate change instance, species of freshwater snails are turbidity and decreases water quality. (Gherardi 2012). The yabby can also food sources for numerous aquatic Potential Impacts to Humans hide for years in burrows up to 5 m animals (fish, turtles) and also may be (16.4 ft) deep during droughts, thus used as an indicator of good water The common yabby’s burrowing essentially being invisible to anyone quality (Johnson 2009). However, in the behavior undermines levees, berms, and looking to survey or control them (NSW past century, more than 500 species of earthen dams (Withnall 2000). Several DPI 2015). North American freshwater snails have crayfish species, including the common Potential Impacts to Native Species become extinct or are considered yabby, can live in contaminated waters (including Endangered and Threatened vulnerable, threatened, or endangered and accumulate high heavy-metal Species) by the American Fisheries Society contaminants within their tissues (King (Johnson et al. 2013). The most et al. 1999, Khan and Nugegoda 2003, Potential impacts to native species substantial population declines have Gherardi 2012, Gherardi 2011). The from the common yabby include occurred in the southeastern United contaminants can then pass on to outcompeting native species for habitat States (Johnson 2009), where the humans if they eat these crayfish. Heavy and food resources, preying on native common yabby has a medium to high metals vary in toxicity to humans, species, transmitting disease, and climate match. Introductions of the ranging from no or little effect to altering habitat. Competition between common yabby could further exacerbate causing skin irritations, reproductive crayfish species is often decided by population declines of snail species. failure, organ failure, cancer, and death body size and chelae (pincer claw) size In laboratory simulations, this (Hu 2002, Martin and Griswold 2009). (Lynas 2007, Gherardi 2012). The crayfish species also exhibited While the common yabby may directly common yabby has large chelae (Austin aggressive and predatory behavior impact human health by transferring and Knott 1996) and quick growth rate toward turtle hatchlings (Bradsell et al. metal contaminants through (Beatty 2005), allowing this species to 2002). These results spurred concern consumption (Gherardi 2012) and may outcompete smaller, native crayfish about potential aggressive and predatory require consumption advisories, these species. This crayfish species will interactions in Western Australia advisories are not expected to be more exhibit aggressive behavior toward other between the invasive common yabby stringent than those for crayfish species crayfish species (Gherardi 2012). In and that country’s endangered western that are not considered injurious and, laboratory studies, the common yabby swamp turtle (Pseudemydura umbrina) thus, we do not find that common yabby successfully evicted the smooth marron (Bradsell et al. 2002). There are six are injurious to humans. (Cherax cainii) and gilgie (Cherax freshwater turtle species that are quinquecarinatus) crayfish species from federally listed in the United States Potential Impacts to Agriculture their burrows (Lynas et al. 2007). Thus, (USFWS Final Environmental The common yabby may affect introduced common yabbies may Assessment 2016), all within the agriculture by decreasing aquaculture compete with native crustaceans for yabby’s medium or high climate match. productivity. The common yabby can be burrowing space and, once established, The common yabby is susceptible to host to a variety of diseases and aggressively defend their territory. the crayfish plague (Aphanomyces parasitic infections, including the

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crayfish plague, burn spot disease, • Is likely to escape or be released Prussian Carp Psorospermium sp., and thelohaniasis into the wild; The Prussian carp is highly likely to • (Jones and Lawrence 2001, Souty- is able to survive and establish survive in the United States. This fish Grosset et al. 2006). These diseases and outside of its native range; species prefers a temperate climate and parasitic infections can be contagious to • is successful at spreading its range; has a current range (native and other crayfish species (Vogt 1999), • has negative impacts of nonnative) that extends throughout resulting in impaired physiological competition, hybridization, and disease Eurasia. In the United States, the functions and death. Crayfish species transmission on native wildlife Prussian carp has a high climate match (such as red swamp crayfish (including endangered and threatened to the Great Lakes region, central Plains, (Procambarus clarkii)) are involved in species); western mountain States, and commercial aquaculture, and increased • has negative impacts on humans by California. This fish species has a incidence of death and disease would reducing wildlife diversity and the medium climate match to much of the reduce this industry’s productivity and benefits that nature provides; and continental United States, southern value. • has negative impacts on agriculture Alaska, and regions of Hawaii. Prussian Factors That Reduce or Remove by affecting aquaculture. carp have already established in Injuriousness for the Common Yabby In addition, preventing, eradicating, southern Canada near the U.S. border, or reducing established populations of validating the climate match in northern Control crucian carp, controlling its spread to regions. If introduced, the Prussian carp In Europe, two nonnative populations new locations, or recovering ecosystems is likely to establish and spread due to of the common yabby have been affected by this species would be its tolerance to poor-quality eradicated by introducing the crayfish difficult. environments, rapid growth rate, ability plague. Since this plague is not known to reproduce from unfertilized eggs, and Eurasian Minnow to affect North American crayfish proven invasiveness outside of its native species (although they are carriers), this The Eurasian minnow is highly likely range. tactic may be effective against an to survive in the United States. This fish The Service finds the Prussian carp to introduced common yabby population species prefers a temperate climate and be injurious to agriculture and to (Souty-Grosset et al. 2006). However, has a current range (native and wildlife and wildlife resources of the this control method is not nonnative) throughout Eurasia. In the United States because the Prussian carp: • recommended because it could United States, the Eurasian minnow has Is likely to escape or be released introduce the pathogen that causes this a high climate match to the Great Lakes into the wild; • disease into the environment and has region, coastal New England, central is able to survive and establish the potential to mutate and harm native and high Plains, West Coast, and outside of its native range; • crayfish. Control measures that would southern Alaska. If introduced, the is successful at spreading its range; • harm native wildlife are not Eurasian minnow is likely to establish has negative impacts of recommended as mitigation to reduce and spread due to its traits as a habitat competition, habitat alteration, the injurious characteristics of this generalist, generalist predator, hybridization, and disease transmission species and, therefore, do not meet adaptability to new environments, high on native wildlife (including threatened and endangered species); control measures under the Injurious reproductive potential, long lifespan, • Wildlife Evaluation Criteria. extraordinary mobility, social nature, has negative impacts on humans by and proven invasiveness outside of its reducing wildlife diversity and the Potential Ecological Benefits for native range. benefits that nature provides; and Introduction • has negative impacts on agriculture The Service finds the Eurasian by affecting aquaculture. We are not aware of any potential minnow to be injurious to agriculture ecological benefits for introduction of and to wildlife and wildlife resources of In addition, preventing, eradicating, or the common yabby. the United States because the Eurasian reducing established populations of the Prussian carp, controlling its spread to Conclusions for the 11 Species minnow: • Is likely to escape or be released new locations, or recovering ecosystems Crucian Carp into the wild; affected by this species would be • difficult. The crucian carp is highly likely to is able to survive and establish survive in the United States. This fish outside of its native range; Roach • species prefers a temperate climate and is successful at expanding its range; The roach is highly likely to survive • has a native range that extends through has negative impacts of in the United States. This fish species north and central Europe. The crucian competition, predation, and pathogen or prefers a temperate climate and has a carp has a high climate match parasite transmission on native wildlife current range (native and nonnative) throughout much of the continental (including endangered and threatened throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, United States, Hawaii, and southern species); Morocco, and Madagascar. The roach Alaska. If introduced, the crucian carp • has negative impacts on humans by has a high climate match to southern is likely to become established and reducing wildlife diversity and the and central Alaska, regions of spread due to its ability as a habitat benefits that nature provides; and Washington, the Great Lakes region, and generalist, diet generalist, and • has negative impacts on agriculture western mountain States, and a medium adaptability to new environments, long by affecting aquaculture. climate match to most of the United lifespan, and proven invasiveness In addition, preventing, eradicating, States. If introduced, the roach is likely outside of its native range. or reducing established populations of to establish and spread due to its highly The Service finds the crucian carp to the Eurasian minnow, controlling its adaptive nature toward habitat and diet be injurious to agriculture and to spread to new locations, or recovering choice, high reproductive potential, wildlife and wildlife resources of the ecosystems affected by this species ability to reproduce with other cyprinid United States because the crucian carp: would be difficult. species, long lifespan, mobility, and

