Vol. 80 Friday, No. 210 October 30, 2015

Part III

Department of the Interior

Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 16 Injurious Wildlife ; Listing 10 Freshwater and 1 ; Proposed Rule

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR proposed rule, which is FWS–HQ–FAC– injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act 2013–0095. Click on ‘‘Comment Now!’’ developed from the Service’s concern Fish and Wildlife Service to submit a comment. Please ensure that that, through our rapid screen process, you have found the correct rulemaking these 11 species were categorized as 50 CFR Part 16 before submitting your comment. ‘‘high risk’’ for invasiveness. All 11 • RIN 1018–AY69 U.S. mail or hand delivery: Public species have a high climate match in Comments Processing, Attn: FWS–HQ– parts of the United States, a history of [Docket No. FWS–HQ–FAC–2013–0095; FAC–2013–0095; U.S. Fish and Wildlife invasiveness outside their native ranges, FXFR13360900000–156–FF09F14000] Service Headquarters, MS: BPHC, 5275 and, except for one fish species in one Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041– lake, are not currently found in U.S. Injurious Wildlife Species; Listing 10 3803. . Nine of the freshwater fish Freshwater Fish and 1 Crayfish Comments will not be accepted by species (Amur sleeper, crucian carp, AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, email or faxes. All comments will be Eurasian , European , Interior. posted on http://www.regulations.gov. Prussian carp, roach, stone moroko, This generally means that any personal ACTION: Proposed rule. wels , and zander) have been information provided will be posted introduced to and established SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife (see Public Comments, below, for more populations within Europe and Asia, Service (Service) proposes to amend its information). where they have spread and are causing regulations to add to the list of injurious FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: harm. The Nile perch has been fish the following freshwater fish Susan Jewell, U.S. Fish and Wildlife introduced to and become invasive in species: Crucian carp (Carassius Service, MS–FAC, 5275 Leesburg Pike, central Africa. The freshwater crayfish, carassius), Eurasian minnow (Phoxinus Falls Church, VA 22041–3803; 703– the , has been introduced phoxinus), Prussian carp (Carassius 358–2416. If a telecommunications to western and to Europe gibelio), roach (Rutilus rutilus), stone device for the deaf (TDD) is required, where it has established invasive moroko (Pseudorasbora parva), Nile please call the Federal Information populations. Most of these species were perch (Lates niloticus), Amur sleeper Relay Service (FIRS) at 800–877–8339. originally introduced for , (Perccottus glenii), European perch SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: recreational fishing, or ornamental (Perca fluviatilis), zander (Sander purposes. Two of these fish species (the Executive Summary lucioperca), and wels catfish (Silurus Eurasian minnow and stone moroko) glanis). In addition, the Service also The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service were accidently introduced when they proposes to amend its regulations to add (Service) proposes to amend its were unintentionally transported in the freshwater crayfish species common regulations to add to the list of injurious shipments with desirable fish species yabby ( destructor) to the list of fish the following nonnative freshwater stocked for aquaculture or fisheries injurious . These listings fish species: Crucian carp, Eurasian management. would prohibit the importation of any minnow, Prussian carp, roach, stone A species does not have to be live , gamete, viable egg, or moroko, Nile perch, Amur sleeper, currently imported or present in the hybrid of these 10 fish and 1 crayfish European perch, zander, and wels United States for the Service to list it as into the United States, except as catfish. In addition, the Service injurious. The objective of this listing is specifically authorized. These listings proposes to amend its regulations to add to utilize the Lacey Act’s major strength would also prohibit the interstate the common yabby, a nonnative by prohibiting importation and transportation of any live animal, freshwater crayfish species, to the list of interstate transportation and thus gamete, viable egg, or hybrid of these 10 injurious crustaceans. These listings preventing the species’ likely fish and 1 crayfish between the States, would prohibit the importation of any introduction and establishment in the the District of Columbia, the live animal, gamete, viable egg, or wild and likely injuriousness to human Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any hybrid of these 10 fish and 1 crayfish beings, the interests of agriculture, or to territory or possession of the United (11 species) into the United States, wildlife or wildlife resources. Based on States, except as specifically authorized. except as specifically authorized. These our evaluation of the injurious nature of As proposed, these species are injurious listings would also prohibit the all 11 species, the Service seeks to to human beings, to the interests of interstate transportation of any live prevent these introductions and agriculture, or to wildlife or the wildlife animal, gamete, viable egg, or hybrid of establishment within the United States, resources of the United States, and the these 10 fish and 1 crayfish, except as consistent with the Lacey Act. listing will prevent the purposeful or specifically authorized. If the proposed We evaluated the 10 fish and 1 crayfish species using the Service’s accidental introduction and subsequent rule is made final, importation and Injurious Wildlife Evaluation Criteria. establishment of these 10 fish and 1 interstate transportation of any live The criteria include the likelihood and crayfish into ecosystems of the United animal, gamete, viable egg, or hybrid of magnitude of release or escape, of States. We are also making available for these 10 fish and 1 crayfish could be survival and establishment upon release public review and comment the authorized only by permit for scientific, or escape, and of spread from origin of associated draft environmental medical, educational, or zoological release or escape. The criteria also assessment and draft economic analysis purposes, or without a permit by examine the effect on wildlife resources for this action. Federal agencies solely for their own use. This action is necessary to protect and ecosystems (such as through DATES: Comments will be considered if human beings and the interests of hybridizing, competition for food or received on or before December 29, agriculture, wildlife, or wildlife habitat, predation on native species, and 2015. resources from the purposeful or pathogen transfer), on endangered and ADDRESSES: You may submit comments accidental introduction and subsequent threatened species and their respective by one of the following methods: establishment of these 11 species into habitats, and on human beings, forestry, • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http:// ecosystems of the United States. horticulture, and agriculture. www.regulations.gov. In the Search box, The need for the proposed action to Additionally, criteria evaluate the enter the docket number for the add 11 nonnative species to the list of likelihood and magnitude of wildlife or

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habitat damages resulting from control The draft economic analysis that the Therefore, the Service utilizes a rapid measures. The analysis using these Service prepared supports this screening process to provide a criteria serves as a basis for the Service’s conclusion (USFWS Draft Economic prediction of the invasive potential of regulatory decision regarding injurious Analysis 2015). nonnative species. Rapid screens wildlife species listings. The objective Background categorize risk as either high, low, or of such a listing would be to prohibit uncertain and have been produced for importation and interstate The regulations contained in 50 CFR hundreds of foreign aquatic fish and transportation and thus prevent each of part 16 implement the Lacey Act (the invertebrates for use by the Service and the species’ likely introduction and Act; 18 U.S.C. 42, as amended). Under other entities. Each rapid screen is establishment in the wild, thereby the terms of the Act, the Secretary of the summarized in an Ecological Risk Interior is authorized to prescribe by preventing injurious effects consistent Screening Summary (ERSS; see ‘‘Rapid regulation those wild mammals, wild with the Lacey Act. Screening’’ for explanation regarding birds, fish, mollusks, crustaceans, Each of these 11 species has a well- how these summaries were done). The documented history of invasiveness amphibians, reptiles, and the offspring Service selected 11 species with a rapid outside of its native range, but not in the or eggs of any of the foregoing that are screen result of ‘‘high risk’’ to consider United States. When released into the injurious to human beings, to the for listing as injurious. These 11 species environment, these species have interests of agriculture, horticulture, survived and established, expanded forestry, or to wildlife or the wildlife have a high climate match (see Rapid their nonnative range, preyed on native resources of the United States. The lists Screening) in parts of the United States, wildlife species, and competed with of injurious wildlife species are found a history of invasiveness outside of their native species for food and habitat. in title 50 of the Code of Federal native range (see Need for the Proposed Since it would be difficult to eradicate, Regulations (CFR) at §§ 16.11 through Rule), are not yet found in U.S. manage, or control the spread of these 16.15. ecosystems (except for one), and have a 11 species; it would be difficult to The purpose of listing the crucian high degree of certainty regarding these rehabilitate or recover habitats disturbed carp, Eurasian minnow, Prussian carp, results. Other species meet these criteria by these species; and because roach, stone moroko, Nile perch, Amur and will be considered in subsequent introduction of these 11 species would sleeper, European perch, zander, and rules. The ERSS reports for each of the negatively affect agriculture, human wels catfish and the common yabby 11 species are available on the Service’s beings, and native wildlife or wildlife (hereafter ‘‘11 species’’) as injurious Web site (http://www.fws.gov/ resources, the Service is proposing to wildlife is to prevent the harm that injuriouswildlife). amend its regulations to add these 11 these species could cause to the Except for one species in one lake, species as injurious under the Lacey interests of agriculture, human beings, these 11 species are not currently Act. This listing would prohibit the wildlife, and wildlife resources through present in U.S. ecosystems. All 11 importation and interstate their accidental or intentional species are documented to be highly transportation of any live animal, introduction and establishment into the invasive internationally (see Species gamete, viable egg, or hybrid in the wild in the United States. Information for each species). Nine of The Service evaluated each of the 11 United States, except as specifically the freshwater fish species (Amur species individually and determined authorized. sleeper, crucian carp, Eurasian minnow, them to be injurious. Therefore, for This proposed rule is not significant European perch, Prussian carp, roach, these 11 species, their importation into, under Executive Order (E.O.) 12866. stone moroko, wels catfish, and zander) E.O. 12866 Regulatory Planning and or transportation between, the States, have been introduced and established Review (Panetta 1993) and the the District of Columbia, the populations within Europe and Asia. subsequent document, Economic Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any The Prussian carp was recently found to Analysis of Federal Regulations under territory or possession of the United be established in waterways in southern E.O. 12866 (U.S. Office of Management States of live , gametes, viable Alberta, Canada (Elgin et al. 2014), near and Budget 1996) require the Service to eggs, or hybrids, except by permit for ensure that proper consideration is zoological, educational, medical, or the U.S. border. Another freshwater fish given to the effect of this proposed scientific purposes (in accordance with species, the Nile perch, has been action on the business community and permit regulations 50 CFR 16.22), or by introduced to and become invasive in economy. With respect to the Federal agencies without a permit solely central Africa. The freshwater crayfish, regulations under consideration, for their own use, upon filing a written the common yabby, has been introduced analysis that comports with the Circular declaration with the District Director of to and established populations within A–4 would include a full description Customs and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Australia and Europe. Most of the 11 and estimation of the economic benefits Service Inspector at the port of entry. species were originally intentionally and cost associated with the The rule would not prohibit intrastate introduced for aquaculture, recreational implementation of the regulations. The transport of the listed fish or crayfish fishing, or ornamental purposes. The economic effects to three groups would species. Any regulations pertaining to Eurasian minnow and the stone moroko be addressed: (1) Producers; (2) the transport or use of these species were accidently mixed with and consumers; and (3) society. Of the 11 within a particular State would introduced with shipments of fish species, only one population of one continue to be the responsibility of that stocked for other intended purposes. species (zander) is found in the wild in State. Consistent with 18 U.S.C. 42, the the United States. Of the 11 species, 1 Service aims to prevent the introduction species (yabby) is in the aquarium trade How the 11 Species Were Selected for and establishment of all 11 species in the United States; 3 species (crucian Consideration as Injurious Species within the United States due to carp, Nile perch, and wels catfish) have While the Service recognizes that not concerns regarding the potential been imported in small numbers since all nonnative species become invasive, injurious effects of the 11 species on 2011; and 7 species are not in U.S. it is important to have some human beings, the interests of trade. Therefore, the economic effect in understanding of the risk that nonnative agriculture, or to wildlife or wildlife the United States is negligible or nil. species pose to the United States. resources of the United States.

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Need for the Proposed Rule Wildlife Evaluation Criteria (see Detroit, Chicago, and San Francisco. The threat posed by these 11 species Injurious Wildlife Evaluation Criteria, Once imported, these species may be is evident in their history of below, for more information). We use transported throughout the country for invasiveness in other countries and these criteria to evaluate whether a aquaculture, recreational and have a high risk of establishment as species does or does not qualify as commercial fishing, aquaculture, bait, demonstrated by a high climate match injurious under the Act. These criteria display, and other possible uses. Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic within the United States. Invasive include the likelihood and magnitude of organisms, such as fish, crustaceans, species means ‘‘an alien species whose release or escape, of survival and establishment upon release or escape, mollusks, and plants for food, pets, introduction does or is likely to cause and of spread from origin of release or stocking for fishing, and other purposes. economic or environmental harm or escape. These criteria also examine the Aquaculture usually occurs in a harm to human health’’ (Executive impact on wildlife resources and controlled setting where the water is Order 13112 on Invasive Species, 1999). ecosystems (such as through contained, as a pond or in a tank, and A history of invasiveness means that a hybridizing, competition for food or is separate from lakes, ponds, rivers, species has been introduced (either habitat, predation on native species, and and other natural waters. The controlled intentionally or unintentionally) to an pathogen transfer), on endangered and setting allows the aquaculturist to area or areas where it is not native and threatened species and their respective maintain proper conditions for each has subsequently been scientifically habitats, and on human beings, forestry, species being raised, which promotes documented to have caused harm to the horticulture, and agriculture. optimal feeding and provides protection environment. Additionally, criteria evaluate the from predation and disease. However, Based on the results of rapid likelihood and magnitude of wildlife or Bartley (2011) states that aquaculture is screening assessments and our injurious habitat damages resulting from the primary reason for the deliberate wildlife evaluation, we anticipate that measures to control the proposed movement of aquatic species outside of these 11 species would become invasive species. The analysis using these criteria their range, and Casal (2006) states that if they are introduced and become serves as a basis for the Service’s many countries are turning to established in waters of the United regulatory decision regarding injurious aquaculture for human consumption, States. All of these species have wide wildlife species listings. The objective and that has led to the introduction and distribution ranges (where they are of such a listing would be to prohibit establishment of these species in local native and where they are invasive), importation and interstate ecosystems. Although the farmed suggesting they are highly adaptable and transportation and thus prevent the species are normally safely contained, tolerant of new environments and species’ likely introduction and outdoor aquaculture ponds have often opportunistic when expanding from establishment in the wild, thereby flooded from major rainfall events and their native range. Under the Act, the preventing injurious effects consistent merged with neighboring natural waters, Service has the ability to prevent the with 18 U.S.C. 42. allowing the farmed species to escape introduction of injurious wildlife that We are evaluating each of the 11 by swimming or floating to nearby poses a threat to the United States. species individually and will list only watersheds. Once a species enters a Preventing injurious wildlife from those species that we determine to be watershed, it has the potential to entering the United States is widely injurious. If a determination is made to establish and spread throughout the considered the most economically not finalize a listing, the Service will watershed, which then increases the effective and efficient management publish notice in the Federal Register risk of spread to neighboring watersheds approach for avoiding the adverse announcing that it is withdrawing the through further flooding. Other ecological effects and economic costs proposed rule with respect to any such pathways for aquaculture species to often caused by invasive species. species. If a determination is made to enter natural waters include intentional Listing Process finalize the listing of a species as stocking programs, and through injurious after evaluating the comments unintentional stocking when the species The Service promulgates regulations we receive during this proposed rule’s is inadvertently included in a shipment under the Act in accordance with the comment period, a final rule would be with an intended species for stocking Administrative Procedure Act (APA; 5 published. The final rule would contain (Bartley 2011), release of unwanted U.S.C. 551 et seq.). We are publishing a responses to comments we receive on ornamental fish, and release of live bait proposed rule for public notice and the proposed rule, state the final by fishermen. comment. We also solicit peer review decision, and provide the justification Stocking for recreational fishing is a under Office of Management and Budget for that decision. If listed, species common pathway for invasive species (OMB) guidelines ‘‘Final Information determined to be injurious will be when an aquatic species is released into Quality Bulletin for Peer Review’’ (OMB identified in the Code of Federal a water body where it is not native. 2004). We also make available to the Regulations. Often it takes repeated releases before public an economic analysis (including the fish (or other animal) becomes analysis of potential effects on small Introduction Pathways for the 11 established. The type of species that are businesses) if appropriate. We also Species typically selected and released for follow National Environmental Policy The primary potential pathways for recreational fishing are predatory, grow Act (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) the 11 species into the United States are quickly and to large sizes, reproduce requirements, which may include through commercial trade in the live abundantly, and are adaptable to many preparing an environmental assessment animal industry, including aquaculture, habitat conditions (Fuller et al. 1999). or environmental impact statement, also recreational fishing, bait, and These are often the traits that also available to the public. For this ornamental display. Some could arrive contribute to the species becoming proposed rule, we prepared a draft unintentionally in water used to carry invasive (Copp et al. 2005c; Kolar and economic analysis and a draft other aquatic species. Aquatic species Lodge 2001, 2002). Live aquatic species, environmental assessment. may be imported into many designated such as fish and crayfish, are frequently This proposed rule is based on an ports of entry, including Miami, Los used as bait for recreational and evaluation using the Service’s Injurious Angeles, Baltimore, Dallas-Fort Worth, commercial fishing. Generally, bait