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proven invasiveness outside of its native stone moroko, controlling its spread to and history of invasiveness outside of range. new locations, or recovering ecosystems its native range. The Service finds the roach to be affected by this species would be The Service finds the Amur sleeper to injurious to agriculture and to wildlife difficult. be injurious to agriculture and to and wildlife resources of the United wildlife and wildlife resources of the Nile Perch States because the roach: United States because of the Amur • Is likely to escape or be released The Nile perch is highly likely to sleeper’s: into the wild; survive in the United States. This fish • Past history of being released into • is able to survive and establish species is a tropical invasive, and its the wild; outside of its native range; current range (native and nonnative) • ability to survive and establish • is successful at spreading its range; includes much of central, western, and outside of its native range; • has negative impacts of eastern Africa. In the United States, the • success at spreading its range; competition, predation, hybridization, Nile perch has an overall medium • negative impacts of competition, altered habitat resources, and disease climate match to the United States. predation, and disease transmission on transmission on native wildlife However, this fish species has a high native wildlife (including endangered (including endangered and threatened climate match to the Southeast, and threatened species); species); California, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the • negative impacts on humans by • has negative impacts on humans by U.S. Virgin Islands. If introduced, the reducing wildlife diversity and the reducing wildlife diversity and the Nile perch is likely to establish and benefits that nature provides; and benefits that nature provides; and spread due to its nature as a habitat • negative impacts on agriculture by • has negative impacts on agriculture generalist, generalist predator, long affecting aquaculture. by affecting aquaculture. lifespan, quick growth rate, high In addition, preventing, eradicating, or In addition, preventing, eradicating, or reproductive potential, extraordinary reducing established populations of the reducing established populations of the mobility, and proven invasiveness Amur sleeper, controlling its spread to roach, controlling its spread to new outside of its native range. new locations, or recovering ecosystems locations, or recovering ecosystems The Service finds the Nile perch to be affected by this species would be affected by this species would be injurious to the interests of wildlife and difficult. difficult. wildlife resources of the United States European Perch because the Nile perch: Stone Moroko • Is likely to escape or be released The European perch is highly likely to The stone moroko is highly likely to into the wild; survive in the United States. This fish survive in the United States. This fish • is able to survive and establish species prefers a temperate climate and species prefers a temperate climate and outside of its native range; has a current range (native and has a current range (native and • is successful at spreading its range; nonnative) throughout Europe, Asia, nonnative) throughout Eurasia, Algeria, • has negative impacts of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Fiji. The stone moroko has a high competition, predation, and habitat and Morocco. In the United States, the climate match to the southeastern alteration on native wildlife (including European perch has a medium to high United States, Great Lakes region, endangered and threatened species); climate match to the majority of the central Plains, northern Texas, desert and United States except the desert • Southwest, and West Coast. If has negative impacts on humans by Southwest. This species has especially introduced, the stone moroko is likely to reducing wildlife diversity and the high climate matches in the establish and spread due to its traits as benefits that nature provides (including southeastern United States, Great Lakes a habitat generalist, diet generalist, through fisheries). region, central to southern Texas, rapid growth rate, adaptability to new In addition, preventing, eradicating, or western mountain States, and southern environments, extraordinary mobility, reducing established populations of the to central Alaska. If introduced, the high reproductive potential, high Nile perch, controlling its spread to new European perch is likely to establish genetic variability, and proven locations, or recovering ecosystems and spread due to its nature as a invasiveness outside of its native range. affected by this species would be generalist predator, ability to adapt to The Service finds the stone moroko to difficult. new environments, ability to be injurious to agriculture and to Amur Sleeper outcompete native species, and proven wildlife and wildlife resources of the invasiveness outside of its native range. United States because the stone moroko The Amur sleeper is highly likely to The Service finds the European perch • Is likely to escape or be released survive in the United States. Although to be injurious to agriculture and to into the wild; this fish species’ native range only wildlife and wildlife resources of the • is able to survive and establish includes the freshwaters of China, United States because the European outside of its native range; Russia, North and South Korea, the perch: • is successful at spreading its range; species has a broad invasive range that • Is likely to escape or be released • has negative impacts of extends throughout much of Eurasia. into the wild; competition, predation, disease The Amur sleeper has a high climate • is able to survive and establish transmission, and habitat alteration on match to the Great Lakes region, central outside of its native range; native wildlife (including threatened and high plains, western mountain • is successful at spreading its range; and endangered species); States, Maine, northern New Mexico, • has negative impacts of • has negative impacts on humans by and southeast to central Alaska. If competition, predation, and disease reducing wildlife diversity and the introduced, the Amur sleeper is likely to transmission on native wildlife benefits that nature provides; and establish and spread due to its nature as (including endangered and threatened • has negative impacts on agriculture a habitat generalist, generalist predator, species); by affecting aquaculture. rapid growth rate, high reproductive • has negative impacts on humans by In addition, preventing, eradicating, or potential, adaptability to new reducing wildlife diversity and the reducing established populations of the environments, extraordinary mobility, benefits that nature provides; and

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• has negative impacts on agriculture Wels Catfish yabby is likely to establish and spread by affecting aquaculture. The wels catfish is highly likely to due to its traits as a diet generalist, In addition, preventing, eradicating, or survive in the United States. This fish quick growth rate, high reproductive reducing established populations of the species prefers a temperate climate and potential, and proven invasiveness European perch, controlling its spread has a current range (native and outside of its native range. to new locations, or recovering nonnative) throughout Europe, Asia, The Service finds the common yabby ecosystems affected by this species and northern Africa. This fish species to be injurious to the interests of would be difficult. has a high climate match to much of the agriculture, and to wildlife and the United States. Very high climate wildlife resources of the United States Zander because the common yabby: matches occur in the Great Lakes region, • The zander is highly likely to survive western mountain States, and the West Is likely to escape or be released in the United States. This fish species into the wild; Coast. If introduced, the wels catfish is • prefers a temperate climate and has a likely to establish and spread due to its is able to survive and establish current range (native and nonnative) outside of its native range; traits as a generalist predator, quick • throughout Europe, Asia, and northern is successful at spreading its range; growth rate, long lifespan, high • Africa. In the United States, the zander reproductive potential, adaptability to has negative impacts of has a high climate match to the Great new environments, and proven competition, predation, and disease Lakes region, northern Plains, western invasiveness outside of its native range. transmission on native wildlife mountain States, and Pacific Northwest. The Service finds the wels catfish to (including endangered and threatened Medium climate matches extend from be injurious to agriculture and to species); • southern Alaska, western mountain wildlife and wildlife resources of the has negative impacts on humans by States, central Plains, and mid-Atlantic, United States because the wels catfish: reducing wildlife diversity and the and New England regions. If introduced, • Is likely to escape or be released benefits that nature provides; and • the zander is likely to establish and into the wild; has negative impacts on agriculture spread due to its nature as a generalist • is able to survive and establish by affecting aquaculture. predator, ability to hybridize with other outside of its native range; In addition, preventing, eradicating, or fish species, extraordinary mobility, • is successful at spreading its range; reducing established populations of the long lifespan, and proven invasiveness • has negative impacts of common yabby, controlling its spread to outside of its native range. competition, predation, disease new locations, or recovering ecosystems The Service finds the zander to be transmission, and habitat alteration on affected by this species would be injurious to agriculture and to wildlife native wildlife (including endangered difficult. and wildlife resources of the United and threatened species); • Summary of Injurious Wildlife Factors States because the zander: has negative impacts on humans by • Is likely to escape or be released reducing wildlife diversity and the Based on the Service’s evaluation of benefits that nature provides; and the criteria for injuriousness, into the wild; • • is able to survive and establish has negative impacts on agriculture substantive information we received outside of its native range; by affecting aquaculture. during the public comment period and from the peer reviewers, along with • is successful at spreading its range; In addition, preventing, eradicating, or other available information regarding • has negative impacts of reducing established populations of the wels catfish, controlling its spread to the 11 species, the Service concludes competition, predation, parasite that all 11 species should be added to transmission, and hybridization with new locations, or recovering ecosystems affected by this species would be the list of injurious species under the native wildlife (including endangered Lacey Act. and threatened species); difficult. • The Service used the injurious has negative impacts on humans by Common Yabby wildlife evaluation criteria (see reducing wildlife diversity and the The common yabby is highly likely to Injurious Wildlife Evaluation Criteria) benefits that nature provides; and survive in the United States. This and found that all 11 species are • has negative impacts on agriculture crustacean species prefers a subtropical injurious to wildlife and wildlife by affecting aquaculture. climate and has a current range (native resources of the United States and 10 In addition, preventing, eradicating, and nonnative) that extends to are injurious to agriculture. Because all or reducing established populations of Australia, Europe, China, South Africa, 11 species are injurious, the Service is the zander, controlling its spread to new and Zambia. The common yabby has a adding these 11 species to the list of locations, or recovering ecosystems high climate match to the eastern injurious wildlife under the Act. Table affected by this species would be United States, Texas, and parts of 2 shows a summary of the evaluation difficult. Washington. If introduced, the common criteria for the 11 species.

TABLE 2—SUMMARY OF INJURIOUS WILDLIFE EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR 11 AQUATIC SPECIES

Factors that contribute to Factors that reduce the being considered likelihood of being injurious injurious Species Potential for Impacts to Nonnative oc- Direct impacts Impacts to Ecological introduction native spe- to Control 3 benefits for currences agriculture 2 and spread cies 1 humans introduction

Crucian Carp ...... Yes ...... Yes ...... Yes ...... No ...... Yes ...... No ...... No. Eurasian Minnow ...... Yes ...... Yes ...... Yes ...... No ...... Yes ...... No ...... Negligible. Prussian Carp ...... Yes ...... Yes ...... Yes ...... No ...... Yes ...... No ...... No. Roach ...... Yes ...... Yes ...... Yes ...... No ...... Yes ...... No ...... No.

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TABLE 2—SUMMARY OF INJURIOUS WILDLIFE EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR 11 AQUATIC SPECIES—Continued

Factors that contribute to Factors that reduce the being considered likelihood of being injurious injurious Species Direct impacts Ecological Nonnative oc- Potential for Impacts to Impacts to introduction native spe- to Control 3 benefits for currences agriculture 2 and spread cies 1 humans introduction

Stone Moroko ...... Yes ...... Yes ...... Yes ...... No ...... Yes ...... No ...... No. Nile Perch ...... Yes ...... Yes ...... Yes ...... No ...... No ...... No ...... No. Amur Sleeper ...... Yes ...... Yes ...... Yes ...... No ...... Yes ...... No ...... No. European Perch ...... Yes ...... Yes ...... Yes ...... No ...... Yes ...... No ...... No. Zander ...... Yes ...... Yes ...... Yes ...... No ...... Yes ...... No ...... Negligible. Wels Catfish ...... Yes ...... Yes ...... Yes ...... No ...... Yes ...... No ...... No. Common Yabby ...... Yes ...... Yes ...... Yes ...... No ...... Yes ...... No ...... No. 1 Includes endangered and threatened species and wildlife and wildlife resources. 2 Agriculture includes aquaculture. 3 Control—‘‘No’’ if wildlife or habitat damages may occur from control measures being proposed as mitigation.

Summary of Comments Received on the adequate review and analysis of the selected. Was there other criteria used to Proposed Rule potential effects from the 11 species as select the 11 species for this proposed categorized under the injurious wildlife rule? Based upon these criteria, I would Peer Review Summary evaluation criteria? Is the Service’s expect to see many other fish species In accordance with peer review analysis of the criteria logical and proposed for listing as Injurious guidance of the Office of Management supported by evidence? Wildlife Species. and Budget ‘‘Final Information Quality • The three reviewers also answered Our Response: We agree that other Bulletin for Peer Review,’’ released ‘‘yes’’ to the following two questions species are high risk that we did not December 16, 2004 (OMB 2004), and with one reviewer having one or more evaluate in this rule. Because of the Service guidance, we solicited expert comments on each: Does the science amount of work required to evaluate opinion on information contained in the used and assumptions made support the each species and prepare the October 30, 2015 (80 FR 67026), conclusions? Did the Service cite documentation, we are not able to proposed rule for 11 species and necessary and pertinent literature to evaluate all the species at one time. We supplemental documents from support their scientific analyses? chose many species in this rule because knowledgeable individuals selected • Finally, two reviewers answered of their risk to the Great Lakes region from specialists in the relevant ‘‘yes’’ to these two questions, while one and Mississippi River Basin, which face taxonomic group and ecologists with answered ‘‘no’’ and provided comments: a widespread ecosystem crisis if native scientific expertise that includes Are the uncertainties and assumptions aquatic populations collapse due to familiarity with one or more of the clearly identified and characterized? invasions of nonnative fish, mollusks, or disciplines of invasive species biology, Are the potential implications of the crustaceans, as well as a corresponding invasive species risk assessment, uncertainties for the technical economic crisis if the commercial aquatic species biology, aquaculture, conclusions clearly identified? fishing industries collapse due to the and fisheries. In 2015, we posted our We also requested that the reviewers same. We plan to evaluate and then peer review plan on the Service’s provide comments that were specific to propose for injurious listing more of the Headquarters Science Applications Web the proposed rule, the economic high-risk species as appropriate and as site (http://www.fws.gov/science/peer_ analysis, and the environmental our resources allow. review_agenda.html), explaining the assessment. We reviewed all comments (PR2) Comment: What significant peer review process and providing the for substantive issues and any new impact could crucian carp have in the public with an opportunity to comment information they provided. We United States? Hybridization with on the peer review plan. We received no consolidated the comments and nonnatives, such as goldfish and comments regarding the peer review responses into key issues in this section. common carp, may not be concerning to plan. The Service solicited independent We provided comments and responses resource managers. Increased turbidity scientific reviewers who submitted specifically regarding the environmental is a negative impact, but habitat types individual comments in written form. assessment at the end of the final that these fish could live in likely have We avoided using individuals who environmental assessment. We revised highly turbid water currently. The might have strong support for or the final rule, economic analysis, and largest concern and the one that makes opposition to the subject and environmental assessment to reflect me support listing this species is the individuals who were likely to peer reviewer comments and new documented movement of these fish as experience personal gain or loss (such scientific information where hitchhikers in fish shipments. as financial or prestige) because of the appropriate. Our Response: The crucian carp Service’s decision. Department of the possesses many of the strongest traits for Peer Review Comments—General (Some Interior employees were not used as invasiveness. It is a temperate-climate Also Apply to the Environmental peer reviewers. species, so it has a high climate match We received responses from the three Assessment) in much of the United States, and it is peer reviewers we solicited: (PR1) Comment: Selection for 11 adaptable to different environments. • All three answered ‘‘yes’’ to the freshwater animals is directly related to The species is capable of securing a following two questions of a general ERSS output, which is detailed and wide range of food, such as plankton, nature that we posed to them: Did the defendable. However, several other benthic invertebrates, and plants. With Service provide an accurate and species meet the same criteria as those this varied diet, crucian carp would

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directly compete with numerous native the greatest chance of being easy for the Service to locate) on species species. Habitat degradation is projected misidentified. that are not native to the United States. to be high, with the greatest degradation Our Response: We agree that many Papers may be published in journals in lakes, rivers, and streams with soft species of fish, including some we are and reports around the world and in bottom sediments. Reduced light levels listing with this final rule, are similar in many languages. One organization, CAB in habitats with submerged aquatic appearance to others and could be International (CABI), has helped solve vegetation would probably cause major misidentified on import. This could this problem for us and others by alterations in habitat. Infected crucian mean that a species listed as injurious soliciting an expert to prepare a full carp may spread SVC to cultured fish by this rule is imported under a name datasheet (report) on a particular stocks or other cyprinids in U.S. waters of a species that is not regulated. For invasive species. This expert gathers the (ERSS 2014 Crucian carp). We example, Crucian and Prussian carp available papers internationally; CABI summarized these threats in the draft could be mistaken for goldfish. In fact, will professionally translate relevant environmental assessment (under the one commenter noted a case where papers. The resulting datasheet is Direct Effects section of Environmental crucian carp were advertised for sale in reviewed by three other experts. Then Consequences for the No Action Chicago’s Chinatown, but they were live CABI makes the datasheet accessible alternative). The ability of crucian carp goldfish. Nile perch is similar to worldwide at no cost at http:// to hybridize with other cyprinids may barramundi (Lates calcarifer). The www.cabi.org/isc. We used the full be more of a threat to aquacultured fish Eurasian minnow superficially datasheets on all 11 species for basic than to native fish, but we also consider resembles many other cyprinids or information and for leads to find that possibility. Because of these minnows, as do the stone moroko and primary sources. We did verify with the combined threats we consider the the roach. Small wels catfish may be primary sources that we were able to crucian carp as injurious. mistaken for walking catfish (Clarias locate and that were in English. We (PR3) Comment: It should be spp.). The Amur sleeper may be provided the direct links to all 11 of the mentioned that the Prussian carp is confused with other species of its own CABI datasheets to the peer reviewers. similar to the crucian carp and they are family, as well as many species in the In the Draft Environmental Assessment, also known to hybridize. Such a families Eleotridae and Gobiidae. There we provided the link to the CABI Web situation creates added problems, so are more than 30 species in the genus site, but we will link directly to the listing both under the Lacey Act reduces Cherax, and they have similar species for the final rule. Although we confusion with regulations or descriptions. This comment was made are not required to provide links to all prohibitions. regarding the draft economic analysis, of the sources we use, we provided a list and therefore, we looked at the effect of Our Response: Prussian carp are of references on www.regulations.gov for misidentifications on the economic closely related to crucian carp and this docket (FWS–HQ–FAC–2013– results. However, the total numbers of goldfish, and it is likely that they also 0095). We also must maintain a copy of imports of any of the 11 species were so would hybridize with closely related each source for our records. small that misidentification is likely (PR7) Comment: Two reviewers noted species if given the opportunity. One insignificant for the economic impact. that the economic analysis was paper that documents Carassius With regard to the listing effectiveness, redundant with the environmental hybridization discovered that the there will be an increased risk that a assessment. One suggested that the species identified as gibel (or Prussian) species will be introduced, established, economic analysis was unnecessary carp were really crucian carp (Hanfling and spread if an injurious species is because of the lack of quantitative and Harley 2003). We are listing the misidentified and still brought into the information. Prussian carp for other threats, and U.S. or transported across State lines, Our Response: The economic analysis while the listing of both species may Finally, the fact that a species we are is a stand-alone document developed to indeed reduce confusion with evaluating for listing resembles another support determinations that are required regulations, that is not a criteria for species (listed or not) does not affect our for this rulemaking. The analysis listing. final determination. Under the Lacey addresses specific topics required by (PR4) Comment: A more recent paper Act, we do not have the authority to list Executive Order 12866, the Small on the Amur sleeper that includes a species due to the similarity of Business Regulatory Enforcement mention of its introduction in more appearance. Fairness Act (SBREFA), and other countries than listed in the draft (PR6) Comment: It is the mandates. We prepared the environmental assessment is responsibility of the authors to provide environmental assessment in Reshetnikov and Schliewen (2013). clear documentation regarding the accordance with the criteria of the Our Response: We have incorporated biology and known or potential impacts National Environmental Policy Act into the rule and the final of these species. I went to one link that (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). The two environmental assessment the took me to a home page (www.cabi.org/ documents have different purposes, but information of the additional countries isc), and I had to search for the paper. the findings are based on some of the and spread from Reshetnikov and At a minimum, a link should go directly same information. The economic Schliewen (2013). to the Web site that provides the analysis interprets the impacts in terms (PR5) Comment: Regarding LEMIS supporting information. I prefer of benefit-cost analysis and economic (LEMIS 2016) import records (which are citations of peer-reviewed scientific welfare measures. The environmental used in the economic analysis), based journal articles or books. The only assessment describes impacts on the on my own research some species reason to cite a web source is if the human environment from the listing recorded as being imported are wrongly information is not provided in any action and other alternatives. At this identified. Some of the 11 species published source. time, the actual injury to the United targeted here for Lacey Act listing may Our Response: The Service has been States from these species is minimal, if be coming into this country from foreign searching for several years for a more any, so only a qualitative discussion is sources but identified under an efficient method to locate information possible. incorrect name. It would be worthwhile that was not published by Americans or (PR8) Comment: Some sentences are to mention which of the species have English-speaking authors (and, thus, not convoluted, and a few are potentially