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animals are kept alive until they are sleeper, crucian carp, Eurasian minnow, on the draft environmental assessment, needed, and leftover individuals may be and stone moroko) with shipments of the draft economic analysis, and this released into convenient waterbodies other aquatic species. All 11 species proposed rule to add the 11 species to (Litvak and Mandrak, 1993; Ludwig and have proven that they are capable of the list of injurious wildlife under the Leitch, 1996). For example, Kilian et al. naturally dispersing through waterways. Act. This proposed rule and supporting (2012) reported that 65 and 69 percent More importantly, the main factors materials will be available on http:// of Maryland anglers using and influencing the chances of these 11 www.regulations.gov under Docket No. , respectively, released their species establishing in the wild would FWS–HQ–FAC–2013–0095. unused bait, and that a nonnative, be the propagule pressure, defined as Comments and materials concerning potentially invasive species imported the frequency of release events this rule may be submitted by one of the into the State as bait is likely to be (propagule number) and numbers of methods listed in ADDRESSES. released into the wild. Often, these individuals released (propagule size) Comments sent by email or fax or to an individuals survive, establish, and cause (Williamson 1996; Colautti and address not listed in ADDRESSES will not harm to that waterbody (Fuller et al. MacIsaac 2004; Duncan 2011). This be accepted. 1999; Kilian et al. 2012). Litvak and increases the odds of both genders being We will post your entire comment— Mandrak (1993) found that 41 percent of released and finding mates and of those including your personal identifying anglers released live bait after use. Their individuals being healthy and vigorous. information—on http:// survey found nearly all the anglers who After a sufficient number of www.regulations.gov. If your written released their bait thought they were unintentional or intentional releases, a comments provide personal identifying doing a good thing for the environment. species may establish in those regions information, you may request at the top When the authors examined the suitable for its survival and of your document that we withhold this purchase location and the angling reproduction. Thus, allowing the information from public review. destination, they concluded that 18 of importation and unregulated interstate However, we cannot guarantee that this the 28 species found in the dealers’ bait transport of these 11 species information will not be published. tanks may have been used outside their subsequently increases the risk of any of Those comments and materials that native range. Therefore, it is not these species becoming established we receive, as well as supporting surprising that so many species are within the United States. documentation we used in preparing introduced in this manner; Ontario, An additional factor contributing to this proposed rule, will be available for Canada alone has more than 65 legal an invasive species’ successful public review at http:// baitfish species, many of which are not establishment is a documented history www.regulations.gov under Docket No. native to some or all of Ontario of these same species successfully FWS–HQ–FAC–2013–0095, or by (Cudmore and Mandrak 2005). Ludwig establishing elsewhere outside of their appointment, during normal business and Leitch (1996) concluded that the native ranges. All 11 species have been hours at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service probability of at least 1,000 bait release introduced, become established, and Headquarters (see FOR FURTHER events from the Mississippi Basin to the been documented as causing harm in INFORMATION CONTACT). Hudson Bay Basin in one year is close countries outside of their native ranges. We are soliciting public comments to 1 (a certainty). For example, the stone moroko’s native and supporting data to gain additional Ornamental aquatic species are range includes southern and central information, and we specifically seek species kept in aquaria and aquatic , Taiwan, Korea, China, and the comment regarding the crucian carp, gardens for display for entertainment or Amur River basin (Copp et al. 2010). Eurasian minnow, Prussian carp, roach, public education. The most sought-after Since the stone moroko’s original stone moroko, Nile perch, Amur sleeper, species frequently are not native to the introduction to in the early European perch, zander, and wels display area. Ornamental species may 1960s, this species has invaded nearly catfish and the common yabby on the accidentally escape from outdoor ponds every European country and additional following questions: into neighboring waterbodies (Andrews regions of Asia (Welcomme 1988; Copp (1) What regulations does your State 1990; Fuller et al. 1999; Gherardi et al. 2010; Froese and Pauly 2014). or Territory have pertaining to the use, 2011b). They may also be released Thus, a high climate and habitat match possession, sale, transport, or outdoors intentionally when owners no between the species’ native range and production of any of the 11 species in longer wish to maintain them, despite its introduced range has contributed this proposed rule? What are relevant laws in most States prohibiting release significantly to its successful Federal, State, or local rules that may into the wild. The first tropical establishment. duplicate, overlap, or conflict with the freshwater fish became available in As mentioned above, a species does proposed Federal regulation? trade in the United States in the early not have to be currently imported or (2) Are any of the 11 species currently 1900s (Duggan 2011), and there is present in the United States for the found in the wild in any of the States currently a large variety of freshwater Service to list it as injurious. The or Territories? If so, which species and and saltwater fish in the ornamental objective of this listing is to utilize the where? trade. The trade in ornamental crayfish Act’s major strength to prohibit (3) Are any of the 11 species currently species is more recent but is growing importation and interstate in production for wholesale or retail rapidly (Gherardi 2011b). transportation and thus prevent the sale, and in which States? The invasive range of many of the species’ likely introduction and (4) What would it cost to eradicate species in this proposed rule has establishment in the wild and likely individuals or populations of any of the expanded through intentional release harm to human beings, the interests of 11 species, or similar species, if found for commercial and recreational fishing agriculture, or wildlife or wildlife in the United States? What methods are (European perch, Nile perch, Prussian resources, thereby preventing injurious effective? carp, roach, wels catfish, zander, and effects consistent with the Lacey Act. (5) What State-protected species common yabby), as bait (Eurasian would be adversely affected by the minnow, roach, common yabby), and as Public Comments introduction of any of the 11 species? ornamental fish (Amur sleeper, stone The Service is soliciting substantive (6) What provisions in the proposed moroko), and unintentionally (Amur public comments and supporting data rule should the Service consider with

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regard to: (a) The effect of the freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers, and Crucian carp can harbor the fish provision(s) (including any benefits and ditches (Godard and Copp 2012). This disease spring viraemia of carp (SVC) costs), if any, and (b) what alternatives, species can survive in water with low (Ahne et al. 2002) and several parasitic if any, the Service should consider, as dissolved oxygen levels, including infections (Dactylogyrus gill flukes well as the costs and benefits of those aquatic environments with greatly disease, Trichodinosis, skin flukes, false alternatives, paying specific attention to reduced oxygen (hypoxic) or largely fungal infection, and turbidity of the the effect the proposed rule would have devoid of dissolved oxygen (anoxic) skin) (Froese and Pauly 2014). SVC is a on small entities? (Godard and Copp 2012). disease that, when found, is required to (7) How could the proposed rule be be reported to the Office International Nonnative Range and Habitat modified to reduce any costs or burdens des Epizooties (OIE) (World for small entities consistent with the Crucian carp have been widely Organisation of Animal Health) (Ahne et Service’s requirements? introduced to and established in al. 2002). The SVC virus infects carp (8) Should we include or not include , Greece, southern France (Holcˇı´k species but may be transmitted to other hybrids of the species analyzed in this 1991; Godard and Copp 2012), Italy, and fish species. The virus is shed with fecal proposed rule, and would the hybrids England (Kottelat and Freyhof 2007), matter and urine, and often infects be likely to possess the same biological Spain, Belgium, Israel, Switzerland, through waterborne transmission (Ahne characteristics as the parent species? Chile, India, Sri Lanka, Philippines et al. 2002). Additionally, SVC may (Holcˇı´k 1991; Froese and Pauly 2014), result in significant morbidity and Species Information and Turkey (Innal and Erk’akan 2006). mortality with an approximate 70 We obtained our information on a In the United States, crucian carp may percent fatality among juvenile fish and species’ biology, history of invasiveness, have been established within Chicago 30 percent fatality in adult fish (Ahne et and climate matching from a variety of (Illinois) lakes and lagoons in the early al. 2002). Thus, the spread of SVC may sources, including the U.S. Geological 1900s (Meek and Hildebrand 1910; have serious effects on native fish Survey Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Schofield et al. 2005), but apparently stocks. OIE-notifiable diseases affect (NAS) database, Centre for Agricultural died out because currently no such animal health internationally. Bioscience International’s Invasive population exists (Welcomme 1988; OIE-notifiable diseases meet certain Species Compendium (CABI ISC), ERSS Schofield et al. 2005; Schofield et al. criteria for consequences, spread, and reports, and primary literature. We 2013). diagnosis. For the consequences criteria, queried the NAS database (http:// Several other fish species, including the disease must have either been nas.er.usgs.gov/) to confirm that 10 of the Prussian carp, a brown variety of documented as causing significant the 11 species are not currently goldfish (Carassius auratus), and the production losses on a national or established in U.S. ecosystems. The (Cyprinus carpio), have multinational (zonal or regional) level, zander is established in a lake in North been misidentified as crucian carp or have scientific evidence that Dakota (Fuller 2009). The CABI ISC (Godard and Copp 2012). Crucian carp indicates that the diseases will cause (http://www.cabi.org/isc/) is a may have been accidently introduced to significant morbidity or mortality in constantly developing, encyclopedic some regions in misidentified wild aquatic animal populations, or be resource containing datasheets on more shipments of ornamental fish (Wheeler an agent of public health concern. For than 1,500 invasive species and animal 2000; Hickley and Chare 2004). the spread criteria, the disease’s diseases. The Service contracted with However, no known populations of infectious etiology (cause) must be CABI for many of the species-specific crucian carp currently exist in the known or an infectious agent is strongly datasheets that we used in preparation United States. associated with the disease (with etiology unknown). In addition for the of this proposed rule. The datasheets Biology were prepared by world experts on the spread criteria, there must be a species, and each datasheet was Crucian carp generally range from 20 likelihood of international spread (via reviewed by expert peer reviewers. The to 45 centimeters (cm) (8 to 18 inches live animals and animal products) and datasheets served as sources of (in)) long with a maximum of 50 cm the disease must not be widespread compiled information that allowed us to (19.5 in) (Godard and Copp 2012). (several countries or regions of countries prepare this proposed rule efficiently. Specimens have been reported to weigh without specific disease). For the up to 3 kilograms (kg) (6.6 pounds (lb)) diagnosis criteria, there must be a Crucian Carp (Carassius carassius) (Froese and Pauly 2014). These fish standardized, proven diagnostic test for The crucian carp was first described have an olive-gray back that transitions disease detection (OIE 2012). These and cataloged by Linnaeus in 1758, and into brassy green along the sides and internationally-accepted standards, is part of the order and brown on the body (Godard and Copp including those that document the family . The family 2012). consequences (harm) of certain diseases, Cyprinidae, or the carp and minnow Crucian carp can live up to 10 years offer supporting evidence of family, is a large and diverse group that (Kottelat and Freyhof 2007) and reach injuriousness. includes 2,963 freshwater species sexual maturity at one and a half years Invasiveness (Froese and Pauly 2014). but may not begin spawning until their third year (Godard and Copp 2012). This species demonstrates many of Native Range and Habitat Crucian carp are batch spawners the strongest traits for invasiveness. The The crucian carp inhabits a temperate (release multiple batches of eggs per crucian carp is capable of securing and climate (Riehl and Baensch 1991). The season) and may spawn one to three ingesting a wide range of food, has a native range includes much of north and times per year (Aho and Holopainen broad native range, and is highly central Europe, extending from the 2000, Godard and Copp 2012). adaptable to different environments North Sea and Baltic Sea basins across Crucian carp feed during the day and (Godard and Copp 2012). Crucian carp northern France and to the night on plankton, benthic (bottom- can increase turbidity (cloudiness of Alps and through the Danube River dwelling) invertebrates, plant materials, water) in lakes, rivers, and streams with basin and eastward to (Godard and detritus (organic material) (Kottelat soft bottom sediments while scavenging and Copp 2012). The species inhabits and Freyhof 2007). along the substrate. Increased turbidity

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reduces light availability to submerged The Eurasian minnow is expanding could be expected to reduce plants and can result in harmful its nonnative range by establishing the recruitment of native trout. changes, such as to populations in additional waterways In addition, Eurasian minnows are survival and nutrient bordering the native range. Waterways carriers of parasites and have increased cycling. Crucian carp can breed with near where the minnow is already the introduction of parasites to new other carp species, including the established are most at risk (Sandlund areas. Such parasites affected native common carp (Wheeler 2000). Hybrids 2008). snails, mussels, and different insects of crucian carp and common carp can within subalpine lakes in southern Biology affect fisheries, because such hybrids, Norway following introduction of the along with the introduced crucian carp, The Eurasian minnow has a torpedo- Eurasian minnows (Sandlund 2008). may compete with native species for shaped body measuring 6 to 10 cm (2.3 Additionally, Zietara et al. (2008) used food and habitat resources (Godard and to 4 in) with a maximum of 15 cm (6 molecular methods to link the parasite Copp 2012). in). Size and growth rate are both highly Gyrodactylus aphyae from Eurasian dependent on population density and minnows to the new hosts of Atlantic Eurasian Minnow (Phoxinus phoxinus) environmental factors (Lien 1981; Mills salmon (Salmo salar) and brown trout. The Eurasian minnow was first 1987, 1988; Sandlund 2008). These Prussian Carp (Carassius gibelio) described and cataloged by Linnaeus in minnows have variable coloration but 1758, and belongs to the order are often brownish-green on the back The Prussian carp was first described Cypriniformes and family Cyprinidae with a whitish stomach and brown and and catalogued by Bloch in 1782, and (ITIS 2014). Although Eurasian minnow black blotches along the side (Sandlund belongs to the order Cypriniformes and is the preferred common name, this fish 2008). family Cyprinidae (ITIS 2014). species is also referred to as the The Eurasian minnow’s life-history Native Range and Habitat European minnow. traits (age, size at sexual maturity, The Prussian carp inhabits a Native Range and Habitat growth rate, and life span) may be temperate climate (Baensch and Riehl highly variable (Mills 1988). 2004). The species is native to regions The Eurasian minnow inhabits a Populations residing in lower latitudes of central Europe and eastward to temperate climate, and the native range often have smaller body size and Siberia. It is also native to several Asian includes much of Eurasia within the younger age of maturity than those countries, including China, Georgia, basins of the Atlantic, North and Baltic populations in higher altitudes and Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Turkey, and Seas, and the Arctic and the northern latitudes (Mills 1988). Maturity ranges Turkmenistan (Britton 2011). The Pacific Oceans (Froese and Pauly 2014). from less than 1 year to 6 years of age, Prussian carp resides in a variety of Eurasian minnows can be found in a with a lifespan as long as 13 to 15 years fresh stillwater bodies and rivers. This variety of habitats ranging from brackish (Sandlund 2008). The Eurasian minnow species also inhabits warm, shallow, (estuarine; slightly salty) to freshwater spawns annually with an average eutrophic (high in nutrients) waters streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes located fecundity between 200 to 1,000 eggs with submerged vegetation or regular within the coastal zone to the (Sandlund 2008). flooding events (Kottelat and Freyhof mountains (Sandlund 2008). In Norway, This minnow usually cohabitates with 2007). This species can live in polluted they are found at elevations up to 2,000 salmonid fishes (Kottelat and Freyhof waters with pollution and low oxygen m (6,562 ft). These minnows prefer 2007). The Eurasian minnow feeds concentrations (Britton 2011). shallow lakes or slow-flowing streams mostly on invertebrates (crustaceans and rivers with stony substrate and insect larvae) as well as some algal Nonnative Range and Habitat (Sandlund 2008). and plant material (Lien 1981). The Prussian carp has been Nonnative Range and Habitat Invasiveness introduced to many countries within central and Western Europe. This The Eurasian minnow’s nonnative The Eurasian minnow demonstrates species was first introduced to Belgium range includes parts of Sweden and many of the strongest traits for during the 1600s and is now prevalent Norway, United Kingdom, and Egypt invasiveness. The species is highly in Belgian freshwater systems. The (Sandlund 2008), as well as other adaptable to new environments and is Prussian carp was also introduced to drainages juxtaposed to native difficult to control (Sandlund 2008). and during 1940s for waterways. The Eurasian minnow was The species can become established recreational fishing and aquaculture. initially introduced as live bait, which within varying freshwater systems, This carp species has dispersed and was the main pathway of introduction including lowland and high alpine expanded its range using the Vistula throughout the 1900s (Sandlund 2008). areas, as well as in brackish water and Bug River basins (Britton 2011). The inadvertent inclusion of this (Sandlund 2008). Introductions of the During the mid to late 1970s, this carp minnow species in the transport water Eurasian minnow can cause major species invaded the of brown trout (Salmo trutta) that were changes to nonnative ecosystems by river system from the Danube River via intentionally stocked into lakes for affecting the benthic community the Morava River. Once in the river recreational angling has contributed to (decreased invertebrate diversity) and system, the fish expanded into tributary their spread (Sandlund 2008). From disrupting trophic level structure streams and connected watersheds. these initial stockings, minnows have (Sandlund 2008). This affects the ability Throughout its nonnative range, this swum downstream and established in of native fish to find food as well as species has been stocked with common new waterways, and have spread to new disrupts native spawning. The Eurasian carp and misidentified as crucian carp waterways through tunnels constructed minnow has been shown to reduce (Britton 2011). From the original for hydropower development. These recruitment of brown trout by predation stocked site, the Prussian carp has minnows have also been purposely (Sandlund 2008). Although brown trout dispersed both naturally (swimming) introduced as food for brown trout and are not native to the United States, they and with human involvement. to control the Tune fly (in Simuliidae) are closely related to our native trout The Prussian carp’s current nonnative (Sandlund 2008). and salmon, and thus Eurasian range includes the Asian countries of

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Armenia, Turkey, and Uzbekistan and north of the Pyrenees and Alps and tapeworm (Ligula intestinalis), have all the European countries of Belarus, eastward to the Ural River and Eya been found associated with the roach Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, drainages (Caspian Sea basin) and (Rocabayera and Veiga 2012), as has the Estonia, France, Germany, Poland, and within the Aegean Sea basin and pathogen bacterium Aeromonas Switzerland (Britton 2011). The species watershed (Kottelat and Freyhof 2007). salmonicida, which causes furunculosis has recently invaded the Iberian In Asia, the roach’s native range extends (skin ulcers) in several fish species Peninsula (Ribeiro et al. 2015). The from the Sea of Marmara basin and (Wiklund and Dalsgaard 1998). species was recently found to be lower Sakarya Province (Turkey) to the Invasiveness established in waterways in southern Aral Sea basin and Siberia (Kottelat and Alberta, Canada (Elgin et al. 2014). Freyhof 2007). The main issues associated with This species often resides in nutrient- invasive roach populations include Biology rich lakes, medium to large rivers, and competition with native fish species, The Prussian carp has a silvery-brown backwaters. Within rivers, the roach is hybridization with native fish species, body with an average length of 20 cm limited to areas with slow currents. and altered ecosystem nutrient cycling (7.9 in) and reported maximum length (Rocabayera and Veiga 2012). The roach of 35 cm (13.8 in) (Kottelat and Freyhof Nonnative Range and Habitat is a highly adaptive species and adapts 2007, Froese and Pauly 2014). This This species has been introduced to to a different habitat or diet to avoid species has a reported maximum weight several countries for recreational predation or competition (Winfield and of 3 kilograms (kg; 6.6 pounds (lb) fishing. Once introduced, the roach has Winfield 1994). (Froese and Pauly 201b). moved into new water bodies within the The roach also has a high The Prussian carp lives up to 10 years same country (Rocabayera and Veiga reproductive rate and spawns earlier (Kottelat and Freyhof 2007). This 2012). In 1889, the roach was brought than some other native fish (Volta and species can reproduce in a way very rare from England to Ireland for use as bait Jepsen 2008, Rocabayera and Veiga among fish. Introduced populations fish. Some of these fish accidently 2012). This allows larvae to have a often include, or are solely composed of, escaped into Cork Blackwater system. competitive edge over native fish larvae triploid females that can undergo After this initial introduction, this fish (Volta and Jepsen 2008). natural gynogenesis, allowing them to species was deliberately stocked in The roach can hybridize with other reproduce from unfertilized eggs nearby lakes. The roach has continued cyprinids, including rudd (Scardinius (Britton 2011). Thus, the eggs are viable its expansion throughout Ireland erythrophthalmus) and bream (Abramis without being fertilized by males. watersheds, and by 2000, had invaded brama), in places where it has invaded. The Prussian carp is a generalist every major river system within Ireland The new species (roach-rudd cross and omnivore and consumes a varied diet (Rocabayera and Veiga 2012). roach-bream cross) then compete for that includes plankton, benthic This species has been reported as food and habitat resources with both the invertebrates, plant material, and invasive in north and central Italy, native fish (rudd, bream) and invasive detritus (Britton 2011). where it was introduced for recreational fish (roach) (Rocabayera and Veiga The parasite Thelohanellus fishing (Rocabayera and Veiga 2012). 2012). wuhanensis (Wang et al. 2001) and The roach was also introduced to Within nutrient-rich lakes or ponds, black spot disease Madagascar, Morocco, Cyprus, Portugal, large populations of roach create (Posthodiplostomatosis) have been the Azores, Spain, and Australia adverse nutrient cycling. High numbers found to affect the Prussian carp (Rocabayera and Veiga 2012). of roach consume large amounts of (Markovı´c et al. 2012). , which results in algal Biology blooms, increased turbidity, and Invasiveness The roach has an average body length changes in nutrient availability and The Prussian carp is a highly invasive of 25 cm (9.8 in) and reported maximum cycling (Rocabayera and Veiga 2012). species in freshwater ecosystems length of 50 cm (19.7 in) (Rocabayera throughout Europe and Asia. This fish and Veiga 2012). The maximum Stone Moroko (Pseudorasbora parva) species grows rapidly and can published weight is 1.84 kg (4 lb) The stone moroko was first described reproduce from unfertilized eggs (Froese and Pauly 2014). and cataloged by Temminick and (Vetemaa et al. 2005). Prussian carp The roach can live up to 14 years Schlegel in 1846 and belongs to the have been implicated in the decline in (Froese and Pauly 2013). Male fish are order Cypriniformes and family both the biodiversity and population of sexually mature at 2 to 3 years and Cyprinidae (ITIS 2014). Although the native fish (Vetemaa et al. 2005, Lusk et female fish at 3 to 4 years. A whole preferred common name is the stone al. 2010). The presence of this fish roach population typically spawns moroko, this fish species is also called species has been linked with increased within 5 to 10 days, with each female the topmouth gudgeon (Froese and water turbidity (Crivelli 1995), which in producing 700 to 77,000 eggs Pauly 2014). turn alters both the ecosystem’s trophic (Rocabayera and Veiga 2012). Eggs hatch Native Range and Habitat level structure and nutrient availability. approximately 12 days later (Kottelat and Freyhoff 2007). The stone moroko inhabits a Roach (Rutilus rutilus) The roach has a general, omnivorous temperate climate (Baensch and Riehl The roach was first described and diet, including benthic invertebrates, 1993). Its native range is Asia, including cataloged by Linnaeus in 1758, and zooplankton, plants, and detritus southern and central Japan, Taiwan, belongs to the order Cypriniformes and (Rocabayera and Veiga 2012). Of the Korea, China, and the Amur River basin. family Cyprinidae (ITIS 2014). European cyprinids (carps, minnows, The stone moroko resides in freshwater and their relatives), the roach is one of lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and Native Range and Habitat the most efficient molluscivores irrigation canals (Copp 2007). The roach inhabits temperate climates (Winfield and Winfield 1994). (Riehl and Baensch 1991). The species’ Parasitic infections, including worm Nonnative Range and Habitat native range includes regions of Europe cataracts (Diplostomum spathaceum), The stone moroko was introduced to and Asia. Within Europe, it is found black spot disease (diplostomiasis), and Romania in the early 1960s with a