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misleading. Clarity could be improved Bomford mentions for evaluating fish or Lakes States and the Canadian Province by simply writing more concisely and aquatic organisms? of Ontario strongly support the listing of breaking up larger sentences. Our Response: We assume that the the 11 species. In addition, the States of Our Response: The commenter gave reviewer is talking about Bomford’s Michigan and New York also support no specific examples, but we have algorithm for Australia (Bomford 2008). the listing as proposed. New York DEC strived to improve the clarity of our We did not use that algorithm, which states, ‘‘A unified approach between sentences in the rule and supplemental includes the raw Climate 6 score, along state, regional and federal actions is the documents. with other factors. Instead, we use only most effective way to protect the Great (PR9) Comment: Although not a major the Climate 6 score, which Bomford said Lakes Basin from AIS.’’ The State of problem, it should be noted that more was shown to be the best predictor of Louisiana also supports the listing. and more ichthyologists and fish success of introduction (Howeth et al. Our Response: The Service biologists capitalize the common names 2016). appreciates the affirmation that listing of fishes. (PR13) Comment: It would be the 11 species will benefit these Our Response: The Service chooses to worthwhile to mention for any of the 11 widespread and cross-border capitalize only the proper names used to species which native species are most jurisdictions. name species in rulemaking documents, closely related or similar and thus may (2) Comment: A representative of as we do for all other classes of animals. be impacted or even replaced. public zoos and aquaria requests to continue working with the Service’s (PR10) Comment: The wels catfish is Our Response: A species does not permitting office to ensure that members a large catfish. Its adult and maximum need to be closely related or similar to can obtain injurious wildlife permits for size should be emphasized, since it is a affect or even replace another. However, educational and scientific purposes in a predator with a very large mouth. The in response to this comment, we have timely fashion for these species. subsection relating to potential harm to added relevant information in the rule and in the environmental assessment Our Response: The Service will humans borders on sensationalism. continue to work with this organization Neither of the supporting citations are wherever we had such information available. and others in the permitting process for scientific publications. educational and scientific purposes, and Our Response: We can find no Public Comments Summary in accordance with our regulations, as scientific documentation of human We reviewed all 20 comments we we have in the past. attacks. However, we mention the received during the 60-day public (3) Comment: A commenter suggests species’ potentially giant size, large comment period (80 FR 67026; October more information could be provided on mouth, predatory nature, and ability to 30, 2015) for substantive issues and new the level of additional assessment beach itself and then return to the water information regarding the proposed beyond the ERSS report that is required as traits that collectively provide the designation of the 11 species as for a national management action, such means to harm humans. While we injurious wildlife. as injurious wildlife listing. For mention the anecdotal reports, we have We received comments from State example, a strong and explicit risk no documentation to confirm harm to agencies, regional and U.S.–Canada management component, particularly humans and thus do not consider wels governmental alliances, commercial one involving stakeholders, is lacking. catfish injurious to humans. businesses, industry associations, Our Response: Injurious wildlife Peer Review Comments—Ecological conservation organizations, listing is a regulatory action (adds to or Risk Screening Summaries nongovernmental organizations, and changes an existing regulation). The private citizens. One comment came Service’s regulatory decision is based on (PR11) Comment: A reviewer from Zambia, and two were anonymous. our injurious wildlife listing criteria, expressed difficulty in finding more Comments received provided a range of which include components of risk information in the rule and opinions on the proposed listing: (1) assessment and risk management. By supplemental documents regarding the Unequivocal support for the listing with using these criteria, the Service rapid screening (ERSS) method. The no additional information included; (2) evaluates factors that contribute to or reviewer located the standard operating unequivocal support for the listing with remove the likelihood of a species procedures for the rapid screening as additional information provided; (3) becoming injurious to the interests cited in the draft environmental equivocal support for the listing with or identified under 18 U.S.C. 42. assessment but found it not sufficiently without additional information (4) Comment: A commenter requests informative. For example, the 16 climate included; and (4) unequivocal additional explanation of the types of variables were not explained. The opposition to the listing with additional species that warrant injurious species authors should explain what a Climate information included. One comment listing be added to the Service’s Web 6 ratio is. was about an unrelated subject and site with careful evaluation of the Our Response: We have added the 16 beyond the scope of this rulemaking. proposed criteria to avoid the potential climate variables in Table 1 under the We received public comments to set unwarranted precedent or heading ‘‘Rapid Screening’’ above, as specifically on the rule, but no generate other unintended well as other information on the rapid comments specifically addressing the consequences. screening method, particularly on environmental assessment or the Our Response: The types of species climate matching (Climate 6 ratio). In economic analysis. Some commenters we may list as injurious under our addition, we revised the ‘‘Standard addressed the eight questions we posed authority are wild mammals, wild birds, Operating Procedures: Rapid Screening in the proposed rule. We consolidated fish, mollusks, crustaceans, amphibians, of Species Risk of Establishment and comments and responses into key issues reptiles, and the offspring, eggs, or Impact in the U.S.’’ (USFWS 2014) to be in this section. hybrids of any of the aforementioned, more complete and comprehensible which are injurious to human beings, to (USFWS 2016). Public Comments—General the interests of agriculture, horticulture, (PR12) Comment: The authors cite (1) Comment: Comments from several forestry, or to the wildlife or wildlife Bomford (2008) with regard to climate alliances and governmental resources of the United States. The match. Did they use the adjustments organizations representing the Great Service uses its Injurious Wildlife