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Chinese carp shipment (Copp et al. Invasiveness spread to the Kenyan side. A breeding 2010). By 2000, this fish species had The stone moroko has proven to be a population existed in the lake by 1962 invaded nearly every other European highly invasive fish, establishing (Witte 2013). Additional introductions country and additional countries in Asia invasive populations in nearly every of Nile perch occurred in 1962 and (Copp 2007). This species was primarily European country over a 40-year span 1963, in Kenyan and Ugandan waters to introduced unintentionally with fish (Copp 2007, Copp et al. 2010). This fish promote a commercial fishery. The shipped purposefully. Secondary species has proven to be adaptive and increase in Nile perch population was natural dispersal also occurred in most tolerant of a variety of habitats, first noted in Kenyan waters in 1979, in countries (Copp 2007). including those of poorer quality (Beyer Ugandan waters 2 to 3 years later, and Within Asia, the stone moroko has et al. 2007). This species’ invasiveness in Tanzanian waters 4 to 5 years later been introduced to Afghanistan, is further aided by multiple spawning (Witte 2013). Armenia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Laos, events and the guarding of eggs by the The Nile perch was also introduced to Taiwan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan (Copp male until hatching (Kottelat and Lake Kyoga (1954 and 1955) to gauge 2007). In Europe, this fish species’ Freyhof 2007). the effects of Nile perch on fish nonnative range includes Albania, In many areas of introduction and populations similar to that of Lake , Belgium, , Czech establishment (for example, United . At the time of introduction, Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Kingdom, Italy, China, and Russia), the people were unaware that this species Greece, , Italy, , stone moroko has been linked to the had already been introduced to Lake , , Netherlands, decline of native freshwater fish Victoria (Witte 2013). Since its initial Poland, Romania, Russia, , populations (Copp 2007). The stone introduction to Lakes Victoria and , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, moroko has been found to dominate the Kyoga, this fish species has been , and the United Kingdom (Copp fish community when it becomes accidently and deliberately introduced 2007). The stone moroko has also been established. Native fishes have to many of the neighboring lakes and introduced to Algeria and Fiji (Copp exhibited decreased growth rate and waterways (Witte 2013). There are 2007). reproduction, and they shifted their diet currently only a few lakes in the area without a Nile perch population (Witte Biology as a result of food competition (Britton et al. 2010b). 2013). The stone moroko is a small fish with Additionally, this species is a vector The Nile perch was also introduced an average body length of 8 cm (3.1 in), of Sphaerothecum destruens, which is a into Cuba for aquaculture and sport in maximum reported length of 11 cm (4.3 documented pathogen of native 1982 and 1983 (Welcomme 1988), but in) (Froese and Pauly 2014g), and salmonids (Gozlan et al. 2005, Gozlan et we have no information on the average body mass of 17 to 19 grams (g; al. 2009, Andreou et al. 2011). subsequent status. 0.04 lb) (Witkowski 2011). This fish Sphaerothecum destruens has caused Nile perch were stocked in Texas species is grayish black with a lighter mortalities in cultured North American waters in 1978, 1979, and 1984 (88, 14, belly and sides. Juveniles have a dark salmon (Andreou et al. 2011) and 26 fish respectively in Victor stripe along the side that disappears Braunig Lake); in 1981 (68,119 in Coleto with maturity (Witkowski 2011). Nile Perch (Lates niloticus) Creek Reservoir); and in 1983 (1,310 in This fish species can live up to 5 The Nile perch was first described Fairfield Lake) (Fuller et al. 1999, Texas years (Froese and Pauly 2014). The and cataloged by Linnaeus in 1758 and Parks and Wildlife Department 2013a). stone moroko becomes sexually mature is in the order and family These introductions were unsuccessful and begins spawning at 1 year Centropomidae (ITIS 2014). Although at establishing a self-sustaining (Witkowski 2011). Females release its preferred common name is the Nile population (Howells 1992, Howells several dozen eggs per spawning event perch, it is also referred to as the 2001). The fish were unable to survive and spawn several times per year. The African snook and Victoria perch (Witte in the cold water temperatures (Howells total number of eggs spawned per 2013). 2001). Today, Nile perch are a female ranges from a few hundred to a prohibited exotic species in Texas few thousand eggs (Witkowski 2011). Native Range and Habitat (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Male fish aggressively guard eggs until The Nile perch inhabits a tropical 2013b). hatching (Witkowski 2011). climate with an optimal water The stone moroko maintains an temperature of 28 °C (82 °F) and an Biology omnivorous diet of small insects, fish, upper lethal temperature of 38 °C (100 The Nile perch has a perch-like body mollusks, planktonic crustaceans, fish °F) (Kitchell et al. 1997). The species’ with average body length of 100 cm (3.3 eggs, algae (Froese and Pauly 2014g), native distribution includes much of ft), maximum length of 200 cm (6.6 ft) and plants (Kottelat and Freyhof 2007). central, western, and eastern Africa. The (Ribbink 1987, Froese and Pauly 2013), The stone moroko is an unaffected species is common in the Nile, Chad, and maximum weight of 200 kg (441 lb) carrier of the pathogenic parasite Senegal, Volta, and Zaire River basins (Ribbink 1987). The Nile perch is gray- Sphaerothecum destruens (Gozlan et al. and brackish Lake Mariout near blue on the dorsal side with gray-silver 2005, Pinder et al. 2005). This parasite Alexandria, Egypt (Witte 2013). Nile along the flank and ventral side (Witte is transferred to water from healthy perch reside in brackish lakes and 2013). stone morokos. Once in the water, this freshwater lakes, rivers, stream, The age of sexual maturity varies with parasite has infected Chinook salmon reservoirs, and irrigation channels habitat location. Most male fish become (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), Atlantic (Witte 2013). sexually mature before females (1 to 2 salmon, sunbleak (Leucaspius years versus 1 to 4 years of age) (Witte delineatus), and fathead minnows Nonnative Range and Habitat 2013). This species spawns throughout (Pimephales promelas) (Gozlan et al. The Nile perch, which is not native to the year with increased spawning 2005). Sphaerothecum destruens infects Lake Victoria in Africa, was first during the rainy season (Witte 2013). the internal organs, resulting in introduced to the lake in 1954 from The Nile perch produce 3 million to 15 spawning failure, organ failure, and nearby Lake Albert. This species was million eggs per breeding cycle (Asila death (Gozlan et al. 2005). introduced on the Ugandan side and and Ogari 1988). This high fecundity

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allows the Nile perch to quickly Native Range and Habitat into and spread to nearby waters in the establish in new regions with favorable The Amur sleeper inhabits a city of Moscow and Moscow Province habitats (Ogutu-Ohwayo 1988). temperate climate (Baensch and Riehl (Reshetnikov 2004). Additionally, Amur sleepers were Additionally, the Nile perch’s 2004). The species’ native distribution introduced to new areas when they were reproductive rate in introduced habitats includes much of the freshwater regions unintentionally shipped to fish farms in is much greater than that of its prey, of northeastern China and northern fish stocks such as haplochromine cichlids (fish from the North Korea, the Far East of Russia ( molitrix) and family Cichlidae), which have a (Reshetnikov 2004), and South Korea grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). reproductive rate of 13 to 33 eggs per (Grabowska 2011). Within China, this breeding cycle (Goldschmidt and Witte From these initial introductions, the species is predominately native to the 1990). Amur sleepers were able to expand from lower to middle region of the Amur Nile perch less than 5 cm eat their native range through escape, zooplankton (cladocerans and River watershed, including the Zeya, release, and transfer between fish farms copepods) (Witte 2013). Juvenile Nile Sunguri, and Ussuri tributaries (Reshetnikov 2004). Additionally, Amur perch (35 to 75 cm long) feed on (Bogutskaya and Naseka 2002, sleepers tolerate being transported well, invertebrates, primarily aquatic insects, Grabowska 2011) and Lake Khanka so anglers use them as bait and move crustaceans, and mollusks (Ribbink (Courtenay 2006). The Amur sleeper’s them from one waterbody to another 1987). Adult Nile perch are piscivorous range extends northward to the Tugur (Reshetnikov 2004). (fish eaters), they also consume large River (Siberia) (Grabowska 2011) and The Amur sleeper is an invasive crustaceans (Caridina and southward to the Sea of Japan species in western Russia and 14 Macrobrachium shrimp) and insects (Bogutskaya and Naseka 2002, additional countries: Mongolia, Belarus, (Witte 2013). Grabowska 2011). To the west, the Ukraine, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, The Nile perch is host to a number of species does not occur in the Amur Poland, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, parasites capable of causing infections River upstream of Dzhalinda Serbia, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Croatia and diseases in other species, including (Bogutskaya and Nasaka 2002). (Froese and Pauly 2014, Grabowska sporozoa infections (Hennegya sp.), The Amur sleeper inhabits freshwater 2011). The Amur sleeper is established Dolops infestation, Ergasilus disease, lakes, ponds, canals, backwaters, flood within the Baikal, Baltic, and Volga gonad nematodosis disease (Philometra plains, oxbow lakes, and marshes water basins of Europe and Asia sp.), and Macrogyrodactylus and (Grabowska 2011). This fish is a poor (Bogutskaya and Naseka 2002). The Diplectanum infestation (Paperna 1996, swimmer, thriving in slow-moving species’ nonnative range extends Froese and Pauly 2014f). waters with dense vegetation and northward to Lake Plestsy in muddy substrate and avoiding main Arkhangelsk province (Russia), Invasiveness river currents (Grabowska 2011). The southward to Bulgaria, and westward to The Nile perch has been listed as one Amur sleeper can live in poorly the Kis-Balaton watershed in Hungary of the 100 ‘‘World’s Worst’’ Invaders by oxygenated water and can also survive (Grabowska 2011). the Global Invasive Species Database in dried out or frozen water bodies by (http://www.issg.org) (Snoeks 2010, burrowing into and hibernating in the Biology ISSG 2015). During the 1950s and mud (Bogutskaya and Nasaka 2002, The Amur sleeper is a small- to 1960s, this fish was introduced to Grabowska 2011). medium-sized fish with a maximum several East African lakes for Although the Amur sleeper is a body length of 25 cm (9.8 in) commercial fishing. This fish is now freshwater fish, there are limited reports (Grabowska 2011) and weight of 250 g prevalent in Lake Victoria and of it appearing in saltwater (0.6 lb) (Reshetnikov 2003). As with contributes to over 90 percent of environments (Bogutskaya and Naseka other fish species, both body length and demersal (bottom-dwelling) fish mass 2002). These reports seem to occur with weight vary with food supply, and within this lake (Witte 2013). Since its flood events and are likely a larger Amur sleeper specimens have introduction, native fish populations consequence of these fish being carried been reported from the nonnative range have declined or disappeared (Witte downstream into these saltwater (Bogutskaya and Naseka 2002). 2013). Approximately 200 native environments (Bogutskaya and Naseka Body shape is fusiform with two haplochromine cichlid species have 2002). dorsal fins, short pelvic fins, and rounded caudal fin (Grabowska 2011). become locally extinct due to predation Nonnative Range and Habitat and competition (Snoeks 2010, Witte The Amur sleeper has dark coloration of 2013). Consequently, this has resulted This species’ first known introduction greenish olive, brownish gray, or dark in significant shifts to the trophic level was in western Russia. In 1912, Russian green with dark spots and pale yellow structure and loss of biodiversity of this naturalist I.L. Zalivskii brought four to blue-green flecks (Grabowska 2011). lake’s ecosystem. Amur sleepers to the Lisiy Nos Males are not easily discerned from settlement (St. Petersburg, Russia) females except during breeding season. Amur Sleeper (Perccottus glenii) (Reshetnikov 2004, Grabowska 2011). Breeding males are darker (almost black) The Amur sleeper was first described These four fish were held in aquaria with bright blue-green spots and also and cataloged by B.I. Dybowski in 1877, until 1916, when they were released have inflated areas on the head as part of the order Perciformes and into a pond, where they subsequently (Grabowska 2011). family Odontobutidae (Bogutskaya and established a population before The Amur sleeper lifespan is from 7 Naseka 2002, ITIS 2014). The Amur naturally dispersing into nearby water to 10 years. Within native ranges, the sleeper is the preferred common name bodies (Reshetnikov 2004, Grabowska fish rarely lives more than 4 years, of this freshwater fish, but this fish is 2011). In 1948, additional Amur whereas in nonnative ranges, the fish also called the Chinese sleeper or rotan sleepers were introduced to Moscow for generally lives longer (Bogutskaya and (Bogutskaya and Naseka 2002, Froese use in ornamental ponds by members of Naseka 2002, Grabowska 2011). The fish and Pauly 2014). In this proposed rule, an expedition (Bogutskaya and Naseka reaches maturity between 2 and 3 years we will refer to the species as the Amur 2002, Reshetnikov 2004). These fish of age (Grabowska 2011) and has at least sleeper. escaped the ponds they were stocked two spawning events per year.

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The number of eggs per spawning been introduced, it has proven to be Australia (in 1862), South Africa (in event varies with female size. In the capable of establishing sustainable 1915), Morocco (in 1939), and Cyprus Wloclawski Reservoir, which is outside populations (Reshetnikov 2004). Within (in 1971) (FAO 2014, Froese and Pauly of the Amur sleeper’s native range, the the Vistula River (Poland), the Amur 2014). This species was introduced females produced an average of 7,766 sleeper has averaged an annual intentionally to Turkey for aquaculture eggs per female (range 1,963 to 23,479 expansion of its range by 88 kilometers (FAO 2004) and unintentionally to eggs) (Grabowska et al. 2011). Male (54.5 miles) per year (Grabowska 2011). Algeria when it was included in the Amur sleepers are active in prenatal A recent study (Reshetnikov and transport water with carp intentionally care by guarding eggs and aggressively Ficetola 2011) suggests many other brought into the country (Kara 2012, defending the nest (Bogutskaya and regions of Europe and Asia, as well as Froese and Pauly 2014). European perch Naseka 2002, Grabowska et al. 2011). northeastern United States and have also been introduced to China (in The Amur sleeper is a voracious, southeastern Canada, have suitable the 1970s), Italy (in 1860), New Zealand generalist predator that eats climates for the Amur sleeper and are at (in 1867), and Spain (no date) for invertebrates (such as freshwater risk for an invasion. unknown reasons (FAO 2014). In crayfish, shrimp, mollusks, and insects), The Amur sleeper demonstrates many Australia, this species was first amphibian tadpoles, and small fish of the strongest traits for invasiveness: It introduced as an effort to introduce (Bogutskaya and Naseka 2002). consumes a highly varied diet, is fast wildlife familiar to European colonizers Reshetnikov (2003) found that the Amur growing with a high reproductive (Arthington and McKenzie 1997). The sleeper significantly reduced species potential, easily adapts to different European perch was first introduced to diversity of fishes and amphibians environments, and has an expansive in 1862, Victoria in 1868, and where it was introduced. In some small native range and proven history of to southwest in 1892 water bodies, Amur sleepers increasing its nonnative range by itself and the early 1900s (Arthington and considerably decrease the number of and through human-mediated activities McKenzie 1997). This species has now species of aquatic macroinvertebrates, (Grabowska 2011). Where it is invasive, invaded western Victoria, New South amphibian larvae, and fish species the Amur sleeper competes with native Wales, Tasmania, Western Australia, (Reshetnikov 2003, Pauly 2014, Kottelat species for similar habitat and diet and South Australian Gulf Coast (NSW and Freyhof 2007). resources (Reshetnikov 2003, Kottelat DPI 2013). In the 1980s, the European The predators of Amur sleepers and Freyhof 2007). This fish has also perch invaded the in include pike, perch, snakeheads been associated with the decline in southwestern Australia (Hutchison and (Channa spp.), and gulls (Laridae) populations of the European Armstrong 1993). (Bogutskaya and Naseka 2002). In their mudminnow ( krameri), crucian Biology native range, it is believed that this carp, and belica (Leucaspius delineates) species is primarily controlled by (Grabowska 2011). This species hosts The European perch has an average snakeheads. Eggs and juveniles are fed parasites that may be transmitted to body length of 25 cm (10 in) with a on by a variety of insects (Bogutskaya native fish species when introduced maximum length of 60 cm (24 in) and Naseka 2002). outside of its native range (Kosˇuthova´ et (Kottelat and Freyhof 2007, Froese and The Amur sleeper reportedly has high al. 2008, Kosˇuthova´ et al. 2009). Pauly 2014j) and an average body parasitic burdens of more than 40 weight of 1.2 kg (2.6 lb) with a parasite species (Grabowska 2011). The European Perch (Perca fluviatilis) maximum weight of 4.75 kg (10.5 lb) host-specific parasites, including The European perch was first (Froese and Pauly 2014). European Nippotaenia mogurndae and described and cataloged by Linnaeus in perch color varies with habitat. Fish in Gyrodactylus perccotti, have been 1758, and is part of the order well-lit shallow habitats tend to be transported to new areas along with the Perciformes and family Percidae (ITIS darker, whereas fish residing in poorly introduced Amur sleeper (Kosˇuthova´ et 2014). European perch is the preferred lit areas tend to be lighter. These fish al. 2004, Grabowska 2011). The cestode common name, but this species may may also absorb carotenoids (nutrients (tapeworm) Nippotaenia mogurndae also be referred to as the Eurasian perch that cause color) from their diet was first reported in Europe in the River or redfin perch (Allen 2004, Froese and (crustaceans), resulting in reddish- Latorica in east Slovakia in 1998, after Pauly 2014). yellow color (Allen 2004). Male fish are this same river was invaded by the not easily externally differentiated from Amur sleeper (Kosˇuthova´ et al. 2004). Native Range and Habitat female fish (Allen 2004). This parasite may be able to infect other The European perch inhabits a The European perch lives up to 22 fish species (Kosˇuthova´ et al. 2008). temperate climate (Riehl and Baensch years (Froese and Pauly 2014), although Thus, the potential for the Amur sleeper 1991, Froese and Pauly 2014). This the average is 6 years (Kottelat and to function as a parasitic host could aid species’ native range extends Freyhof 2007). This fish may participate in the transmission of parasites to new throughout Europe and regions of Asia, in short migrations prior to spawning in environments and potentially to new including Afghanistan, Armenia, February through July, depending on species (Kosˇuthova´ et al. 2008, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Kazakhstan, latitude and altitude (Kottelat and Kosˇuthova´ et al. 2009). Mongolia, Turkey, and Uzbekistan Freyhof 2007). Female fish are sexually (Froese and Pauly 2014). The fish mature at 2 to 4 years and males at 1 to Invasiveness resides in a range of habitats that 2 years (Kottelat and Freyhof 2007). The Amur sleeper is considered one includes estuaries and freshwater lakes, The European perch is a generalist of the most widespread, invasive fish in ponds, rivers, and streams (Froese and predator with a diet of zooplankton, European freshwater ecosystems within Pauly 2014). macroinvertebrates (such as copepods the last several decades (Copp et al. and crustaceans), and small fish 2005a, Grabowska 2011, Reshetnikov Nonnative Range and Habitat (Kottelat and Freyhof 2007, Froese and and Ficetola 2011). Reshetnikov and The European perch has been Pauly 2014). Ficetola (2011) indicate that there are 13 intentionally introduced to several The European perch can also carry the expansion centers for this fish outside of countries for recreational fishing, OIE-notifiable disease epizootic its native range. Once this species has including Ireland (in the 1700s), haematopoietic necrosis (EHN) virus

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(NSW DPI 2013). Several native and Copp 2011, Froese and Pauly 2014). The zander’s age expectancy is Australian fish (including the silver The northernmost records of native inversely correlated to its body growth perch ( bidyanus) and Murray populations are in Finland up to 64 °N rate. Slower-growing zanders may live cod (Maccullochella peelii)) are (Larsen and Berg 2014). up to 20 to 24 years, whereas faster- extremely susceptible to the virus and The zander resides in brackish coastal growing fish may live only 8 to 9 years have had significant population estuaries and freshwater rivers, lakes, (Godard and Copp 2011). Female declines over the past decades with the and reservoirs. The species prefers zanders typically spawn in April and continued invasion of European perch turbid, slightly eutrophic waters with May and produce approximately 150 to (NSW DPI 2013). high dissolved oxygen concentrations 400 eggs per gram of body mass. After spawning, male zanders protect the nest Invasiveness (Godard and Copp 2011). The zander can survive in salinities up to 20 parts and fan the eggs with the pectoral fins The European perch has been per thousand (ppt), but prefers (Godard and Copp 2011). introduced to many new regions environments with salinities less than The zander is piscivorous, and its diet through fish stocking for recreational 12 ppt and requires less than 3 ppt for includes smelt (Osmerus eperlanus), use. The nonnative range has also reproduction (Larsen and Berg 2014). (Gymnocephalus cernuus), expanded as the fish has swum to new European perch, vendace (Coregonus areas through connecting waterbodies Nonnative Range and Habitat albula), roach, and other zanders (lakes, river, and streams within the The zander has been repeatedly (Kangur and Kangur 1998). same watershed). In , introduced outside of its native range Several studies have found that Australia, these fish are a serious pest for recreational fishing and aquaculture zanders can be hosts for multiple and are listed as Class 1 noxious species and also to control cyprinids (Godard parasites (Godard and Copp 2011). The (NSW DPI 2013). These predatory fish and Copp 2011, Larsen and Berg 2014). nematode Anisakis, which is known to have been blamed for the local This species has been introduced to infect humans through fish extirpation of the mudminnow much of Europe, parts of Asia (China, consumption, has been documented in (Galaxiella munda) (Moore 2008, ISSG Kyrgyzstan, and Turkey), and northern the zander (Eslami and Mokhayer 1977, 2010) and depleted populations of Africa (Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia). Eslami et al. 2011). A study in the native invertebrates and fish (Moore Within Europe, the zander has been Polish section of Vistula Lagoon found 2008). This species reportedly introduced to Belgium, Bulgaria, 26 species of parasites associated with consumed 20,000 rainbow trout Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Italy, the zander, which was more than any of (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fry from an the Netherlands, Portugal, the Azores, the other 15 fish species studied Australian reservoir in less than 3 days , Spain, Switzerland, and the (Rolbiecki 2002, 2006). (NSW DPI 2013). The introduction of United Kingdom (Godard and Copp these fish in New Zealand and China Invasiveness 2011, Froese and Pauly 2014). In has severely altered native freshwater The zander has been intentionally Denmark, although the zander is native, communities (Closs et al. 2003). introduced numerous times for stocking is not permitted to prevent the European perch form dense aquaculture, recreational fishing, and species from being introduced into lakes populations, forcing them to compete occasionally for biomanipulation to and rivers where it is not presently amongst each other for a reduced food remove unwanted cyprinids (Godard found and where introduction is not supply. This results in stunted fish that and Copp 2011). Biomanipulation is the desirable (Larsen and Berg 2014). are less appealing to the recreational management of an ecosystem by adding fishery (NSW DPI 2013). The zander has been previously or removing species. The zander also introduced to the United States. migrates for spawning, further Zander (Sander lucioperca) Juvenile zanders were stocked into expanding its invasive range. It is a The zander was first described and Spiritwood Lake (North Dakota) in 1989 predatory fish that is well-adapted to catalogued by Linnaeus in 1758, and for recreational fishing (Fuller et al. turbid water and low-light habitats belongs to the order Perciformes and 1999, Fuller 2009, USGS NAS 2014). (Sandstro¨m and Kara˚s 2002). The zander family Percidae (ITIS 2014). Although Although previous reports indicated competes with and preys on native fish its preferred common name in the that zanders did not become established populations. The zander is also a vector United States is the zander, this fish in Spiritwood Lake, there have been for the trematode Bucephalus species is also called the pike-perch and documented reports of captured polymorphus, which has been linked to European walleye (Godard and Copp juvenile zanders from this lake (Fuller a decrease in native French cyprinid 2011, Froese and Pauly 2014). 2009). In 2009, the North Dakota Game populations (Kvach and Mierzejewska and Fish Department reported a small, 2011). Native Range and Habitat established population of zanders The zander’s native range includes within Spiritwood Lake (Fuller 2009), Wels Catfish (Silurus glanis) the Caspian Sea, Baltic Sea, Black Sea, and a zander caught in 2013 was The wels catfish was first described Aral Sea, North Sea, and Aegean Sea considered the State record (North and cataloged by Linnaeus in 1758, and basins. In Asia, this fish is native to Dakota Game and Fish 2013). belongs to the order Siluriformes and Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Biology family Siluridae (ITIS 2014). The Georgia, Iran, Kazakhstan, and preferred common name is the wels Uzbekistan. In Europe, the zander is The zander has an average body catfish, but this fish is also called the native to much of eastern Europe length of 50 cm (1.6 ft) and maximum Danube catfish, European catfish, and (Albania, Austria, Czech Republic, body length of 100 cm (3.3 ft). The sheatfish (Rees 2012, Froese and Pauly Estonia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, maximum published weight is 20 kg (44 2014). Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, lb) (Froese and Pauly 2013). The zander Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, has a long slender body with yellow- Native Range and Habitat Ukraine, and Serbia and Montenegro) gray fins and dark bands running from The wels catfish inhabits a temperate and the Scandinavian Peninsula the back down each side (Godard and climate (Baensch and Riehl 2004). The (Finland, Norway, and Sweden) (Godard Copp 2011). species is native to eastern Europe and

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western Asia, including the North Sea, depends on age, size, geographic species also excretes large amounts of Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Caspian Sea, and location, and other factors. Studies in phosphorus and nitrogen (estimated 83- Aral Sea basins (Rees 2012, Froese and Asia have documented egg production to 286-fold and 17- to 56-fold, Pauly 2014). The species resides in of a range of approximately 8,000 to respectively) (Bouleˆtreau et al. 2011) slow-moving rivers, backwaters, shallow 467,000 eggs with the maximum into the ecosystem and consequently floodplain channels, and heavily reported being 700,000 eggs (Copp et al. greatly disrupts nutrient cycling and vegetated lakes (Kottelat and Freyhof 2009). Male fish will guard the nest, transport (Schaus et al. 1997, McIntyre 2007). The wels catfish has also been repeatedly fanning their tails to ensure et al. 2008, Bouleˆtreau et al. 2011). found in brackish water of the Baltic proper ventilation until the eggs hatch Because of their large size, multiple and Black Seas (Froese and Pauly 2014). 2 to 10 days later (Copp et al. 2009). wels catfish in one location magnify The species is a demersal (bottom Young catfish develop quickly and, on these effects and can greatly increase dwelling) species that prefers residing average, achieve a 38- to 48-cm (15- to algae and plant growth (Bouleˆtreau et al. in crevices and root habitats (Rees 19-in) total length within their first year 2011), which reduces water quality. 2012). (Copp et al. 2009). This species is primarily nocturnal Common Yabby (Cherax destructor) Nonnative Range and Habitat and will exhibit territorial behavior Unlike the 10 fish in this rule, the The wels catfish was introduced to (Copp et al. 2009). The wels catfish is yabby is a crayfish. Crayfish are the United Kingdom and western a solitary ambush predator but is also an invertebrates with hard shells. They can Europe during the 19th century. The opportunistic scavenger of dead fish live and breathe underwater, and they species was first introduced to England (Copp et al. 2009). Juvenile catfish crawl along the substrate on four pairs in 1880 for recreational fishing at the typically eat invertebrates. Adult catfish of walking legs (Holdich and Reeve private Bedford manor estate of Woburn are generalist predators with a diet that 1988); the pincers are considered Abbey. Since then, wels catfish have includes fish (at least 55 species), another pair of walking legs. The been stocked both legally and illegally crayfish, small mammals (such as common yabby was first described and into many lakes and are now widely rodents), and waterfowl (Copp et al. cataloged by Clark in 1936 and belongs distributed throughout the United 2009, Rees 2012). Wels catfish have to the phylum Arthropoda, order Kingdom (Rees 2012). This species was been observed beaching themselves to , and family (ITIS introduced to Spain, Italy, and France prey on land birds located on river 2014). This freshwater may for recreational fishing and aquaculture banks (Cucherousset 2012). also be called the yabby or the common (Rees 2012). Wels catfish were Juvenile wels catfish can carry the crayfish. The term ‘‘yabby’’ is also introduced to the Netherlands as a highly infectious SVC (Hickley and commonly used for crayfish in substitute predator to control cyprinid Chare 2004). This disease is recognized Australia. fish populations (De Groot 1985) after worldwide and is classified as a Native Range and Habitat the native pike were overfished. The notifiable animal disease by the World wels catfish has also been introduced to Organisation for Animal Health (OIE The common yabby is native to Algeria, Belgium, Bosnia-Hercegovina, 2014). The wels catfish is also a host to eastern Australia and extends from China, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, at least 52 parasites, including: , northward to southern Finland, Portugal, Syria, and Tunisia, Trichodina siluri, Myxobolus miyarii, parts of the , and although they are not known to be Leptorhynchoides plagicephalus and eastward to the Great Dividing Range established in Algeria or Cyprus (Rees Pseudotracheliastes stellifer, all of (Eastern Highlands) (Souty-Grosset et al. 2012). which may be detrimental to native fish 2006, Gherardi 2011a). survival (Copp et al. 2009). The common yabby inhabits Biology temperate and tropical climates. In The wels catfish commonly grows to Invasiveness aquaculture, the yabby tolerates the 3 m (9.8 ft) in body length with a The wels catfish is a habitat-generalist wide range of water temperatures from maximum length of 5 m (16.4 ft) and is that tolerates poorly oxygenated waters 1 to 35 °C (34 to 95 °F) and with an Europe’s largest freshwater fish (Rees and has been repeatedly introduced to optimal water temperature range of 20 2012). The maximum published weight the United Kingdom and western to 25 °C (68 to 77 °F) (Withnall 2000). is 306 kg (675 lb) (Rees 2012). Europe for aquaculture, research, pest Growth halts below 15 °C (59 °F) and This species has a strong, elongated, control, and recreational fishing (Rees above 34 °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 2011a). The yabby Wels possess six barbels; two breeding and stocking facilities (Rees can also survive drought for several long ones on each side of the mouth, 2012). This species is tolerant of a years by sealing itself in a deep burrow and four shorter ones under the jaw variety of warm-water habitats, (burrows well over 5 meters (m; 16.4 (Rees 2012). including those with low dissolved feet (ft)) have been found) and Although the maximum reported age oxygen levels. The invasive success of aestivating (the crayfish’s respiration, is 80 years (Kottelat and Freyhof 2007), the wels catfish will likely be further pulse, and digestion nearly cease) (NSW the average lifespan of a wels catfish is enhanced with the predicted increase in DPI 2015). 15 to 30 years. This species becomes water temperature with climate change This species can tolerate a wide range sexually mature at 3 to 4 years of age. (2 to 3 °C by 2050) (Rahel and Olden of dissolved oxygen concentrations and Nocturnal spawning occurs annually 2008, Britton et al. 2010a). salinities (Mills and Geddes 1980) but and aligns with optimal temperature The major risks associated with prefers salinities less than 8 ppt and day length between April and invasive wels catfish to the native fish (Withnall 2000, Gherardi 2011a). August (Kottelat and Freyhof 2007, Rees population include disease transmission Growth ceases at salinities above 8 ppt 2012). The number of eggs produced per (SVC) and competition for habitat and (Withnall 2000). This correlates with female, per year is highly variable, and prey species (Rees 2012). This fish Beatty’s (2005) study where all yabbies

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found in waters greater than 20 ppt were names blue knight and white ghost Yabbies can also live on land and travel dead. Yabbies have been found in ponds (LiveAquaria.com 2014a, b). long distances by walking between where the dissolved oxygen was below Most common yabbies live 3 years water bodies (Gherardi 2011b:129). 1 percent saturation (NSW DPI 2015). with some living up to 6 years (Souty- The common yabby may reduce The common yabby resides in a Grosset et al. 2006, Gherardi 2011a). biodiversity through competition and variety of habitats, including desert Females can be distinguished from predation with native species. In its mound springs, alpine streams, males by the presence of gonopores at nonnative range, the common yabby has subtropical creeks, rivers, billabongs the base of the third pair of walking proven to out-compete native crayfish (small lake, oxbow lake), temporary legs; while males have papillae at the species for food and habitat (Beatty lakes, swamps, farm dams, and base of the fifth pair of walking legs 2006, Gherardi 2011a). Native irrigation channels (Gherardi 2011a). (Gherardi 2011a). The female yabby freshwater crayfish species are also at The yabby is found in mildly turbid becomes sexually mature before it is 1 risk from parasitic infections from the waters and muddy or silted bottoms. year old (Gherardi 2011a). Spawning is common yabby (Gherardi 2011a). The common yabby digs burrows that dependent on day length and water Summary of the Presence of the 11 connect to waterways (Withnall 2000). temperatures. When water temperatures Species in the United States Burrowing can result in unstable and rise above 15 °C (59 °F), the common collapsed banks (Gherardi 2011a). yabby will spawn from early spring to Only one of the 11 species, the mid-summer. When the water zander, is present in the wild within the Nonnative Range and Habitat temperature is consistently between 18 United States. There has been a small The common yabby is commercially and 20 °C (64 to 68 °F) with daylight of established population of zander within valuable and is frequently imported by more than 14 hours, the yabby will Spiritwood Lake (North Dakota) since countries for aquaculture, aquariums, spawn up to five times a year (Gherardi 1989. Crucian carp were reportedly and research (Gherardi 2011a); it is 2011a). Young females produce 100 to introduced to Chicago lakes and lagoons raised in aquaculture as food for 300 eggs per spawning event, while during the early 1900s. Additionally, humans (NSW DPI 2015). This species older (larger) females can produce up to Nile perch were introduced to Texas has spread throughout Australia, and its 1,000 eggs (Withnall 2000). Incubation reservoirs between 1978 and 1985. nonnative range extends to New South is also dependent on water temperature However, neither the crucian carp nor Wales east of the Great Dividing Range, and typically lasts 19 to 40 days the Nile perch established populations, Western Australia, and Tasmania. This (Withnall 2000). and these two species are no longer crayfish species was introduced to The common yabby grows through present in the wild in U.S. waters. Western Australia in 1932 for molting, which is shedding of the old These examples demonstrate that the commercial aquaculture from where it carapace and then growing a new one interest may exist for future attempts at escaped and established in rivers and (Withnall 2000). A juvenile yabby will introductions into the United States for irrigation dams (Souty-Grosset et al. molt every few days, whereas, an adult these and the other species. Because 2006). Outside of Australia, this species yabby may molt only annually or these species are not yet present in the has been introduced into Italy and semiannually (Withnall 2000). United States, except for one species in Spain where it has become established The common yabby is an one lake, but have been introduced, (Gherardi 2011a). The common yabby opportunistic omnivore with a become established, and been has been introduced to China, South carnivorous summer diet and documented as causing harm in Africa, and Zambia for aquaculture herbivorous winter diet (Beatty 2005). countries outside of their native ranges, (Gherardi 2011a) but has not become The diet includes fish (Gambusia regulating them now to prohibit established in the wild in those holbrooki), plant material, detritus, and importation and interstate countries. The first European zooplankton. The yabby is also transportation and thus prevent the introduction occurred in 1983, when cannibalistic, especially where space species’ likely introduction and common yabbies were transferred from and food are limited (Gherardi 2011a). establishment in the wild and likely a California farm to a pond in Girona, The common yabby is affected by at harm to human beings, to the interests Catalonia, Spain (Souty-Grosset et al. least ten parasites (Jones and Lawrence of agriculture, or to wildlife or wildlife 2006). This crayfish species became 2001), including the crayfish plague resources is critical to preventing their established in Zaragoza Province, Spain (caused by Aphanomyces astaci), burn injurious effects in the United States. after being introduced in 1984 or 1985 spot disease, Psorospermium sp. (a Rapid Screening (Souty-Grosset et al. 2006). parasite), and thelohaniasis (Jones and Lawrence 2001, Souty-Grosset et al. The first step that the Service Biology 2006, Gherardi 2011a). 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. We asked, its relatively large body size for a found in the yabby as well (Jones and without doing a full risk assessment on crayfish and because of its unusually Lawrence 2001). each potential species, how could we large claws. Yabbies have a total body quickly assess which species out of length up to 15 cm (6 in) with a smooth Invasiveness thousands of foreign species not yet external carapace (exoskeleton) (Souty- The common yabby has a quick found in the United States should be Grosset et al. 2006, Gherardi 2011a). growth and maturity rate, high categorized as high-risk of invasiveness? Body color can vary with geographic reproductive rate, and generalist diet. Our method was to conduct rapid location, season, and water conditions These attributes, in addition to the screenings and compile the information (Withnall 2000). Most captive cultured species’ tolerance for a wide range of in Ecological Risk Screening Summaries yabbies are blue-gray, whereas wild freshwater habitats, make the common (ERSS) for each species to determine the yabbies may be green-beige to black yabby an efficient invasive species. Overall Risk Assessment of each (Souty-Grosset et al. 2006,Withnall Additionally, the invasive range of the species. More information on the ERSS 2000). Yabbies in the aquarium trade common yabby is expected to expand process and its peer review is posted can be blue or white and go by the with climate change (Gherardi 2011a). online at http://www.fws.gov/