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Evaluation Criteria to evaluate whether regulations and programs that protect Service during the assessment process a species does or does not qualify as and conserve species within their as posing an ecological risk to New York injurious under the Act. This boundaries for the explicit purpose of State. Many of these species were information is posted on http:// providing information that encompasses included on the 6 NYCRR Part 575 list, www.fws.gov/injuriouswildlife/ Federal, State and private conservation Prohibited and Regulated Invasive index.html. efforts. We recommend that the Service Species, which became effective March (5) Comment: A commenter states that adopt a similar approach in evaluating 2015. NYDEC plans to evaluate the many regulations involving aquatic nonnative species risk. remaining high-risk species identified species already exist with individual Our Response: None of the 11 species by the Service for future updates to the States. The State of Florida, for example, in the proposed rule was petitioned for regulations. has been conducting risk assessments listing, so this comment is beyond the Our Response: We are pleased that on species of concern for decades. These scope of this rulemaking. In general, the our efforts to produce the ERSSs are studies have produced significant data public, including State agencies, can specifically useful to the States of that may be useful in the Federal submit this type of information during Michigan and New York. process. the public comment period. We posed (9) Comment: A commenter Our Response: The Service welcomes several questions in our proposed rule understood that the [ERSS] any such risk assessment from the that seek this type of information, methodology would be directed at States. The public comment period is an including: species not in trade. excellent time to submit such (1) What regulations does your State Our Response: The ERSSs were not documents because the information can or Territory have pertaining to the use, intended to be specifically for species be used to develop the final rule. possession, sale, transport, or not in trade. We do not often know However, we received no risk production of any of the 11 species in whether a species is in trade or not in assessments for the 11 species during this proposed rule? What are relevant trade at the time the ERSS is prepared; this public comment period. Federal, State, or local rules that may that information is discovered during (6) Comment: A commenter states that duplicate, overlap, or conflict with the the rapid screening process itself. We the barramundi was selected for proposed Federal regulation? posted the purpose and uses of the aquaculture in Iowa, Florida, and (4) What would it cost to eradicate ERSSs in late 2012 in several places on Massachusetts despite being a high-risk individuals or populations of any of the the Service’s public Web site, such as: • species as defined in the ‘‘Generic 11 species, or similar species, if found The peer review plan for the ERSSs Nonindigenous Aquatic Organisms Risk in the United States? What methods are (‘‘Rapid Screening of Species Risk of Analysis Review Process’’ (ANSTF effective? Establishment and Impact in the United 1996). They justified this action by (5) What State-protected species States’’) posted on the Service’s Science explaining that the species is a would be adversely affected by the Web site (http://www.fws.gov/science/ sustainable seafood choice and that the introduction of any of the 11 species? pdf/ERSS-Process-Peer-Review-Agenda- production facilities must be indoors. (7) How could the proposed rule be 12-19-12.pdf) has been continuously The organization offers assistance to the modified to reduce any costs or burdens available since December 2012 and Service to obtain information for other for small entities consistent with the states that the ‘‘The Fish and Wildlife species that could be cultured in the Service’s requirements? Service has developed a rapid risk United States. screening process to determine a high, Our Response: The Service Public Comments—Ecological Risk low, or uncertain level of risk for understands the need for the Screening Summaries imported nonnative species.’’ aquaculture industry to provide (8) Comment: Two State agencies • The Invasive Species Prevention sustainable seafood choices. The species commented that they utilized the page (http://www.fws.gov/ mentioned in the comment is not one of Service’s ERSSs for supporting injuriouswildlife/Injurious_ the proposed species and will not be information to assist them in developing prevention.html) has been continuously affected by this final rule. We selected restrictions on potentially invasive available since December 2012 and the 11 proposed species because they species. states that ‘‘Some species that we assess were high-risk for invasiveness and • With support from Michigan’s may already be in trade in the United because they are not yet cultured in the Governor, Rick Snyder, and the States but are considered low risk United States or, in the case of the Nile Michigan Legislature, Public Act 537 of because they have not become invasive perch (a relative of the barramundi), in 2014 was passed requiring the over a long period. Others may be in very limited culture. Therefore, the development of a permitted species list trade and we do not have enough economic effect on the industry would in Michigan. Additionally, this public information to know whether they have be negligible if any. We developed the act requires the review of all species become invasive (these would likely be ERSS process to assist the industry with that the Service lists as an injurious uncertain risk). In addition, due to the selecting species for culturing that are wildlife species. Four of the 11 species large number of species in trade, some low-risk to the environment, and we proposed as injurious are currently species may be in trade in this country encourage any entity that has a need to listed as prohibited in Michigan (stone that we do not know are in trade. Thus, import a species not yet commonly in moroko, zander, wels catfish, and the we are seeking information from the U.S. trade to select low-risk species to common yabby). If all 11 species public as to what species are in trade or help avoid unforeseen consequences. proposed are approved for listing as are otherwise present in the United (7) Comment: The Service recently injurious, Michigan will respond by States.’’ sought public comment on changes to reviewing the 7 species not currently • The Species Ecological Risk the procedures used by the public to regulated in Michigan to consider a Screening Summaries page (http:// develop and submit petitions to list prohibition or restriction. www.fws.gov/fisheries/ANS/species_ species under the authority granted by • New York State Department of erss.html) was posted on November 2, the Endangered Species Act. A Environmental Conservation’s invasive 2015, and gives many examples of proposed change was to require a species experts reviewed 25 of the 63 ERSSs of species already in trade in the petitioner to identify and evaluate State high-risk species identified by the United States, so that an agency from an

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as-yet unaffected State may determine if Species’’ posted on show locations where climate match is the climate match would support that www.regulations.gov. high. Also, the ERSS system is designed agency taking restrictive action. Those (11) Comment: Clear errors are not to classify any species, regardless of examples also show species that are low present in many of the ERSS reports the climate match score and associated risk because they have been in U.S. regarding climate matching, especially category, as high risk without a trade for decades and have not for tropical species (the commenter scientifically defensible history of established. gives the examples of the guppy invasiveness. For example, the Nile (10) Comment: Several commenters (Poecilia reticulata) and the black acara perch is one of the 10 percent of species stated that a Federal regulatory decision (Cichlasoma bimaculatum)). Taking out of the 2,000 species that have been should not be solely based on the ERSS database information at face value, assessed as high. Although the climate model. while often done during rapid screens, match score for this species is medium, Our Response: We agree, and our is clearly not appropriate for a risk the climate match is high in portions of determinations are based on more than analysis that would support national several U.S. jurisdictions. the ERSS reports. Our determinations regulatory decisions. An ERSS indicating a high risk for a are based on the ERSS reports, the Our Response: The ERSS process is a species does not mean that the species Service’s evaluation of the criteria for risk screening process that is designed will be listed as injurious wildlife. The injuriousness, substantive information to be quick and simple. Data are ERSS is a way to prioritize species on reviewed and compiled to help us we received during the public comment which the Service should focus its decide whether a species should be period and from the peer reviewers, regulatory, nonregulatory risk evaluated more closely. We along with other available information management, or management actions. acknowledge that an ERSS may miss or regarding the 11 species. We stated in The commenter is correct that a high misinterpret data on a species being the proposed rule under ‘‘How the 11 history of invasiveness and a high assessed. We agree that, for national Species Were Selected for Consideration climate match equals high risk, and that regulatory decisions, we should not take as Injurious Species’’ (80 FR 67027; a high history of invasiveness and a rapid screen information at face value medium climate match also equals high October 30, 2015) that ‘‘[t]he Service only. That is why we use many other risk. The former is clearly reasonable. selected 11 species with a rapid screen sources of information for the However, a high history of invasiveness result of ‘‘high risk’’ to consider for subsequent injurious evaluation and a medium climate match also listing as injurious,’’ explaining how we utilizing our injurious wildlife listing produces a high overall risk because the prioritized which species to evaluate criteria. These results are published in climate match is conservative for two further. Only species with high-risk our rules and often utilize additional reasons. One is that factors other than conclusions from ERSSs were sources of information that may rectify climate may limit a species distribution considered for further evaluation in this any errors in the ERSS. in its native land, such as the existence rulemaking. In our proposed rule, we (12) Comment: The ERSS tool has a of predators, diseases, and major terrain further explained how we got the methodological bias to return an overall barriers that may not be present in the information that we used for our high-risk assignment due to the newly invaded land. Therefore, the determination (80 FR 67030; October 30, combination of history of invasion and areas at risk of invasion may span a 2015): ‘‘We obtained our information on climate match, while there is only one climate range greater than that extracted a species’ biology, history of combination that will result in a low- mechanically from the native range invasiveness, and climate matching risk designation. With the ease of boundaries (Rodda et al. 2011). The from a variety of sources, including the obtaining a medium climate match second reason is to err on the side of U.S. Geological Survey Nonindigenous using this tool, this is an unacceptable protection of natural resources, Aquatic Species (NAS) database, Centre precedent that could lead to proposed especially when the effects of for Agricultural Bioscience listings of numerous ornamental species introduced species are disputed or International’s Invasive Species that have been in production in Florida unknown. Accepting the higher risk Compendium (CABI ISC), ERSS reports, for decades and are vital to the Florida rating reflects a ‘‘precautionary’’ or and primary literature * * *. The aquaculture industry. conservative approach and counteracts Service contracted with CABI for many Our Response: About 2,000 species the uncertainty often associated with of the species-specific datasheets that have been assessed for risk using the biological invasions (ANSTF 1996). we used in preparation of this proposed ERSS approach; currently most are in The commenter’s concern about rule. The datasheets were prepared by draft needing final review. Only about setting a precedent for ornamental world experts on the species, and each 10 percent of those 2,000 species are species in production in Florida is datasheet was reviewed by expert peer characterized as high risk. Therefore, unfounded because the ERSSs merely reviewers. The datasheets served as ERSS results are rarely characterizing provide a way for the Service to focus sources of compiled information that species risk as high, even with either its limited resources and regulatory allowed us to prepare this proposed rule medium or high climate-match scores efforts on species at greatest risk of efficiently.’’ for the United States. Unlike some semi- adversely affecting human beings, the We further explained how we used quantitative scoring systems that interests of agriculture, horticulture, the compiled information in the characterize risk without climate forestry, or wildlife, or the wildlife evaluation process that we developed mapping (such as Fish Invasiveness resources of the United States. We will specifically for evaluating species for Screening Kit (FISK)), the ERSS system continue to use more detailed risk listing as injurious (80 FR 67039; relies on climate-matching that gives a analyses by utilizing the injurious October 30, 2015; see ‘‘Injurious national score and maps the climate wildlife listing criteria. These analyses Wildlife Evaluation Criteria’’) and have match for all U.S. States. Maps of can be found in this final rule. used for previous rules. We used climate match for species whose scores (13) Comment: Although the primary literature extensively, and those are medium show locations where Ecological Risk Screen Standard sources are cited in the proposed rule climate match is high. Thus, we do not Operating Procedures have been and listed in the supporting document rely only on climate scores. Instead, we reviewed by several experts in the field, ‘‘References for Proposed Rule of 11 rely on climate scores and maps that some methodological issues could be