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injuriouswildlife/Injurious_ Risk Assessment indicates that the Factors That Contribute to prevention.html, http://www.fws.gov/ assessed species would be a greater Injuriousness for Crucian Carp science/pdf/ERSS-Process-Peer-Review- threat of invasiveness than a species Current Nonnative Occurrences Agenda-12-19-12.pdf, and http:// with a low score. The Amur sleeper, www.fws.gov/science/pdf/ERSS-Peer- crucian carp, Eurasian minnow, This species is not currently found Review-Response-report.pdf. The ERSS European perch, Nile perch, Prussian within the United States. The crucian reports also served to subsequently carp, roach, stone moroko, wels catfish, carp has been introduced and become provide some of the information for the zander, and common yabby are high- established in Croatia, Greece, France, injurious wildlife evaluation criteria. risk species. Italy, and England (Crivelli 1995, This procedure incorporates scores for Kottelat and Freyhof 2007). Injurious Wildlife Evaluation Criteria the history of invasiveness, climate Potential Introduction and Spread matching between the species’ range Once we determined that the 11 (native and invaded ranges) and the species were good candidates for Potential pathways of introduction United States, and certainty of evaluating because of their invasive risk, into the United States include stocking assessment to determine an Overall Risk we used the criteria below to evaluate for recreational fishing and through Assessment score. whether a species qualifies as injurious misidentified shipments of ornamental For the 11 species under under the Act. The analysis using these fish (Wheeler 2000, Hickley and Chare consideration, all species have a high criteria serve as a general basis for the 2004, Innal and Erk’ahan 2006, Sayer et risk for history of invasiveness. Service’s regulatory decision regarding al. 2011). Additionally, crucian carp For the 11 species considered, overall all injurious wildlife listings. Biologists may be misidentified as other carp climate match ranged from medium for within the Service evaluated both the species, such as the Prussian carp or the Nile perch, to high for the remaining factors that contribute to and the factors common carp, and thus they are likely nine fish and one crayfish species. The that reduce the likelihood of underreported (Godard and Copp 2012). The crucian carp prefers a temperate climate match analysis (Australian injuriousness. These factors were climate (as found in much of the United Bureau of Rural Sciences 2010) developed by the Service. incorporates 16 climate variables to States) and tolerates high summer air (1) Factors that contribute to being calculate climate scores that can be used temperatures (up to 35 °C (95 °F)) and considered injurious: to calculate a Climate 6 ratio (see • can survive in poorly oxygenated waters The likelihood of release or escape; (Godard and Copp 2012). The crucian USFWS 2014 for additional details). • Using the Climate 6 ratio, species can be Potential to survive, become carp has an overall high climate match categorized as having a low (0.000 to established, and spread; with a Climate 6 ratio of 0.355. This 0.005), medium (greater than 0.005 to • Impacts on wildlife resources or species has a high climate match less than 0.103), or high (greater than ecosystems through hybridization and throughout much of the Great Lakes 0.103) climate match (Bomford 2008; competition for food and habitats, region, southeastern United States, and USFWS 2014). This climate matching habitat degradation and destruction, southern Alaska and Hawaii. Low method is used by some projects funded predation, and pathogen transfer; matches occur in the desert Southwest. under the Great Lakes Restoration • Impacts to endangered and If introduced, the crucian carp is Initiative to direct efforts to prevent the threatened species and their habitats; likely to spread and become established invasion of aquatic species in the Great • Impacts to human beings, forestry, in the wild due to its ability to be a Lakes. For this proposed rule, the horticulture, and agriculture; and habitat and diet generalist and adapt to Service expanded the source ranges • Wildlife or habitat damages that new environments, to its long life span (native and nonnative distribution) of may occur from control measures. (maximum 10 years), and to its ability several species for the climate match (2) Factors that reduce the likelihood to establish outside of the native range. 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 2010), the establishment; CABI ISC, and the Handbook of As mentioned previously, the crucian • Potential to eradicate or manage European Freshwater Fishes (Kottelat carp can compete with native fish established populations (for example, and Freyhof 2007). Additional source species, alter the health of freshwater making organism sterile); habitats, hybridize with other invasive points were also specifically selected for • the stone moroko’s distribution within Ability to rehabilitate disturbed and injurious carp species, and serve as ecosystems; a vector of the OIE-reportable fish the United Kingdom (Pinder et al. 2005). • There were no revisions to the climate Ability to prevent or control the disease SVC (Ahne et al. 2002, Godard match for the Nile perch, Amur sleeper, spread of pathogens or parasites; and and Copp 2012). The introduction of • or common yabby. The target range for Any potential ecological benefits to crucian carp to the United States could the climate match included the States, introduction. result in increased competition with District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto For this proposed rule, a hybrid is native fish species for food resources Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. defined as any progeny (offspring) from (Welcomme 1988). The crucian carp For the 11 species under any cross involving a parent from one of consumes a variety of food resources, consideration, the certainty of the 11 species. These progeny would including plankton, benthic assessment (with sufficient and reliable likely have the same or similar invertebrates, plant materials, and information) was high for all species. biological characteristics of the parent detritus (Kottelat and Freyhof 2007). The Overall Risk Assessment, which species (Ellstrand and Schierenbeck With this varied diet, crucian carp is determined from a combination of 2000, Mallet 2007), which, according to would directly compete with numerous scores for history of invasiveness, our analysis, would indicate that they native species. climate match, and certainty of are injurious to human beings, to the The crucian carp has a broad climate assessment, was found to be high for all interests of agriculture, or to wildlife or match throughout the country, and thus 11 species. A high score for the Overall wildlife resources of the United States. its introduction and establishment

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could further stress the populations of 2003). However, rotenone is not target- 0.397. The highest climate matches are numerous endangered and threatened specific (Wynne and Masser 2010). in the northern States, including Alaska. amphibian and fish species through Depending on the applied The lowest climate matches are in the competition for food resources. concentration, rotenone kills other Southeast and Southwest. The ability of crucian carp to aquatic species in the water body. Some If introduced to the United States, the hybridize with other species of fish species are more susceptible than Eurasian minnow is highly likely to Cyprinidae (including common carp) others, and the use of this piscicide may spread and become established in the may exacerbate competition over result in killing native species. Control wild due to this species’ traits as a limited food resources and ecosystem measures that would harm other habitat generalist and generalist changes, and thus, further challenge wildlife are not recommended as predator, with adaptability to new native species (including native mitigation plans to reduce the injurious environments, high reproductive threatened or endangered fish species). characteristics of this species and potential, long life span, extraordinary Crucian carp harbor the fish disease therefore do not meet control measures mobility, social nature, and proven SVC and additional parasitic infections. under the Injurious Wildlife Evaluation invasiveness outside of the species’ Although SVC also infects other carp Criteria. native range. species, this disease can also be No other control methods are known Potential Impacts to Native Species transmitted through the water column to for the crucian carp, but several other (Including Endangered and Threatened native fish species causing fish control methods are currently being Species) mortalities. Mortality rates from SVC used or are in development for have been documented up to 70 percent introduced and invasive carp species of Introduction of the Eurasian minnow among juvenile fish and 30 percent other genera. For example, the U.S. can affect native species through several mechanisms, including competition among adult fish (Ahne et al. 2002). Geological Survey (USGS) is developing over resources, predation, and parasite Therefore, as a vector of SVC, this fish a method to orally deliver a piscicide transmission. Introduced Eurasian species may also be responsible for (Micromatrix) specifically to invasive minnows have a more serious effect in reduced wildlife diversity. Crucian carp bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys waters with fewer species than those may outcompete native fish species, nobilis) and silver carp (Luoma 2012). waters with a more developed, complex thus replacing them in the trophic This developmental control measure is fish community (Museth et al. 2007). In scheme. Large populations of crucian expensive and not guaranteed to prove Norway, dense populations of the carp can result in considerable effective for any carps. Eurasian minnow have resulted in an predation on aquatic plants and Potential Ecological Benefits for average 35 percent reduction in invertebrates. Changes in ecosystem Introduction recruitment and growth rates in native cycling and wildlife diversity may have brown trout (Museth et al. 2007). In the We are not aware of any documented negative effects on the aesthetic, United States, introduced Eurasian ecological benefits for the introduction recreational, and economic benefits of minnow populations would likely of crucian carp. the environment. compete with and adversely affect Potential Impacts to Humans Factors That Contribute to Atlantic salmon, State-managed brown Injuriousness for Eurasian Minnow trout, and other salmonid species. We have no reports of the crucian Eurasian minnow introductions have carp being directly harmful to humans. Current Nonnative Occurrences also disturbed freshwater benthic Potential Impacts to Agriculture This species is not currently found invertebrate communities (N#stad and within the United States. The Eurasian Brittain 2010). Increased predation by The introduction of crucian carp is minnow was introduced to new Eurasian minnows has led to shifts in likely to affect agriculture by waterways in its native range of Europe invertebrate populations and changes in contaminating commercial aquaculture. and Asia (Sandlund 2008). This fish benthic diversity (Hesthagen and This fish species can harbor Spring species has been introduced to new Sandlund 2010). Many of the Viremia of Carp (SVC), which can infect locations in Norway outside of its native invertebrates consumed by the Eurasian numerous fish species, including range there (Sandlund 2008, Hesthagen minnow are also components of the diet common carp, koi (C. carpio), crucian and Sandlund 2010). of the brown trout, thus exacerbating carp, bighead carp competition between the introduced (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), silver Potential Introduction and Spread Eurasian minnow and brown trout carp, and grass carp (Ahne et al. 2002). Likely pathways of introduction (Hesthagen and Sandlund 2010). This disease can cause serious fish include release or escape when used as Additionally, Eurasian minnows have mortalities, and thus can detrimentally live bait, unintentional inclusion in the been shown to compete with brown affect the productivity of several species transport water of intentionally stocked trout (Hesthagen and Sandlund 2010) in commercial aquaculture facilities, fish (often with salmonids), and and to consume vendace (a salmonid) including grass carp, goldfish, koi, intentional introduction for vector larvae (Huusko and Sutela 1997). If fathead minnows (Pimephales (insect) management (Sandlund 2008). introduced, the Eurasian minnow’s diet promelas), and golden shiner Once introduced, this species can may include the larvae of U.S. native (Notemigonus crysoleucas) (Ahne et al. spread and establish in nearby salmonids, including Atlantic salmon, 2002, Goodwin 2002). waterways. sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), Factors That Reduce or Remove The Eurasian minnow prefers a and trout species (Salvelinus spp.). Injuriousness for Crucian Carp temperate climate (Froese and Pauly The Eurasian minnow serves as a host 2013). This minnow is capable of to parasites, such as Gyrodactylus Control establishing in a variety of aquatic aphyae, that it can transmit to other fish Lab experiments indicate that the ecosystems ranging from freshwater to species, including salmon and trout piscicide rotenone (a commonly used brackish water (Sandlund 2008). The (Zietara et al. 2008). Once introduced, natural fish poison) could be used to Eurasian minnow has an overall high these parasites would likely spread to control a crucian carp population (Ling climate match with a Climate 6 ratio of native salmon and trout species.

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Depending on pathogenicity, parasites Prussian carp has been introduced to the Prussian carp will likely affect of the Gyrodactylus species may cause many countries of central and Western numerous native Cyprinid species, high fish mortality (Bakke et al. 1992). Europe. This species’ current nonnative including chub, dace, shiner, and range includes the Asian countries of minnow fish species (Froese and Pauly Potential Impacts to Humans Armenia, Turkey, and Uzbekistan and 2013). Several of these native Cyprinids, We have no reports of the Eurasian the European countries of Belarus, such as the laurel dace (Chrosomus minnow being harmful to humans. Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, saylori) and humpback chub (Gila Potential Impacts to Agriculture Estonia, France, Germany, Poland, and cypha) are listed as endangered or Switzerland (Britton 2011); it also threatened under the Endangered The Eurasian minnow may impact includes the Iberian Peninsula (Ribeiro Species Act. agriculture by affecting aquaculture. et al. 2015). Prussian carp can alter freshwater This species harbors a parasite that may habitats. This was documented in Lake infect other fish species and can cause Potential Introduction and Spread Mikri Prespa (Greece), where scientists high fish mortality (Bakke et al. 1992). Potential pathways of introduction correlated increased turbidity with Eurasian minnow populations can include stock enhancement, recreational increased numbers of Prussian carp adversely impact both recruitment and fishing, and aquaculture. Once (Crivelli 1995). This carp species growth of brown trout. Reduced introduced, the Prussian carp will increased turbidity levels by disturbing recruitment and growth rates can reduce naturally disperse to new waterbodies. sediment during feeding. These carp the economic value associated with The Prussian carp prefers a temperate also intensively fed on zooplankton, brown trout aquaculture and climate and resides in a variety of thus resulting in increased recreational fishing. freshwater environments, including phytoplankton abundance and those with low dissolved oxygen phytoplankton blooms (Crivelli 1995). Factors That Reduce or Remove concentrations and increased pollution Injuriousness for Eurasian Minnow Increased turbidity results in (Britton 2011). The Prussian carp has an imbalances in nutrient cycling and Control overall high climate match with a ecosystem energetics. If introduced to Climate 6 ratio of 0.414. This fish Once introduced, it is difficult and the United States, Prussian carp could species has a high climate match to the costly to control a Eurasian minnow cause increased lake and pond turbidity, Great Lakes region, northern Plains, population (Sandlund 2008). increased phytoplankton blooms, some western mountain States, and Eradication may be possible from small imbalances to ecosystem nutrient parts of California. The Prussian carp water bodies in cases where the cycling, and altered freshwater has a medium climate match to much of population is likely to serve as a center ecosystems. the United States, including southern for further spread, but no details are Several different types of parasitic Alaska and regions of Hawaii. This given on how to accomplish that infections, such as black spot disease species has a low climate match to the (Sandlund 2008). Control may also be (Posthodiplostomatosis) and from southeastern United States, especially possible using habitat modification or Thelohanellus, are associated with the Florida and along the Gulf Coast. This biocontrol (introduced predators); Prussian carp (Ondracˇkova´ et al. 2002, species is not found within the United however, we know of no published Markovı´c et al. 2012). Black spot disease States but has been recently discovered accounts of long-term success by either particularly affects young fish and can as established in Alberta, Canada (Elgin method. Both control measures of cause physical deformations, decreased et al. 2014); the climate match was run habitat modification and biocontrol growth, and decrease in body condition prior to this new information, so the cause wildlife or habitat damages and (Ondracˇkova´ et al. 2002). These results do not include any actual are expensive mitigation strategies, and parasites and the respective diseases locations in North America. may infect and decrease native fish therefore, are not recommended or If introduced, the Prussian carp is considered appropriate under the stocks. likely to spread and establish as a Prussian carp may compete with Injurious Wildlife Evaluation Criteria as consequence of its tolerance to poor a risk management plan for this species. native fish species and may replace quality environments, rapid growth rate, them in the trophic scheme. Large Potential Ecological Benefits for very rare ability to reproduce from populations of Prussian carp can cause Introduction unfertilized eggs (gynogenesis), and heavy predation on aquatic plants and proven invasiveness outside of the There has been one incidence where invertebrates (Anseeuw et al. 2007). native range. the Eurasian minnow was introduced as Changes in ecosystem cycling and a biocontrol for the Tune fly Potential Impacts to Native Species wildlife diversity may have negative (Simuliidae) (Sandlund 2008). However, (Including Threatened and Endangered effects on the aesthetic, recreational, we do not have information on the Species) and economic benefits of the environment. success of this introduction. We are not The Prussian carp is closely related aware of any other documented and behaviorally similar to the crucian Potential Impacts to Humans ecological benefits associated with the carp (Godard and Copp 2012). As with We have no reports of the Prussian Eurasian minnow. crucian carp, introduced Prussian carp carp being harmful to humans. Factors That Contribute to may compete with native fish species, Potential Impacts to Agriculture Injuriousness for Prussian Carp alter freshwater ecosystems, and serve as a vector for parasitic infections. The Prussian carp may impact Current Nonnative Occurrences Introduced Prussian carp have been agriculture by affecting aquaculture. As This species is not found within the responsible for the decreased mentioned in the Potential Impacts to United States. However, it was recently biodiversity and overall populations of Native Species section, Prussian carp reported to be established in waterways native fish (including native harbor several types of parasites that in southern Alberta, Canada, which is Cyprinidae), invertebrates, and plants may cause physical deformations, the first confirmed record in the wild in (Anseeuw et al. 2007, Lusk et al. 2010). decreased growth, and decrease in body North America (Elgin et al. 2014). The Thus, if introduced to the United States, condition (Ondracˇkova´ et al. 2002).