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evaluated to improve the effectiveness (14) Comment: A commenter cites the regulations designed ‘‘to prevent the of the tool. It is not clear if this tool has risk assessment framework used by the escape of all life stages of nonnative been thoroughly tested and validated U.S. Department of Agriculture–Animal aquatic species into waters of the State’’ using a wide range of species across a and Plant Health Inspection Service– (quoted from the comment by FDACS, continuum of risk such as has been Plant Protection and Quarantine December 22, 2015). While we agree done with other risk screening tools (USDA–APHIS–PPQ) for determining that Florida’s laws may indeed be (such as Fish Invasiveness Screening Kit the risk of nonnative plants. The sufficient to prevent escape of Nile (FISK)). For example, it is common to method and variants of it have been perch into Florida’s ecosystems, the test and validate the method by tested by many entities. Additional Service must look at a national scale to answering the questions: What expert review and testing of the ensure that none of the 11 species is percentage of species considered Service’s method as well as the introduced into, becomes established, or invasive does the tool correctly identify generated ERSS reports would provide spreads across the United States. as high risk, and what percentage of valuable information on the (17) Comment: There may be a species that are not invasive does it performance, uses, and limitations of substantial impact to the emerging food correctly identify as low risk? Ecological Risk Screening. fish aquaculture industry in Florida by Our Response: The ERSS process is Our Response: The Service has prohibiting the import and interstate based on scientific literature and risk conducted its risk analysis (80 FR movement of live Lates niloticus (Nile perch) or their gametes. screening approaches, as well as peer 67039; October 30, 2015; see ‘‘Injurious Wildlife Evaluation Criteria’’) based on Our Response: Neither this review of those approaches per OMB factors that are specific to injurious commenter nor the other commenters policies for influential science. We also wildlife listing. The ERSSs are rapid that mentioned culturing of Nile perch measured the approach in postdiction screens and are used as a way to in Florida stated how many facilities are on a number of species, including prioritize which species to evaluate currently raising Nile perch, how many bighead carps, grass carps, silver carps, further (see our response to Comment Nile perch they raise, or their market green swordtails, and several species of 10). value. In fact, the Florida Fish and snakeheads. Although we did not (15) Comment: A commenter opines Wildlife Conservation Commission compile the postdiction testing into a that stakeholders from the public and stated in their public comment final report, the positive results private sectors with expertise in aquatic (December 29, 2015), ‘‘Food production ultimately led to the Service developing biology and ecology, natural resource in Florida is primarily limited to four the ERSS process. The practice of using management, biology, and aquaculture species of tilapia * * *. The number of history of invasiveness and climate should further analyze screening results aquaculture facilities currently raising match to determine risk has been through a comprehensive regulatory risk Nile perch is limited at this time.’’ validated in peer-reviewed studies over analysis. The commenter also Another commenter stated, ‘‘The Nile the years. The following are some encourages the Service to have the ERSS perch [Lates niloticus] is not cultured in examples: Kolar and Lodge (2002) found reports reviewed by subject matter the United States * * *.’’ A third that discriminant analysis revealed that experts prior to their release and use in commenter from Florida discussed the successful fishes in the establishment management decisions. Nile perch ERSS at length but did not stage grew relatively faster, tolerated Our Response: Well before the state whether Nile perch are currently wider ranges of temperature and publication of the proposed rule for being cultured in Florida or any State. salinity, and were more likely to have a these 11 species, this commenter had We do note that live culturing will not history of invasiveness than were failed requested by letter to the Service in be prohibited by this rulemaking nor fishes. Hayes and Barry (2008) found 2012 that the Service conduct peer will the transportation of dead Nile that climate and habitat match, history review under the OMB Peer Review perch to other States. Export of live fish of successful invasion, and number of Guidelines (OMB 2004) on the ERSS directly from a designated port in arriving and released individuals are process. We completed that peer review Florida will remain unaffected by this consistently associated with successful in 2013. No substantive changes were rulemaking as well. establishment. Bomford (2003) needed to the ERSS process. Because (18) Comment: A commenter with a recommended that, because a history of the ERSSs are rapid screens, we believe national focus states that Nile perch is establishing exotic populations that having a good foundation for the not cultured in the United States, and a elsewhere is a significant predictor of process is sufficient, and that a detailed Federal rule effectively eliminates any establishment success for exotic peer-review process of individual ERSSs opportunity to culture this species in mammals and birds introduced to is not required. These reports are also regions where it has little or no chance Australia, this variable should be publically available, and comments can of successfully surviving in the wild. considered as a key factor when be submitted on individual reports at Nile perch is already regulated in the assessing the risk that other exotic [email protected]. States and regions of the nation where species could establish there. Bomford it might survive in nature, and, et al. (2010) later found that ‘‘Relative to Public Comments—Nile Perch therefore, a Federal rule is redundant. failed species, established species had (16) Comment: Currently, Florida Our Response: The commenter did better climate matches between the Department of Agriculture and not provide information on what country where they were introduced Consumer Services (FDACS) has regulations currently exist or what and their geographic range elsewhere in certified aquaculture facilities culturing States the commenter thinks species the world. Established species were also Nile perch (Lates niloticus). These farms cannot survive in. In our internet search more likely to have high establishment are in compliance with current Federal for regulations in southern tier States, success rates elsewhere in the world.’’ and State laws. Listing L. niloticus as we found these States regulate the Nile Recently, Howeth et al. (2016) showed injurious species would not further perch in some way: Mississippi (MDAC that climate match between a species’ prevent escapement of these species in 2016), Arizona (AGFD 2013), and Texas native range and the Great Lakes region Florida (TPWD 2016); these States apparently predicted establishment success with 75 Our Response: The Service commends do not regulate Nile perch: Alabama to 81 percent accuracy. the State of Florida for exemplary (ADCNR 2015), California (CDFW 2013),