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Impaired fish physiology and health Southeast and Southwest have low blooms (Rocabayera and Veiga 2012). detract from the productivity and value climate matches. These changes alter nutrient cycling and of commercial aquaculture. If introduced, the roach is likely to can consequently affect native aquatic spread and establish due to its highly species that depend on certain nutrient Factors That Reduce or Remove adaptive nature toward habitat and diet balances. Injuriousness for Prussian Carp choice, high reproductive rate, ability to Several parasitic infections, including Control reproduce with other cyprinid species, worm cataracts, black spot disease, and long life span, and extraordinary We are not aware of any documented tapeworms, have been associated with mobility. This species has also proven control methods for the Prussian carp. the roach (Rocabayera and Veiga 2012). invasive outside of its native range. The piscicide rotenone has been used to The pathogenic bacterium Aeromonas control the common carp and crucian Potential Impacts to Native Species salmonicida also infects the roach, carp population (Ling 2003) and may be (Including Endangered and Threatened causing furunculosis (Wiklund and effective against Prussian carp. Species) Dalsgaard 1998). This disease causes skin ulcers and hemorrhaging. The However, rotenone is not target-specific Potential effects to native species from (Wynne and Masser 2010). Depending disease can be spread through a fish’s the introduction of the roach include open sore. This disease affects both on the applied concentration, rotenone competition over food and habitat kills other aquatic species in the water farmed and wild fish. The causative resources, hybridization, altered bacteria A. salmonicida has been body. Some fish species are more ecosystem nutrient cycling, and parasite susceptible than others, and, even if isolated from fish in United States and pathogenic bacteria transmission. freshwaters (USFWS 2011). The roach effective against Prussian carp, the use The roach is a highly adaptive species of this piscicide may result in killing may spread these parasites and bacteria and will switch between habitats and to new environments and native fish native species (Allen et al. 2006). food sources to best avoid predation and species. Control measures that would harm other competition from other species wildlife are not recommended as (Winfield and Winfield 1994:385–6). Potential Impacts to Humans mitigation to reduce the injurious The roach consumes an omnivorous characteristics of this species and We have no reports of the roach being generalist diet, including benthic harmful to humans. therefore do not meet control measures invertebrates (especially mollusks), under the Injurious Wildlife Evaluation zooplankton, plants, and detritus Potential Impacts to Agriculture Criteria. (Rocabayera and Veiga 2012). With such The roach may affect agriculture by Potential Ecological Benefits for a varied diet, the roach would likely decreasing aquaculture productivity. Introduction compete with numerous native fish Roach can hybridize with other fish species from multiple trophic levels. We are not aware of any documented species of the subfamily , Such species may include shiners, including rudd and bream (Pitts et al. ecological benefits for the introduction daces, chubs, and stonerollers, several of the Prussian carp. 1997, Kottelat and Freyhof 2007). of which are federally listed as Hybridization can reduce the Factors That Contribute to endangered or threatened. reproductive success and productivity Injuriousness for Roach Likewise, introduction of the roach of the commercial fisheries. would likely detrimentally affect native Current Nonnative Occurrences Roaches harbor several parasitic mollusk species (including mussels and infections (Rocabayera and Veiga 2012) This species is not found in the snails), some of which may be federally that can impair fish physiology and United States. The roach has been endangered or threatened. One health. The pathogenic bacterium introduced and become established in potentially affected species is the Aeromonas salmonicida infects the England, Ireland, Italy, Madagascar, endangered Higgins’ eye pearly mussel roach, causing furunculosis (Wiklund Morocco, Cyprus, Portugal, the Azores, (Lampsilis higginsii), which is native to and Dalsgaard 1998). The disease can be Spain, and Australia. (Rocabayera and the upper Mississippi River watershed, spread through a fish’s open sore and Veiga 2012:Dist. table). where there is high climate match for can infect farmed fish. Introduction and the roach species. Increased competition Potential Introduction and Spread spread of parasites and pathogenic with and predation on native species bacterium to an aquaculture facility can Potential introduction pathways may alter trophic cycling and diversity result in increased incidence of fish include stocking for recreational fishing of native aquatic species. disease and mortality and decreased and use as bait fish. Once introduced, In Ireland, the roach has hybridized productivity and value. released, or escaped, the roach naturally with the rudd (Scardinius disperses to new waterways within the erythrophtalmus) and the bream Factors That Reduce or Remove watershed. (Abramis brama). Although the bream is Injuriousness for Roach This species prefers a temperate not found in the United States, the rudd Control climate and can reside in a variety of is already considered invasive in the freshwater habitats (Riehl and Baensch Great Lakes (Fuller et al. 1999, An introduced roach population 1991). Hydrologic changes, such as Kapuscinski et al. 2012). Hybrids of would be difficult to control weirs and dams that extend aquatic roaches and rudds could exacerbate the (Rocabayera and Veiga 2012). habitats that are otherwise scarce, potential adverse effects (competition) Application of the piscicide rotenone enhance the potential spread of the of each separate species (Rocabayera may be effective for limited populations roach (Rocabayera and Veiga 2012). The and Veiga 2012). of small fish. However, rotenone is not roach has an overall high climate match Large populations of the roach may target-specific (Wynne and Masser to the United States with a Climate 6 alter nutrient cycling in lake 2010). Depending on the applied ratio of 0.387. Particularly high climate ecosystems. Increased populations of concentration, rotenone kills other matches occurred in southern and roach may prey heavily on zooplankton, aquatic species in the water body. Some central Alaska, the Great Lakes region, thus resulting in increased fish species are more susceptible than and the western mountain States. The phytoplankton communities and algal others, and the use of this piscicide may

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result in killing native species. Control highly mobile. Additionally, the stone The stone moroko consumes large measures that would harm other moroko has proven invasive outside of quantities of zooplankton. The declines wildlife are not recommended as its native range (Copp 2007, Kottelat in zooplankton population results in mitigation to reduce the injurious and Freyhof 2007, Witkowski 2011). increased phytoplankton populations, characteristics of this species and Potential Impacts to Native Species which in turn causes algal blooms and therefore do not meet control measures (Including Endangered and Threatened unnaturally high nutrient loads under the Injurious Wildlife Evaluation Species) (). These changes can Criteria. cause imbalanced nutrient cycling, In much of the stone moroko’s Potential Ecological Benefits for decrease dissolved oxygen nonnative range, the introduction of this Introduction concentrations, and adversely impact species has been linked to the decline the health of native aquatic species. We are not aware of any documented of native freshwater fish species (Copp ecological benefits for the introduction 2007). The stone moroko could Potential Impacts to Humans of the roach. potentially adversely affect native We have no reports of the stone species through predation, competition, Factors That Contribute to moroko being harmful to humans. Injuriousness for Stone Moroko disease transmission, and altering freshwater ecosystems (Witkowski Potential Impacts to Agriculture Current Nonnative Occurrences 2011). The stone moroko may affect This fish species is not found within Stone moroko introductions have agriculture by decreasing aquaculture the United States. The stone moroko has mostly originated from unintentional productivity. This species often been introduced and become inclusion in the transport water of established throughout Europe and intentionally stocked fish species. In contaminates farmed fish stocks and Asia. Within Asia, this fish species is many stocked ponds, the stone moroko competes with the farmed species for invasive in Afghanistan, Armenia, Iran, actually outcompetes the farmed fish food resources, resulting in decreased Kazakhstan, Laos, Taiwan, Turkey, and species for food resources, which results aquaculture productivity (Witkowski Uzbekistan (Copp 2007). In Europe, this in decreased production of the farmed 2011). The stone moroko is an fish species’ nonnative range includes fish (Witkowski 2011). The stone unaffected carrier of the pathogenic, Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, moroko’s omnivorous diet includes rosette-like agent Sphaerothecum Czech Republic, Denmark, France, insects, fish, fish eggs, molluscs, destruens (Gozlan et al. 2005, Pinder et Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, planktonic crustaceans, algae (Froese al. 2005). This pathogen is transmitted Lithuania, Moldova, Montenegro, the and Pauly 2014), and plants (Kottelat through water and causes reproductive Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Russia, and Freyhof 2007). With this diet, the failure, disease, and death to farmed Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, stone moroko would compete with fish. This pathogen is not species- Switzerland, Ukraine, and the United many native U.S. freshwater fish, specific and has been known to infect Kingdom (Copp 2007). The stone including minnow, dace, sunfish, and cyprinid and salmonid fish species. moroko’s nonnative range also includes darter species. Sphaerothecum destruens is responsible Algeria and Fiji (Copp 2007). In the United Kingdom, Italy, China, for disease outbreaks in North American and Russia, the introduction of the stone salmonids and causes mortality in both Potential Introduction and Spread moroko correlates with dramatic juvenile and adult fish (Gozlan et al. The primary introduction pathways declines in native fish populations and 2009). If this pathogen was introduced are as unintentional inclusion in the species diversity (Copp 2007). The stone to an aquaculture facility, it is likely to transport water of intentionally stocked moroko first competes with native fish spread and infect numerous fish, fish shipments for both recreational for food resources and then predates on resulting in high mortality. Further fishing and aquaculture, released or the eggs, larvae, and juveniles of these research is needed to ascertain this escaped bait, and released or escaped same native fish species (Pinder 2005, pathogen’s prevalence in the wild ornamental fish. Once introduced, the Britton et al. 2007). environment (Gozlan et al. 2009). stone moroko naturally disperses to new The stone moroko is a vector of the Factors That Reduce or Remove waterways within a watershed. Since pathogenic, rosette-like agent Injuriousness for Stone Moroko the 1960s, this fish has invaded nearly Sphaerothecum destruens (Gozlan et al. every European country and many 2005, Pinder et al. 2005), which is a Control Asian countries (Copp et al. 2005). documented pathogen of farmed and The stone moroko inhabits a wild European fish. The stone moroko An established, invasive stone temperate climate (Baensch and Riehl is a healthy host for this deadly, moroko population would be both 1993) and a variety of freshwater nonspecific pathogen that could difficult and costly to control (Copp habitats, including those with poor threaten aquaculture trade, including 2007). Additionally, this fish species dissolved oxygen concentrations (Copp that of salmonids (Gozlan et al. 2009). has a higher tolerance for the piscicide 2007). The stone moroko has an overall This pathogen infects a fish’s internal rotenone than most other fish belonging high climate match with a Climate 6 organs causing spawning failure, organ to the cyprinid group (Allen et al. 2006). ratio of 0.557. This species has a high failure, and death (Gozlan et al. 2005). Applications of rotenone for stone or medium climate match to most of the This pathogen has been documented as moroko control is likely to adversely United States. The highest matches are infecting the sunbleak (Leucaspius impact native aquatic fish species. in the Southeast, Great Lakes, central delineatus), which are native to eastern Control measures that would harm other plains, and West Coast. Europe, and Chinook salmon wildlife are not recommended as If introduced, the stone moroko is (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), Atlantic mitigation to reduce the injurious highly likely to spread and establish. salmon, and the fathead minnow characteristics of this species and This fish species is a habitat generalist, (Pimephales promelas), which are therefore do not meet control measures diet generalist, quick growing, highly native to the United States (Gozlan et al. under the Injurious Wildlife Evaluation adaptable to new environments, and 2005). Criteria.

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Potential Ecological Benefits for in establishing an introduced Potential Impacts to Agriculture Introduction population. We are not aware of any reported Historical evidence from the Lake effects to agriculture. However, Nile We are not aware of any documented Victoria (Africa) basin indicate that the perch may affect aquaculture if they are ecological benefits for the introduction Nile perch outcompeted and preyed on of the stone moroko. at least 200 species endemic fish unintentionally introduced into species, leading to their extinction aquaculture operations in the United Factors That Contribute to States, such as when invaded Injuriousness for Nile Perch (Kaufman 1992, Snoeks 2010, Witte 2013). Many of the affected species were watersheds flood aquaculture ponds or Current Nonnative Occurrences haplochromine cichlid fish species, and by accidentally being included in a the populations of native lung fish shipment of fish, by outcompeting and This species is not currently found preying on the aquacultured fish. within the United States. The Nile perch (Protopterus aethiopicus) and catfish is invasive in the Kenyan, Tanzanian, species (Bagrus docmak, Xenoclarias Factors That Reduce or Remove and Ugandan watersheds of Lake eupogon, Synodontis victoria) also Injuriousness for Nile Perch witnessed serious declines (Witte 2013). Victoria and Lake Kyoga (Africa). This Control species has also been introduced to By the late 1980s, only three fish Cuba (Welcomme 1988). species, including the cyprinid Nile perch grow to be large fish with Rastrineobolas argentea and the a body length of 2 m (6 ft) and Potential Introduction and Spread introduced Nile perch and Nile tilapia maximum weight of 200 kg (440 lb) This species was stocked in Texas (Oreochromis niloticus) were common (Ribbinick 1987). Witte (2013) notes that reservoirs, although this population in Lake Victoria (Witte 2013). this species would be difficult and failed to establish (Fuller et al. 1999, The haplochromine cichlid species costly to control. We are not aware of Howells 2001). However, with comprised 15 subtrophic groups with any documented reports of successfully continued release events, we anticipate varied food (detritus, phytoplankton, controlling or eradicating an established that the Nile perch is likely to establish. algae, plants, mollusks, zooplankton, Nile perch population. Likely introduction pathways include insects, prawns, crabs, fish, and parasites) and habitat preferences (Witte Potential Ecological Benefits for use for aquaculture and recreational Introduction fishing. Over the past 60 years, the Nile and Van Oijen 1990, Van Oijen 1996). perch has invaded, established, and The depletion of so many fish species We are not aware of any documented become the dominant fish species has drastically altered the Lake Victoria ecological benefits for the introduction within this species’ nonnative African ecosystem’s trophic level structure and of the Nile perch. range (Witte 2013). biodiversity. These changes resulted in abnormally high lake eutrophication Factors That Contribute to The Nile perch prefers a tropical and frequency of algal blooms (Witte Injuriousness for the Amur Sleeper climate and can inhabit a variety of 2013). Current Nonnative Occurrences freshwater and brackish habitats (Witte The depletion of the native fish 2013). The Nile perch has an overall species in Lake Victoria by Nile perch This species has not been reported medium climate match with a Climate led to the loss of income and food for within the United States. The Amur 6 ratio of 0.038. Of the 11 species in this local villagers. Nile perch are not a sleeper is invasive in Europe and Asia rule, the Nile perch has the only overall suitable replacement for traditional in the countries of Belarus, Bulgaria, medium climate match to the United fishing. Fishing for this larger species Croatia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, States. However, this fish species has a requires equipment that is prohibitively Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Romania, high climate match to the Southeast more expensive, requires processing Serbia, Slovakia, Ukraine, Russia, and (Florida and Gulf Coast), Southwest that cannot be done by the wife and Mongolia (Froese and Pauly 2014, (California), Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and children, requires the men to be away Grabowska 2011). the U.S. Virgin Islands. for extended periods, and decreases the Potential Introduction and Spread If introduced into the United States, availability of fish for household the Nile perch is likely to spread and consumption (Witte 2013). Although the Amur sleeper has not establish due to this species’ nature as If introduced to the United States, the yet been introduced to the United a habitat generalist and generalist Nile perch are expected to prey on small States, the likelihood of introduction, predator, long life span, quick growth native fish species, such as release, or escape is high as evidenced rate, high reproductive rate, mudminnows, cyprinids, sunfishes, and by the history of introduction over a extraordinary mobility, and proven darters. Nile perch would likely prey broad geographic region of Eurasia. invasiveness outside of the species’ on, compete with, and decrease the Since its first introduction outside of its native range (Witte 2013, Asila and species diversity of native cyprinid fish. native range in 1916, the Amur sleeper Ogari 1988, Ribbinick 1982). Nile perch are expected to compete with has invaded 15 Eurasian countries and become a widespread, invasive fish Potential Impacts to Native Species larger native fish species, including throughout European freshwater (Including Endangered and Threatened largemouth bass, blue catfish (Ictalurus ecosystems (Copp et al. 2005, Species) furcatus), channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), and flathead catfish Grabowska 2011). The introduction of Potential impacts of introduction of (Pyodictis olivaris). These native fish the Amur sleeper has been attributed to the Nile perch include outcompeting species are not only economically release and escape of aquarium and and preying on native species, altering important to both commercial and ornamental fish, unintentional and habitats and trophic systems, and recreational fishing, but are integral intentional release of Amur sleepers disrupting ecosystem nutrient cycling. components of freshwater ecosystems. used for bait, and the unintentional The Nile perch can produce up to 15 inclusion in the transport water of million eggs per breeding cycle (Asila Potential Impacts to Humans intentionally stocked fish (Reshetnikov and Ogari 1988), likely contributing to We have no reports of the Nile perch 2004, Grabowska 2011, Reshetnikov and this species’ efficiency and effectiveness being harmful to humans. Ficetola 2011).