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Georgia (Justia 2015; not confirmed), pollution. Another commenter stated indicated that almost none of the many Hawaii (HDOA 2006), Louisiana that many of the impacts to African stations distributed across tropical West (Louisiana 2015), and New Mexico lakes discussed in the Nile perch ERSS Africa and the central tropics (NMDGF 2010). Based on this are confounded by other elements of contributed to match in the United information, we do not believe that this environmental change and are highly States. Federal rule is redundant. unlikely to occur in the United States. Our Response: Climate match is not (19) Comment: Several commenters Our Response: The former commenter an exact predictor. Factors other than disagree with our conclusion that the gave no supporting documentation that climate may limit a species’ native Nile perch is highly likely to survive in is more recent and ‘‘proven’’ to show distribution, including the existence of the United States and could successfully that Nile perch are not the cause of the predators, diseases, and other local reproduce and thrive to yield similar changes in Lake Victoria. We looked for factors (such as major terrain barriers), ecological effects as those in Lake more recent studies than in our which may not be present when a Victoria (Africa). The ERSS report and proposed rule and found that Gophen’s species is released in a new country. the analysis completed for the Federal plankton and fish community study Therefore, the areas at risk of invasion Register notice for this species should (2015) states, ‘‘The concept of the Nile often span a climate range greater than be reviewed and revised. Another Perch predation impact and its that extracted mechanically from the commenter stated that Nile perch is ecological implications is also native range boundaries. For example, unlikely to survive outside of captivity confirmed by the elimination of the an aquatic species that was historically in the United States except in warm Haplochromines’s planktivory. * * * confined to a small watershed may be areas, such as southern Florida, Hawaii, The Lake Victoria ecosystem was able to thrive in larger, dissimilar Puerto Rico, and more questionably unique included above [sic] 400 watersheds if transported there. For the interior portions of southern California. endemic species of Haplochromine Nile perch, the historic range covers a The ERSS report overestimates the fishes. The food web structure was large area of Africa, in countries from climate match of this species to include naturally balanced during that time with the western to the eastern coast and States along the Gulf of Mexico coast short periods of anoxia in deep waters north to the Mediterranean Sea. Habitats and central and northern Florida. It is and dominance of diatomides algal include rivers and lakes of varying sizes difficult to visualize the climate match species. Nile Perch (Lates niloticus) was and brackish as well as fresh water. In because climate match maps are on a introduced and during the 1980’s our methodology, weather stations global scale. became the dominant fish. The within 50 km (31 mi) of an occurrence Our Response: We have checked the Haplochromine species were deleted are used in the analysis. We recognize sources we used previously and other and the whole ecosystem was modified. that this is an unusual circumstance sources for the native and introduced Algal assemblages were changed to with the elevated plateau being located range of the Nile perch. The Nile perch Cyanobacteria, anoxia became more very close to the east African Rift Lakes is widespread in Africa from frequent and in shallower waters.’’ This and possibly skewing the results. approximately 30° N. in Egypt to statement supports, if not enhances, our (22) Comment: The State of Texas approximately 15° S. in Zambia and in claim that the Nile perch caused the stocked Nile perch in the late 1970s and countries from the Atlantic to the Indian local extinction of at least 200 early 1980s into reservoirs receiving oceans and the Mediterranean Sea haplochromine cichlid fish species, heated effluents from power plants. At (Azeroual et al. 2010). The climate thereby altering the plankton balance. least two of the reservoirs were in match supports our determination that We do not dispute that other factors southern Texas where the ERSS report the Nile perch is likely to survive in were also acting on the health of Lake states that there is a good climate match. warmer areas, such as Hawaii and the Victoria in the last few decades, thus These fish failed to establish, and at insular islands, as well as some exacerbating the effects of losing so least some were thought to have southern States. We also note that some many native fishes. However, the fact succumbed to cold temperatures during introduced species have defied the that so many species’ local extirpation plant shutdowns, calling into question expected physiological tolerances, such are directly linked to the Nile perch the suitability of the northern Gulf Coast as the red swamp crayfish, which is meets one of the injurious listing for Nile Perch. native to the Gulf coastal plain from factors. Our Response: We mentioned the Nile New Mexico to the western panhandle The latter commenter states that the perch stockings that took place in Texas of Florida and north through the elements of environmental change in our proposed rule (80 FR 67033, southern Mississippi River drainage to (referring to land use changes and October 30, 2015). To elaborate, the southern Illinois. The species has been cultural practices) are highly unlikely to State of Texas stocked a mixture of reported in Alaska, Washington, Maine, occur in the United States. We agree approximately 70,000 larvae of Lates Michigan, Hawaii, and many other with this statement but believe that the spp. (which could be L. angustifrons, L. States (Nagy et al. 2016). As a United States also has land use changes maria, or L. niloticus) from 1978 to 1984 generalization among taxa, introduced and cultural practices that may be in one reservoir (Howells and Garrett ranges often reflect a greater climatic different but that also lead to adverse 1992). Larvae are very susceptible to range than was found in the native ecological disturbance. predation or changes in water range because other dispersal barriers (21) Comment: The distribution of chemistry. It is not surprising that they (biotic and abiotic) may be absent in the Nile Perch in its native and introduced did not survive. Although there are introduced range (Rodda et al. 2011). range is primarily within the tropics of many factors to consider, expected (20) Comment: A commenter stated sub-Saharan Africa, a tropical equatorial survivorship of stocked larvae is that the historic claims on our summary rainforest climate zone, with the generally 0.1 percent to 0.001 percent of the Nile perch, that it has decimated exception of the Nile River, which flows (pers. comm., Gary Whelan, Program the species of East African lakes to primarily through a hot, desert climate, Manager, Michigan Department of extinction, are out of date and unproven and some East African lakes. The Natural Resources). A mixture of 1,500 and are more likely due to immigration conterminous United States lacks the juvenile and adult Lates spp. was of large numbers of people, causing tropical equatorial rainforest zone. The introduced to two reservoirs in Texas deforestation, eutrophication, and commenter’s own CLIMATCH analysis over 6 years (Howells and Garrett 1992).

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When the State abandoned the project appropriate for our purpose. The lands. At least 10 snakehead species are in 1985, the remaining 14 individuals Climate 6 score in the ERSS is 0.068. of tropical origin (Courtenay and (including 6 Nile perch) were stocked in With Alaska added, the Climate 6 score Williams 2004). a third reservoir with no public access. is 0.038, which is lower as the Public Comments—Zander One was found dead in 1992 after a cold commenter correctly predicted, and this snap of 5–6 °C (Howells and Garrett score is what we used in the proposed (26) Comment: The zander has existed 1992). The 14-year-old fish weighed and final rule. and even exhibited limited natural approximately 27 kg (59.5 lb), up from (24) Comment: A commenter is reproduction and recruitment in 5.9 kg (13 lb) when released in 1985 concerned that the ERSS for Nile perch Spiritwood Lake, ND, for over two (ibid.). This occurrence does not did not utilize more primary literature. decades, but it has hardly been constitute establishment of the species, Information mainly came from injurious. No hybridization with but it does show that with even a small secondary or tertiary source databases walleye has been documented, and no number of individuals released, some that summarize information on Nile negative impacts on native species have can survive. We do not know why the Perch, and that is what the listing is occurred. Given their preferred habitats, larvae failed; there may be some other based on. zanders would be more suited farther factor besides the water temperature of Our Response: The ERSSs are rapid south in manmade, warm, turbid, the artificial reservoir, such as water screens that may use primary, eutrophic reservoirs prevalent across quality or food supply, or the larvae secondary, or other literature. That much of the Great Plains. If State fish may have not been acclimated. As we setup serves the purpose of a rapid and wildlife agencies want to provide stated in the proposed rule and again in screen. The injurious wildlife quality fishing experiences, they could this final rule (see Introduction evaluations are not based entirely on the choose to import eggs and treat them for Pathways for the 11 Species), propagule ERSSs. The ERSSs are used as an initial pathogens and create triploids to pressure (the frequency of release events filter for the Service to decide if a prevent natural reproduction. and the numbers of individuals species warrants further evaluation. The Our Response: We use the term released) is a major factor in the 11 Service uses that result to prioritize ‘‘injurious’’ specifically for species that species establishing in the wild by species that we should put through the have been through the injurious listing increasing the odds of both genders subsequent injurious evaluation evaluation process in accordance with being released and finding mates and of process. As we proceed through the the Act. The commenter’s description of those individuals being healthy, injurious wildlife evaluation process, the zander in Spiritwood Lake not being vigorous, and fit (able to leave behind we do utilize primary literature to injurious likely means the more reproducing offspring). Therefore, a support our justification, as is common usage of ‘‘injurious’’ that no larger propagule pressure of Nile perch evidenced by our citations and specific harms have been detected in could be expected to have a higher ‘‘Literature Cited 2015’’ reference list that lake. However, the commenter chance of establishment. posted with the docket on states that the zander would be more (23) Comment: It is unclear why the www.regulations.gov. Through the suited to warmer waters across much of original CLIMATCH in the ERSS for injurious wildlife evaluation process, the Great Plains, and this statement Nile Perch included Hawaii and Puerto we theoretically could find a supports our determination, assisted by Rico, regions that would increase the discrepancy with the ERSS that leads us the climate match, that the zander is Climate 6 match, but did not include to remove that species from evaluation likely to survive, become established, Alaska, a region that would decrease the for listing, but that situation did not and spread if introduced across a large match. The supplemental CLIMATCH happen with this rulemaking. The part of the United States. map posted online subsequently has primary literature that we have used Triploidy is used for control of other Alaska but was not used to determine supports the ERSSs. invasive species and for market climate match in the proposed rule. The (25) Comment: A commenter has production (such as farmed salmon), but other species on the proposed list were concerns with listing the Nile perch it is risky as a tool for introducing an evaluated originally for the because it sets a potential precedent for injurious species to new ecosystems. conterminous United States in their listing tropical species, including Because treatments to produce triploids ERSS reports but had online important aquaculture and aquarium seldom result in 100 percent triploid supplemental maps including Alaska fishes. fish, each individual must be verified that were used for the climate match in Our Response: Nile perch would not triploid before they can be stocked the proposed rule. be the first tropical-climate fish species (Rottman et al. 1991). Some may be Our Response: We are not clear why in aquaculture or aquarium trade that diploids and, therefore, able to the commenter believes that the the Service has listed as injurious. In reproduce. Also, triploid fish may grow supplemental map was not used to 1969, we listed the entire family larger because the energy normally determine climate match in the Clariidae (34 FR 19030; November 29, needed for reproduction can be proposed rule. The original Climate 6 1969), which includes the walking redirected to body growth (Tiwary et al. match in the ERSSs for all 11 species catfish (Clarias batrachus) and the 2004). Larger growth, especially for a were run without Alaska for a different whitespotted clarias (C. fuscus), both of species that may live up to 20 to 24 purpose. We ran the climate matches tropical origin and of food-source value. years, could have a major negative effect again with Alaska, because we needed It is likely that others of the 100 species on aquatic food webs. To our to include all States (and we updated that we listed then also fall into that knowledge, triploidy in zanders has not some information), and we used those category, but the two mentioned were been done, and we do not know if there scores in the proposed rule. We posted already in U.S. trade. More recently, we are approved treatments for pathogens the revised maps in the docket on listed the entire family of snakeheads as on zander eggs. www.regulations.gov and on our Web injurious (67 FR 62193; October 4, 2002) site at http://www.fws.gov/ (28 species at the time of listing). All Public Comments—Yabby injuriouswildlife/11-freshwater- snakehead species are valued as food (27) Comment: The proposed rule species.html. We utilized the other fish in their native lands, and many are presents the yabby as a vector for ERSS information because it was valued as pets outside of their native crayfish plague (Aphanomyces astaci)