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Once this species has been central mudminnow residing in the Potential Impacts to Agriculture introduced, it has proven to be capable freshwater of the Great Lakes, Hudson of establishing (Reshetnikov 2004). The Bay, and Mississippi River basins The Amur sleeper may affect established populations can have rapid (Froese and Pauly 2013). Introduced agriculture by decreasing aquaculture rates of expansion. Upon introduction Amur sleepers could prey on and productivity. This fish species hosts into the Vistula River in Poland, the reduce the population of native U.S. parasites, including Nippotaenia Amur sleeper expanded its range by 44 mudminnow species. mogurndae and Gyrodactylus perccotti. km (27 mi) the first year and up to 197 These parasites may switch hosts In some areas, the Amur sleeper’s (Kosˇuthova´ et al. 2008) and infect km (122 mi) per year subsequently eating habits have been responsible for (Grabowska 2011). farmed species involved in aquaculture. the dramatic decline in juvenile fish and Increased parasite load impairs a fish’s Most aquatic species are constrained amphibian species (Reshetnikov 2003). in distribution by temperature, physiology and general health, and Amur sleepers prey on juvenile stages consequently may decrease aquaculture dissolved oxygen levels, and lack of and can cause decreased reproductive flowing water. However, the Amur productivity. success and reduced populations of the sleeper has a wide water temperature native fish and amphibians (Mills et al. Factors That Reduce or Remove preference (Baensch and Riehl 2004), 2004). Both the European mudminnow Injuriousness for Amur Sleeper can live in poorly oxygenated waters, and ( and may survive in dried-out or frozen Control percnurus; an IUCN Red List water bodies by burrowing into and endangered species) have been Once introduced and established, it hibernating in the mud (Grabowska negatively affected by the Amur would be difficult, if not impossible, to 2011). The Amur sleeper has an overall sleeper’s predatory nature (Grabowska control or eradicate the Amur sleeper. high climate match with a Climate 6 2011). All attempts to eradicate the Amur ratio of 0.376. The climate match is sleeper once it had established a highest in the Great Lakes region (Ohio, The introduction or establishment of reproducing population have been Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, the Amur sleeper is likely to reduce unsuccessful (Litvinov and O’Gorman and Minnesota), central and high Plains native wildlife biodiversity. In the (Iowa, Nebraska, and Missouri), western Selenga River (Russia), the Amur 1996). Natural predators include pike, mountain States (South Dakota, North sleeper competes with native Siberian snakeheads, and perch (Bogutskaya and Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, and roach (Rutilus rutilus lacustris) and Naseka 2002). Not all freshwater Colorado), and central to eastern Alaska. Siberian dace ( leuciscus systems have these or similar predatory If introduced, the Amur sleeper is baicalensis) for food resources. This species, and thus would allow the Amur extremely likely to spread and become competition results in decreased sleeper population to be uncontrolled. established in the wild due to this populations of native fish species, Some studies have indicated that the species’ ability as a habitat generalist, which may result in negative effects on Amur sleeper may be eradicated by generalist predator, rapid growth, high commercial fisheries and in economic adding calcium chloride (CaCl2) or reproductive potential, adaptability to losses (Litvinov and O’Gorman 1996, ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) to the new environments, extraordinary Grabowska 2011). water body (Grabowska 2011). However, mobility, and a history of invasiveness Species similar to Siberian roach and this same study found that the Amur outside of the native range. Siberian dace that are native to the sleeper was one of the most resistant fish species to either treatment. Thus, Potential Impacts to Native Species United States include those of the the use of either treatment would likely (Including Endangered and Threatened Chrosomus, such as the blackside dace negatively affect many other native Species) (Chrosomus cumberlandensis), northern redbelly dace (C. eos), southern redbelly organisms and is not considered a viable The Amur sleeper is a voracious dace (C. erthrogaster), and Tennessee option. Control measures that would generalist predator whose diet includes dace (C. tennesseensis). Like with the harm other wildlife are not crustaceans, insects, and larvae of Siberian roach and the Siberian dace, recommended as mitigation to reduce mollusks, fish, and amphibian tadpoles introduced populations of the Amur the injurious characteristics of this (Bogutskaya and Naseka 2002, species and therefore do not meet Reshetnikov 2008). Increased predation sleeper may compete with native dace fish species consequently resulting in control measures under the Injurious with the introduction of the Amur Wildlife Evaluation Criteria. sleeper has resulted in decreased population declines of these native species richness and decreased species. Potential Ecological Benefits for population of native fish (Grabowska Additionally, the Amur sleeper Introduction harbors parasites, including 2011). Declines in lower trophic level We are not aware of any documented Nippotaenia mogurndae and populations (invertebrates) result in ecological benefits for the introduction Gyrodactylus perccotti. The increased competition among native of the Amur sleeper. predatory fish, including the European introduction of the Amur sleeper has mudminnow (Umbra krameri) resulted in the simultaneous Factors That Contribute to (Grabowska 2011), which is listed as introduction of both parasites to the Injuriousness for European Perch Amur sleeper’s nonnative range. These vulnerable on the IUCN Red List Current Nonnative Occurrences (Freyhof 2011). Two species similar to parasites have in essence expanded the European mudminnow, the eastern their own nonnative range and This fish species is not found within mudminnow (Umbra pygmaea) and the successfully infected new hosts of the United States. The European perch central mudminnow (Umbra limi), are native fish species (Kosˇuthova´ et al. has been introduced and become native to the eastern United States. Both 2008). established in several countries, these species are integral members of Potential Impacts to Humans including Ireland, Italy, Spain, freshwater ecosystems, with the eastern Australia, New Zealand, China, Turkey, mudminnow ranging from New York to We have no reports of Amur sleeper Cyprus, Morocco, Algeria, and South Florida (Froese and Pauly 2013), and the being harmful to humans. Africa.

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

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originated with recreational fishing and of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.), improve water transparency with some aquaculture stocking. The zander has and yellow perch. success (Drenner and Hambright 1999). also been introduced to control The zander is a vector for the However, in their discussion on using unwanted cyprinids (Godard and Copp trematode parasite Bucephalus zanders for biomanipulation, Mehner et 2011). Additionally, the zander disperse polymorphus (Poulet et al. 2009), which al. (2004) state that the introduction of unaided into new waterways. has been linked to decreased native nonnative predatory species, which The zander prefers a temperate cyprinid populations in France includes the zander in parts of Europe, climate (Froese and Pauly 2014). This (Lambert 1997, Kvach and Mierzejewska is not recommended for nature diversity species resides in a variety of freshwater 2011). This parasite may infect native and bioconservation purposes. We are and brackish environments, including cyprinid species and result in their not aware of any other documented turbid waters with increased nutrient population declines. ecological benefits of a zander concentrations (Godard and Copp 2011). The zander can hybridize with both introduction. The overall climate match is high with the European perch and Volga perch a Climate 6 ratio of 0.374. The zander (Sander volgensis) (Godard and Copp Factors That Contribute to has high climate matches in the Great 2011). Our native walleye and sauger Injuriousness for Wels Catfish Lakes region, northern Plains, western also hybridize (Hearn 1986, Van Zee et Current Nonnative Occurrences mountain States, and Pacific Northwest. al. 1996, Fiss et al. 1997), providing Medium climate matches include evidence that species of this genus can This fish species is not found in the southern Alaska, western mountain readily hybridize. Hence, there is wild in the United States. The wels States, central Plains, and mid-Atlantic concern that zander may hybridize with catfish has been introduced and become and New England regions. Low climate walleye (Fuller 2009) and sauger (P. established in China; Algeria, Syria, and matches occur in Florida, along the Gulf Fuller, pers. comm. 2015). Zander Tunisia; and the European countries of Coast, and desert Southwest regions. hybridizing with native species could Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, If introduced, the zander would likely result in irreversible changes to the Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, establish and spread as a consequence genetic structure of native species Italy, Portugal, Spain, and the United of its nature as a generalist predator, (Schwenk et al. 2008). Hybridization Kingdom (Rees 2012). ability to hybridize with multiple fish can reduce the fitness of a native species Potential Introduction and Spread species, extraordinary mobility, long life and, in some cases, has resulted in span (maximum 24 years) (Godard and drastic population declines leading to The wels catfish has not been Copp 2011), and proven invasiveness endangered classification and, in rare introduced to U.S. ecosystems. Potential outside of the native range. cases, extinction (Mooney and Cleland pathways of introduction include 2001). stocking for recreational fishing and Potential Impacts to Native Species aquaculture. This catfish species has (Including Endangered and Threatened Potential Impacts to Humans also been introduced for biocontrol of Species) We are not aware of any documented cyprinid species in Belgium and The zander may affect native fish reports of the zander being harmful to through the aquarium and pet trade species by outcompeting and preying on humans. (Rees 2012). Wels catfish were them, transferring pathogens to them, introduced as a biocontrol for cyprinid Potential Impacts to Agriculture and hybridizing with them. The zander fish in the Netherlands, where it became is a top-level predator and competes The zander may impact agriculture by invasive (Rees 2012). Once introduced, with other native piscivorous fish affecting aquaculture. This species is a this fish species can naturally disperse species. In Western Europe, increased vector for the trematode parasite to connected waterways. competition from introduced zanders Bucephalus polymorphus (Poulet et al. The wels catfish prefers a temperate resulted in population declines of native 2009), which has been linked to climate. This species inhabits a variety northern pike and European perch decreased native cyprinid populations of freshwater and brackish (Linfield and Rikards 1979). If in France (Lambert 1997, Kvach and environments. This species has an introduced to the United States, the Mierzejewska 2011). This parasite may overall high climate match with a zander is projected to compete with infect and harm native U.S. cyprinid Climate 6 ratio of 0.302. High climate native top-level predators such as the species involved in the aquaculture matches occur in the Great Lakes, closely related walleye (Sander vitreus), industry. western mountain States, West Coast, sauger (Sander canadensis), and Factors That Reduce or Remove and southern Alaska. All other regions northern pike. Injuriousness for Zander had a medium or low climate match. The zander is a piscivorous predator If introduced, the wels catfish is likely with a diet that includes juvenile smelt, Control to establish and spread. This species is ruffe, European perch, vendace, roach, An established population of zanders a generalist predator and fast growing, and other zanders (Kangur and Kangur would be both difficult (if not with proven invasiveness outside of the 1998). The zander also feeds on juvenile impossible) and costly to control native range. Additionally, this species brown trout and Atlantic salmon (Jepsen (Godard and Copp 2011). In the United has a long life span (15 to 30 years, et al. 2000; Koed et al. 2002). Increased Kingdom (North Oxford Canal), maximum of 80 years) (Kottelat and predation on juvenile and young fish electrofishing was unsuccessful at Freyhof 2007). This species has an disrupts the life cycle and reproductive eradicating localized populations of extremely high reproductive rate success. Decreased reproductive success zander (Smith et al. 1996). (30,000 eggs per kg of body weight), results in decreased populations (and with the maximum recorded at 700,000 sometimes extinction) (Crivelli 1995) of Potential Ecological Benefits for eggs (Copp et al. 2009). The wels catfish native fish species. If introduced, Introduction is highly adaptable to new warmwater predation by zander could decrease Zanders have been stocked for environments, including those with low native populations of cyprinids biomanipulation of small planktivorous dissolved oxygen levels (Rees 2012). (minnows, daces, and chub species), fish (cyprinid species) in a small, The invasive success of this species is salmonids (Atlantic salmon and species artificial impoundment in Germany to likely to be further enhanced by

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increases in water temperature expected native to Europe, the subfamily Potential Ecological Benefits for to occur with climate change (Rahel and Leuciscinae includes several native U.S. Introduction Olden 2008, Britton et al. 2010a). species, such as dace and shiner We are not aware of any documented species, which may be similar enough to Potential Impacts to Native Species ecological benefits for the introduction serve as prey for the catfish. of the wels catfish. (Including Threatened and Endangered Furthermore, because the roach can Species) hybridize with other fish species of the Factors That Contribute to The wels catfish may affect native subfamily Leuciscinae as stated above, Injuriousness for the Common Yabby species through outcompeting and and this subfamily includes several U.S. Current Nonnative Occurrences preying on native species, transferring native species, the roach will likely be diseases to them, and altering their able to hybridize with some U.S. native The common yabby has moved habitats. This catfish is a giant predatory species. throughout Australia, and its nonnative fish (maximum 5 m (16 ft), 306 kg (675 The wels catfish is a carrier of the range extends to New South Wales east lb)) (Copp et al. 2009; Rees 2012) that virus that causes SVC and may transmit of the Great Dividing Range, Western will likely compete with other top this virus to native fish (Hickley and Australia, and Tasmania. This crayfish trophic-level, native predatory fish for Chare 2004). The spread of SVC can species was introduced to Western both food and habitat resources. Stable deplete native fish stocks and disrupt Australia in 1932, for commercial isotope analysis, which assesses the the ecosystem food web. SVC farming for food from where it escaped isotopes of carbon and nitrogen from transmission would further compound and established in rivers and irrigation food sources and consumers to adverse effects of both competition and dams (Souty-Grosset et al. 2006). determine trophic level cycling, predation by adding disease to already- Outside of Australia, this species has suggests that the wels catfish has the stressed native fish. been introduced to China, South Africa, same trophic position as the northern Additionally, this catfish species Zambia, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland pike (Syva¨ranta et al. 2010). Thus, U.S. excretes large amounts of phosphorus (Gherardi 2011a) for aquaculture and native species at risk of competition and nitrogen to the freshwater fisheries (Gherardi 2011a). The first with the wels catfish are top predatory environment (Schaus et al. 1997, European introduction occurred in piscivores and may include species McIntyre et al. 2008). Excessive nutrient 1983, when common yabbies were such as the northern pike, walleye, and input can disrupt nutrient cycling and transferred from a California farm to a sauger. Additionally, the wels catfish transport (Bouleˆtreau et al. 2011) that pond in Girona, Catalonia (Spain) can be territorial and unwilling to share can result in increased eutrophication, (Souty-Grosset et al. 2006). This crayfish habitat with other fish (Copp et al. increased frequency of algal blooms, species became established in Spain 2009). and decreased dissolved oxygen levels. after repeated introduction to the Typically utilizing an ambush These decreases in water quality can Zaragoza Province in 1984 and 1985 technique but also known to be an affect both native fish and mollusks. (Souty-Grosset et al. 2006). opportunistic scavenger (Copp et al. Potential Impacts to Humans 2009), the wels catfish are generalist Potential Introduction and Spread predators and may consume native There are anecdotal reports of The common yabby has not invertebrates, fish, crayfish, eels, small exceptionally large wels catfish biting or established a wild population with the mammals, birds (Copp et al. 2009), and dragging people into the water, as well United States. Souty-Grosset et al. amphibians (Rees 2012). In France, the as reports of a human body in a wels (2006) indicated that the first stomach contents of wels catfish catfish’s stomach, although it is not introduction of the common yabby to revealed a preference for cyprinid fish, known if the person was attacked or Europe occurred with a shipment from mollusks, and crayfish (Syva¨ranta et al. scavenged after drowning (Der Standard a California farm. However, there is no 2010). Birds, amphibians, and small 2009; Stephens 2013; National recent information that indicates that mammals also contributed to the diet of Geographic 2014). However, we have no the common yabby is present or these catfish (Copp et al. 2009). This documentation to confirm harm to established in the wild within species has been observed beaching humans. California. Primary pathways of itself to prey on land birds on a river Potential Impacts to Agriculture introduction include importation for bank (Cucherousset 2012). Native aquaculture, aquariums, bait, and cyprinid fish potentially affected The wels catfish could impact research. Once it is found in the wild, include native chub, dace, and minnow agriculture by affecting aquaculture. The the yabby can disperse on its own in fish species, some of which are federally wels catfish may transmit the fish water or on land. endangered or threatened. Native disease SVC to other cyprinids (Hickley The common yabby prefers a tropical freshwater mollusks and amphibians and Chare 2004, Goodwin 2009). An climate but tolerates a wide range of may also be affected, some of which are SVC outbreak could result in mass water temperatures from 1 to 35 °C (34 also federally endangered or threatened. mortalities among farmed fish stocks at to 95 °F) (Withnall 2000). This crayfish Increased predation on native cyprinids, an aquaculture facility. can also tolerate both freshwater and mollusks, crustaceans, and amphibians Factors That Reduce or Remove brackish environments with a wide can result in decreased species diversity Injuriousness for Wels Catfish range of dissolved oxygen and increased food web disruption. concentrations (Mills and Geddes 1980). The predatory nature of the wels Control The overall climate match was high, catfish may also lead to species An invasive wels catfish population with a Climate 6 ratio of 0.209 with a extirpation (local extinction) or the would be difficult, if not impossible, to high climate match to the central extinction of native species. In Lake control or manage (Rees 2012). We Appalachians and Texas. Bushko (Bosnia), the wels catfish is know of no effective methods of control If introduced, the common yabby is linked to the extirpation of the once this species is introduced because likely to establish and spread within endangered minnow-nase of its ability to spread into connected U.S. waters. This crayfish species is a (Chondrostoma phoxinus) (Froese and waterways, high reproductive rate, true diet generalist with a diet of plant Pauly 2014). Although nase species are generalist diet, and longevity. material, detritus, and zooplankton that

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varies with seasonality and availability macroinvertebrates and fish may reduce The common yabby digs deep (Beatty 2005). Additionally, this species populations to levels that are unable to burrows (Withnall 2000). This has a quick growth (Beatty 2005) and sustain a reproducing population. burrowing behavior has eroded and maturity rate, high reproductive rate, Reduced populations or the collapsed banks at some waterbodies and history of invasiveness outside of disappearance of certain native species (Withnall 2000). Increased erosion or the native range. The invasive range of further alters trophic level cycling. For bank collapse results in increased the common yabby is expected to instance, species of freshwater snails are sedimentation, which increases expand with climate change (Gherardi food sources for numerous aquatic turbidity and decreases water quality. 2011a). The yabby can also hide for animals (fish, turtles) and also may be Potential Impacts to Humans years in burrows up to 5 m (16.4 ft) deep used as an indicator of good water during droughts, thus essentially being quality (Johnson 2009). However, in the The common yabby’s burrowing invisible to anyone looking to survey or past century, more than 500 species of behavior undermines levees, berms, and control them (NSW DPI 2015). North American freshwater snails have earthen dams. Weakened levees, berms, and dams could result in problems and Potential Impacts to Native Species become extinct or are considered delays involving water delivery (Including Endangered and Threatened vulnerable, threatened, or endangered Species) by the American Fisheries Society infrastructure. This could be a particular (Johnson et al. 2014). The most problem in southern Louisiana or the Potential impacts to native species substantial population declines have Everglades, where levees and berms are from the common yabby include occurred in the southeastern United major features for flood control. outcompeting native species for habitat States (Johnson 2009), where the Several crayfish species, including the and food resources, preying on native common yabby has a medium to high common yabby, can live in species, transmitting disease, and climate match. Introductions of the contaminated waters and accumulate altering habitat. Competition between common yabby could further exacerbate high heavy metal contaminants within crayfish species is often decided by population declines of snail species. their tissues (King et al. 1999, Khan and body size and chelae (pincer claw) size In laboratory simulations, this Nugegoda 2003, Gherardi 2010, (Lynas 2007, Gherardi 2011a). The crayfish species also exhibited Gherardi 2011b). The contaminants can common yabby has large chelae (Austin aggressive and predatory behavior then pass on to humans if they eat these and Knott 1996) and quick growth rate toward turtle hatchlings (Bradsell et al. crayfish. Heavy metals vary in toxicity (Beatty 2005), allowing this species to to humans, ranging from no or little outcompete smaller, native crayfish 2002). These results spurred concern about potential aggressive and predatory effect to causing skin irritations, species. This crayfish species will reproductive failure, organ failure, exhibit aggressive behavior toward other interactions in Western Australia between the invasive common yabby cancer, and death (Hu 2002, Martin and crayfish species (Gherardi 2011a). In Griswold 2009). Therefore, the common laboratory studies, the common yabby and that country’s endangered western swamp turtle (Pseudemydura umbrina) yabby may directly impact human successfully evicted the smooth marron health by transferring metal (Cherax cainii) and gilgie (Cherax (Bradsell et al. 2002). There are six freshwater turtle species that are contaminants through consumption quinquecarinatus) crayfish species from (Gherardi 2010). their burrows (Lynas et al. 2007). Thus, federally listed in the United States introduced common yabbies may (USFWS Draft Environmental Potential Impacts to Agriculture compete with native crustaceans for Assessment 2015), all within the yabby’s medium or high climate match. The common yabby may affect burrowing space and, once established, agriculture by decreasing aquaculture aggressively defend their territory. The common yabby is susceptible to the crayfish plague (Aphanomyces productivity. The common yabby can be The common yabby consumes a host to a variety of diseases and similar diet to other crayfish species, astaci), which affects European crayfish parasitic infections, including the resulting in competition over food stocks (Souty-Grosset et al. 2006). North crayfish plague, burn spot disease, resources. However, unlike most other American crayfish are known to be Psorospermium sp., and thelohaniasis crayfish species, the common yabby chronic, unaffected carriers of the (Jones and Lawrence 2001, Souty- switches to an herbivorous, detritus diet crayfish plague (Souty-Grosset et al. Grosset et al. 2006). These diseases and when preferred prey is unavailable 2006). The common yabby can carry parasitic infections can infect other (Beatty 2006). This prey-switching other diseases and parasites, including crayfish species (Vogt 1999) resulting in allows the common yabby to burn spot disease Psorospermium sp. impaired physiological functions and outcompete native species (Beatty (Jones and Lawrence 2001), Cherax death. Crayfish species (such as red 2006). If introduced, the common yabby destructor bacilliform virus (Edgerton et swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii)) could affect macroinvertebrate richness, al. 2002), Cherax destructor systemic are involved in commercial aquaculture remove surface sediment deposits parvo-like virus (Edgerton et al. 2002), and increased incidence of death and resulting in increased benthic algae and Pleistophora sp. microsporidian disease would reduce this industry’s compete with native crayfish species for (Edgerton et al. 2002), Thelohania sp. productivity and value. food, space, and shelter (Beatty 2006). (Jones and Lawrence 2001, Edgerton et Forty-eight percent of U.S. native al. 2002, Moodie et al. 2003), Vavraia Factors That Reduce or Remove crayfish are considered imperiled parastacida (Edgerton et al. 2002), Injuriousness for the Common Yabby (Taylor et al. 2007, Johnson et al. 2013). Microphallus minutus (Edgerton et al. Control The yabby’s preference for small fishes, 2002), Polymorphus biziurae (Edgerton such as eastern mosquitofish Gambusia et al. 2002), and many others (Jones and In Europe, two nonnative populations holbrooki (Beatty 2006), could imply a Lawrence 2001, Longshaw 2011). If of the common yabby have been potential threat to small native fishes. introduced, the common yabby could eradicated by introducing the crayfish The common yabby eats plant spread these diseases among native plague. Since this plague is not known detritus, algae and macroinvertebrates crayfish species, resulting in decreased to affect North American crayfish (such as snails) and small fish (Beatty populations and changes in ecosystem species, this may be effective against an 2006). Increased predation pressure on cycling. introduced common yabby population