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because the fungal disease has the Regulatory Flexibility Act have significant takings implications. potential to cause large-scale mortality Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act Therefore, a takings implication of freshwater crayfish in Australia. This (as amended by the Small Business assessment is not required since this fungus is endemic to the United States, Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act rule would not impose significant and crayfish native to the United States [SBREFA] of 1996) (5 U.S.C. 601, et requirements or limitations on private are carriers resistant to the disease. seq.), whenever a Federal agency is property use. Because European crayfish are not required to publish a notice of Federalism resistant to the plague, it is not highly rulemaking for any proposed or final In accordance with E.O. 13132 likely that the yabby will survive in the rule, it must prepare and make available United States and very unlikely that the (Federalism), this final rule does not for public comment a regulatory have significant federalism effects. A yabby poses an invasion risk to the flexibility analysis that describes the United States. federalism summary impact statement is effect of the rule on small entities (that not required since this rule would not Our Response: We noted in the is, small businesses, small have substantial direct effects on the proposed rule that the crayfish plague is organizations, and small government States, in the relationship between the not known to affect North American jurisdictions). However, no regulatory Federal Government and the States, or crayfish species. We acknowledged the flexibility analysis is required if the on the distribution of power and plague’s potential role as a biological head of an agency certifies that the rule responsibilities among the various control of yabbies if the species does would not have a significant economic levels of government. become invasive in the United States. impact on a substantial number of small We also mentioned other pathogens that entities (5 U.S.C. 605(b)). Civil Justice Reform yabbies can carry that are more likely to The Service has determined that this In accordance with E.O. 12988, the be problematic for native crayfish. If final rule will not have a significant Office of the Solicitor has determined yabbies are introduced into ecosystems economic impact on a substantial that this final rule does not unduly with native crayfish, it is possible that number of small entities. Of the 11 burden the judicial system and meets some individuals will succumb to the species, only one population of one the requirements of sections 3(a) and crayfish plague. However, yabbies that species (zander) is found in the wild in 3(b)(2) of the E.O. The rulemaking has do not contract or succumb to the one lake in the United States. Of the 11 been reviewed to eliminate drafting disease are likely to spread and species, four (crucian carp, Nile perch, errors and ambiguity, was written to establish due to the species’ traits of a wels catfish, and yabby) have been minimize litigation, provides a clear general diet, quick growth rate, high imported in only small numbers since legal standard for affected conduct reproductive potential, and proven 2011; and seven species are not in U.S. rather than a general standard, and invasiveness outside of its native range. trade. To our knowledge, the total promotes simplification and burden Because of the injuriousness of the number of importation events of those 4 reduction. species from 2011 to 2015 is 25, with a species, we believe yabbies should be Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 listed. declared total value of $5,789. Therefore, businesses derive little or no This final rule does not contain any Required Determinations revenue from the sale of the 11 species, collections of information that require and the economic effect in the United approval by OMB under the Paperwork Regulatory Planning and Review States of this final rule is negligible for Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 Executive Order 12866 provides that 4 species and nil for 7. The final et seq.). This final rule will not impose the Office of Information and Regulatory economic analysis that the Service recordkeeping or reporting requirements Affairs (OIRA) in the Office of prepared supports this conclusion on State or local governments, Management and Budget will review all (USFWS Final Economic Analysis individuals, businesses, or significant rules. The Office of 2016). In addition, none of the species organizations. We may not conduct or Information and Regulatory Affairs has requires control efforts, and the rule sponsor and a person is not required to determined that this rule is not would not impose any additional respond to a collection of information significant. reporting or recordkeeping unless it displays a currently valid OMB requirements. Therefore, we certify that control number. Executive Order (E.O.) 13563 this final rulemaking will not have a National Environmental Policy Act reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866 significant economic effect on a while calling for improvements in the substantial number of small entities, as The Service has reviewed this final nation’s regulatory system to promote defined under the Regulatory Flexibility rule in accordance with the criteria of predictability, to reduce uncertainty, Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). the National Environmental Policy Act and to use the best, most innovative, (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), and least burdensome tools for Unfunded Mandates Reform Act Department of the Interior NEPA achieving regulatory ends. The The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act regulations (43 CFR part 46), and the executive order directs agencies to (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) does not apply to Departmental Manual in 516 DM 8. This consider regulatory approaches that this final rule since it would not rulemaking action is being taken to reduce burdens and maintain flexibility produce a Federal mandate or have a protect the natural resources of the and freedom of choice for the public significant or unique effect on State, United States. A final environmental where these approaches are relevant, local, or tribal governments or the assessment and a finding of no feasible, and consistent with regulatory private sector. significant impact (FONSI) have been objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes prepared and are available for review by further that the regulatory system must Takings written request (see FOR FURTHER allow for public participation and an In accordance with E.O. 12630 INFORMATION CONTACT) or at http:// open exchange of ideas. We have (Government Actions and Interference www.regulations.gov under Docket No. developed this rule in a manner with Constitutionally Protected Private FWS–HQ–FAC–2013–0095. By adding consistent with these principles. Property Rights), the final rule does not the 11 species to the list of injurious

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wildlife, the Service intends to prevent Effects on Energy § 16.13 Importation of live or dead fish, mollusks, and crustaceans, or their eggs. their introduction and establishment On May 18, 2001, the President issued into the natural areas of the United Executive Order 13211 on regulations (a) * * * States, thus having no significant impact that significantly affect energy supply, (2) * * * on the human environment. The final distribution, or use. Executive Order (v) Any live fish, gametes, viable eggs, environmental assessment was based on 13211 requires agencies to prepare or hybrids of the following species in the proposed listing of the 11 species as Statements of Energy Effects when family Cyprinidae: injurious and was revised based on undertaking certain actions. This final (A) Carassius carassius (crucian carp). comments from peer reviewers and the rule is not expected to affect energy public. (B) Carassius gibelio (Prussian carp). supplies, distribution, or use. Therefore, (C) Hypophthalmichthys harmandi Government-to-Government this action is not a significant energy (largescale silver carp). Relationship With Tribes action and no Statement of Energy (D) Hypophthalmichthys molitrix In accordance with the President’s Effects is required. (silver carp). memorandum of April 29, 1994, References Cited (E) Hypophthalmichthys nobilis Government-to-Government Relations A complete list of all references used (bighead carp). with Native American Tribal in this rulemaking is available from (F) Mylopharyngodon piceus (black Governments (59 FR 22951), E.O. 13175, http://www.regulations.gov under carp). and the Department of the Interior’s Docket No. FWS–HQ–FAC–2013–0095 (G) Phoxinus phoxinus (Eurasian manual at 512 DM 2, we readily or from http://www.fws.gov/ minnow). acknowledge our responsibility to injuriouswildlife/. (H) Pseudorasbora parva (stone communicate meaningfully with moroko). recognized Federal tribes on a Authors (I) Rutilus rutilus (roach). government-to-government basis. In The primary authors of this final rule accordance with Secretarial Order 3206 (vi) Any live fish, gametes, viable are the staff of the Branch of Aquatic eggs, or hybrids of Lates niloticus (Nile of June 5, 1997 (American Indian Tribal Invasive Species at the Service’s Rights, Federal-Tribal Trust perch), family Centropomidae. Headquarters (see FOR FURTHER (vii) Any live fish, gametes, viable Responsibilities, and the Endangered INFORMATION CONTACT). Species Act), we readily acknowledge eggs, or hybrids of Perccottus glenii our responsibilities to work directly List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 16 (Amur sleeper), family Odontobutidae. with tribes in developing programs for Fish, Imports, Reporting and (viii) Any live fish, gametes, viable healthy ecosystems, to acknowledge that recordkeeping requirements, eggs, or hybrids of the following species tribal lands are not subject to the same Transportation, Wildlife. in family Percidae: controls as Federal public lands, to (A) Perca fluviatilis (European perch). remain sensitive to Indian culture, and Final Regulation Promulgation (B) Sander lucioperca (zander). to make information available to tribes. For the reasons discussed within the (ix) Any live fish, gametes, viable We have evaluated potential effects on preamble, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife eggs, or hybrids of Silurus glanis (wels federally recognized Indian tribes and Service amends part 16, subchapter B of catfish), family Siluridae. have determined that there are no chapter I, title 50 of the Code of Federal (x) Any live crustacean, gametes, potential effects. This final rule involves Regulations, as follows: viable eggs, or hybrids of Cherax the prevention of importation and destructor (common yabby), family interstate transport of 10 live fish PART 16—INJURIOUS WILDLIFE Parastacidae. species and 1 crayfish, as well as their ■ * * * * * gametes, viable eggs, or hybrids, that are 1. The authority citation for part 16 not native to the United States. We are continues to read as follows: Dated: September 13, 2016. unaware of trade in these species by Authority: 18 U.S.C. 42. Karen Hyun, tribes as these species are not currently ■ 2. Amend § 16.13 by revising Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish in U.S. trade, or they have been paragraph (a)(2)(v) and adding and Wildlife and Parks. imported in only small numbers since paragraphs (a)(2)(vi) through (x) to read [FR Doc. 2016–22778 Filed 9–29–16; 8:45 am] 2011. as follows: BILLING CODE 4333–15–P

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