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(Souty-Grosset et al. 2006). However, and high Plains, West Coast, and has negative impacts on agriculture by this control method is not southern Alaska. If introduced, the affecting aquaculture; and because it recommended because it would Eurasian minnow is likely to spread and would be difficult to prevent, eradicate, introduce disease into the environment establish due to its traits as a habitat or reduce established populations, and has the potential to mutate and generalist, generalist predator, control the spread of the Prussian carp harm native crayfish. Control measures adaptability to new environments, to new locations, or recover ecosystems that would harm native wildlife are not increased reproductive potential, long affected by this species, the Service recommended as mitigation to reduce life span, extraordinary mobility, social finds the Prussian carp to be injurious the injurious characteristics of this nature, and proven invasiveness outside to agriculture and to wildlife and species and therefore do not meet of its native range. wildlife resources of the United States. Since the Eurasian minnow is likely control measures under the Injurious Roach Wildlife Evaluation Criteria. to escape or be released into the wild; is able to survive and establish outside The roach is highly likely to survive Potential Ecological Benefits for of its native range; is successful at in the United States. This fish species Introduction expanding its range; has negative prefers a temperate climate and has a We are not aware of any potential impacts of competition, predation, and current range (native and nonnative) ecological benefits for introduction of disease transmission on native wildlife throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, the common yabby. (including endangered and threatened Morocco, and Madagascar. The roach species); has negative impacts on has a high climate match to southern Conclusions for the 11 Species humans by reducing wildlife diversity and central Alaska, regions of Crucian Carp and the benefits that nature provides; Washington, the Great Lakes region, and has negative impacts on agriculture by western mountain States, and a medium The crucian carp is highly likely to affecting aquaculture; and because it climate match to most of the United survive in the United States. This fish would be difficult to prevent, eradicate, States. If introduced, the roach is likely species prefers a temperate climate and or reduce established populations, to spread and establish due to its highly has a native range that extends through control the spread of the Eurasian adaptive nature toward habitat and diet north and central Europe. The crucian minnow to new locations, or recover choice, high reproductive rate, ability to carp has a high climate match ecosystems affected by this species, the reproduce with other cyprinid species, throughout much of the continental Service finds the Eurasian minnow to be long life span, extraordinary mobility, United States, Hawaii, and southern injurious to agriculture and to wildlife and proven invasiveness outside of its Alaska. If introduced, the crucian carp and wildlife resources of the United native range. is likely to spread and become States. Since the roach is likely to escape or established due to its ability as a habitat be released into the wild; is able to generalist, diet generalist, and Prussian Carp survive and establish outside of its adaptability to new environments, long The Prussian carp is highly likely to native range; is successful at spreading life span, and proven invasiveness survive in the United States. This fish its range; has negative impacts of outside of its native range. species prefers a temperate climate and competition, predation, hybridization, Since the crucian carp is likely to has a current range (native and altered habitat resources, and disease escape or be released into the wild; is nonnative) that extends throughout transmission on native wildlife able to survive and establish outside of Eurasia. In the United States, the (including endangered and threatened its native range; is successful at Prussian carp has a high climate match species); has negative impacts on spreading its range; has negative to the Great Lakes region, central Plains, humans by reducing wildlife diversity impacts of competition, hybridization, western mountain States, and and the benefits that nature provides; and disease transmission on native California. This fish species has a has negative impacts on agriculture by wildlife (including endangered and medium climate match to much of the affecting aquaculture; and because it threatened species); has negative continental United States, southern would be difficult to prevent, eradicate, impacts on humans by reducing wildlife Alaska, and regions of Hawaii. Prussian or reduce established populations, diversity and the benefits that nature carp have already established in control the spread of the roach to new provides; has negative impacts on southern Canada near the U.S. border, locations, or recover ecosystems affected agriculture by affecting aquaculture; and validating the climate match in northern by this species, the Service finds the because it would be difficult to prevent, regions. If introduced, the Prussian carp roach to be injurious to agriculture and eradicate, or reduce established is likely to spread and establish due to to wildlife and wildlife resources of the populations, control the spread of its tolerance to poor quality United States. crucian carp to new locations, or environments, rapid growth rate, ability recover ecosystems affected by this to reproduce from unfertilized eggs, and Stone Moroko species, the Service finds the crucian proven invasiveness outside of its native The stone moroko is highly likely to carp to be injurious to agriculture and range. survive in the United States. This fish to wildlife and wildlife resources of the Since the Prussian carp is likely to species prefers a temperate climate and United States. escape or be released into the wild; is has a current range (native and able to survive and establish outside of nonnative) throughout Eurasia, Algeria, Eurasian Minnow its native range; is successful at and Fiji. The stone moroko has a high The Eurasian minnow is highly likely spreading its range; has negative climate match to the southeast United to survive in the United States. This fish impacts of competition, habitat States, Great Lakes region, central species prefers a temperate climate and alteration, hybridization, and disease Plains, northern Texas, desert has a current range (native and transmission on native wildlife Southwest, and West Coast. If nonnative) throughout Eurasia. In the (including threatened and endangered introduced, the stone moroko is likely to United States, the Eurasian minnow has species); has negative impacts on spread and establish due to its traits as a high climate match to the Great Lakes humans by reducing wildlife diversity a habitat generalist, diet generalist, region, coastal New England, central and the benefits that nature provides; rapid growth rate, adaptability to new

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environments, extraordinary mobility, Amur Sleeper able to survive and establish outside of high reproductive rate, high genetic The Amur sleeper is highly likely to its native range; is successful at variability, and proven invasiveness survive in the United States. Although spreading its range; has negative outside of its native range. this fish species native range only impacts of competition, predation, and disease transmission on native wildlife Since the stone moroko is likely to includes the freshwaters of China, (including endangered and threatened escape or be released into the wild; is Russia, North and South Korea, the species); has negative impacts on able to survive and establish outside of species has a broad invasive range that extends throughout much of Eurasia. humans by reducing wildlife diversity its native range; is successful at and the benefits that nature provides; The Amur sleeper has a high climate spreading its range; has negative has negative impacts on agriculture by match to the Great Lakes region, central impacts of competition, predation, affecting aquaculture; and because it and high plains, western mountain disease transmission, and habitat would be difficult to prevent, eradicate, States, Maine, northern New Mexico, alteration on native wildlife (including or reduce established populations, and southeast to central Alaska. If threatened and endangered species); has control the spread of the European introduced, the Amur sleeper is likely to negative impacts on humans by perch to new locations, or recover spread and establish due to its nature as reducing wildlife diversity and the ecosystems affected by this species, the a habitat generalist, generalist predator, benefits that nature provides; has Service finds the European perch to be rapid growth rate, high reproductive negative impacts on agriculture by injurious to agriculture and to wildlife affecting aquaculture; and because it potential, adaptability to new and wildlife resources of the United would be difficult to prevent, eradicate, environments, extraordinary mobility, States. or reduce established populations, and history of invasiveness outside of Zander control the spread of the stone moroko its native range. Considering the Amur sleeper’s past to new locations, or recover ecosystems The zander is highly likely to survive history of being released into the wild; affected by this species, the Service in the United States. This fish species ability to survive and establish outside finds the stone moroko to be injurious prefers a temperate climate and has a of its native range; success at spreading to agriculture and to wildlife and current range (native and nonnative) its range; negative impacts of wildlife resources of the United States. throughout Europe, Asia, and northern competition, predation, and disease Africa. In the United States, the zander Nile Perch transmission on native wildlife has a high climate match to the Great (including endangered and threatened Lakes region, northern Plains, western The Nile perch is highly likely to species); negative impacts on humans mountain States, and Pacific Northwest. survive in the United States. This fish by reducing wildlife diversity and the Medium climate matches extend from species is a tropical invasive and its benefits that nature provides; negative southern Alaska, western mountain current range (native and nonnative) impacts on agriculture by affecting States, central Plains, and mid-Atlantic, includes central Africa. In the United aquaculture; and because it would be and New England regions. If introduced, States, the Nile perch has an overall difficult to prevent, eradicate, or reduce the zander is likely to spread and medium climate match to the United established populations, control the establish due to its nature as a generalist States. However, this fish species has a spread of the Amur sleeper to new predator, ability to hybridize with other high climate match to the Southeast, locations, or recover ecosystems affected fish species, extraordinary mobility, California, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the by this species, the Service finds the long life span, and proven invasive U.S. Virgin Islands. If introduced, the Amur sleeper to be injurious to outside of its native range. Nile perch is likely to spread and agriculture and to wildlife and wildlife Since the zander is likely to escape or establish due to its nature as a habitat resources of the United States. be released into the wild; is able to generalist, generalist predator, long life European Perch survive and establish outside of its span, quick growth rate, high native range; is successful at spreading reproductive rate, extraordinary The European perch is highly likely to its range; has negative impacts of mobility, and proven invasiveness survive in the United States. This fish competition, predation, parasite outside of its native range. species prefers a temperate climate and transmission, and hybridization with has a current range (native and Since the Nile perch is likely to native wildlife; has negative impacts on nonnative) throughout Europe, Asia, humans by reducing wildlife diversity escape or be released into the wild; is Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the benefits that nature provides; able to survive and establish outside of and Morocco. In the United States, the has negative impacts on agriculture by its native range; is successful at European perch has a medium to high affecting aquaculture; and because it spreading its range; has negative climate match to the majority of the would be difficult to prevent, eradicate, impacts of competition, predation, and United States except the desert or reduce established populations, habitat alteration on native wildlife Southwest. This species has especially control the spread of the zander to new (including endangered and threatened high climate matches in the southeast locations, or recover ecosystems affected species); has negative impacts on United States, Great Lakes region, by this species, the Service finds the humans by reducing wildlife diversity central to southern Texas, western zander to be injurious to agriculture and and the benefits that nature provides mountain States, and southern to central to wildlife and wildlife resources of the (including through fisheries); and Alaska. If introduced, the European United States. because it would be difficult to prevent, perch is likely to spread and establish eradicate, or reduce established due to its nature as a generalist predator, Wels Catfish populations, control the spread of the ability to adapt to new environments, The wels catfish is highly likely to Nile perch to new locations, or recover ability to outcompete native species, survive to survive in the United States. ecosystems affected by this species, the and proven invasiveness outside of its This fish species prefers a temperate Service finds the Nile perch to be native range. climate and has a current range (native injurious to the interests of wildlife and Since the European perch is likely to and nonnative) throughout Europe, wildlife resources of the United States. escape or be released into the wild; is Asia, and northern Africa. This fish

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species has a high climate match to finds the wels catfish to be injurious to crayfish with heavy metal much of the United States. Very high agriculture and to wildlife and wildlife bioaccumulation and by reducing climate matches occur in the Great resources of the United States. wildlife diversity and the benefits that Lakes region, western mountain States, Common yabby nature provides; has negative impacts and the West Coast. If introduced, the on agriculture by affecting aquaculture; wels catfish is likely to spread and The common yabby is highly likely to and because it would be difficult to establish due to its traits as a generalist survive in the United States. This prevent, eradicate, or reduce established predator, quick growth rate, long life crustacean species prefers a tropical populations, control the spread of the span, high reproductive rate, climate and has a current range (native common yabby to new locations, or adaptability to new environments, and and nonnative) that extends to recover ecosystems affected by this proven invasiveness outside of its native Australia, Europe, China, South Africa, species, the Service finds the common and Zambia. The common yabby has a range. yabby to be injurious to humans, to the high climate match to the eastern Since the wels catfish is likely to interests of agriculture, and to wildlife United States, Texas, regions of escape or be released into the wild; is and the wildlife resources of the United Washington, and regions of southern able to survive and establish outside of States. its native range; is successful at Alaska. If introduced, the common spreading its range; has negative yabby is likely to spread and establish Summary of Injurious Wildlife Factors impacts of competition, predation, due to its traits as a diet generalist, disease transmission, and habitat quick growth rate, high reproductive The Service used the injurious alteration on native wildlife (including rate, and proven invasiveness outside of wildlife evaluation criteria (see endangered and threatened species); has its native range. Injurious Wildlife Evaluation Criteria) negative impacts on humans by Since the common yabby is likely to and found that all of the 11 species are reducing wildlife diversity and the escape or be released into the wild; is injurious to wildlife and wildlife benefits that nature provides; has able to survive and establish outside of resources of the United States, 10 are negative impacts on agriculture by its native range; is successful at injurious to agriculture, and the yabby affecting aquaculture; and because it spreading its range; has negative is injurious to humans. Because all 11 would be difficult to prevent, eradicate, impacts of competition, predation, and species are injurious, the Service or reduce established populations, disease transmission on native wildlife proposes to add these 11 species to the control the spread of the wels catfish to (including endangered and threatened list of injurious wildlife under the Act. new locations, or recover ecosystems species); has negative impacts on The table shows a summary of the affected by this species, the Service humans through consumption of evaluation criteria for the 11 species.

TABLE: SUMMARY OF INJURIOUS WILDLIFE EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR 11 SPECIES

Factors that contribute to Factors that reduce the being considered injurious likelihood of being injurious Species Nonnative Potential for Impacts to Direct Impacts to Ecological introduction native impacts to Control 3 benefits for occurrences agriculture 2 and spread species 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. 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 ...... Yes ...... 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.

Required Determinations nation’s regulatory system to promote open exchange of ideas. We have predictability, to reduce uncertainty, developed this rule in a manner Regulatory Planning and Review and to use the best, most innovative, consistent with these principles. Executive Order 12866 provides that and least burdensome tools for Regulatory Flexibility Act the Office of Information and Regulatory achieving regulatory ends. The Affairs (OIRA) in the Office of executive order directs agencies to Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act Management and Budget will review all consider regulatory approaches that (as amended by the Small Business significant rules. The Office of reduce burdens and maintain flexibility Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act Information and Regulatory Affairs has and freedom of choice for the public [SBREFA] of 1996) (5 U.S.C. 601, et determined that this rule is not where these approaches are relevant, seq.), whenever a Federal agency is significant. feasible, and consistent with regulatory required to publish a notice of Executive Order (E.O.) 13563 objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes rulemaking for any proposed or final reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866 further that the regulatory system must rule, it must prepare and make available while calling for improvements in the allow for public participation and an for public comment a regulatory

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flexibility analysis that describes the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act seq.), Department of the Interior NEPA effect of the rule on small entities (that The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act regulations (43 CFR 46), and the is, small businesses, small (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) does not apply to Departmental Manual in 516 DM 8. This organizations, and small government this proposed rule since it would not action is being taken to protect the jurisdictions). However, no regulatory produce a Federal mandate or have a natural resources of the United States. A flexibility analysis is required if the significant or unique effect on State, draft environmental assessment has head of an agency certifies that the rule local, or tribal governments or the been prepared and is available for would not have a significant economic private sector. review by written request (see FOR impact on a substantial number of small FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT) or at entities (5 U.S.C. 605(b)). Takings http://www.regulations.gov under The Service has determined that this In accordance with E.O. 12630 Docket No. FWS–HQ–FAC–2013–0095. proposed rule will not have a significant (Government Actions and Interference By adding the 11 species to the list of economic impact on a substantial with Constitutionally Protected Private injurious wildlife, the Service intends to number of small entities. Of the 11 Property Rights), the proposed rule does prevent their introduction and species, only one population of one not have significant takings establishment into the natural areas of species (zander) is found in the wild in implications. Therefore, a takings the United States, thus having no the United States. Of the 11 species, one implication assessment is not required significant impact on the human species (yabby) has evidence of being in since this rule would not impose environment. significant requirements or limitations negligible trade in the United States; Clarity of Rule three species (crucian carp, Nile perch, on private property use. In accordance with E.O. 12866 and and wels catfish) have been imported in Federalism only small numbers since 2011; and 12988 as well as the Presidential seven species are not in U.S. trade. In accordance with E.O. 13132 Memorandum of June 1, 1998, all rules Therefore, businesses derive little or no (Federalism), this proposed rule does must be written in plain language. This revenue from their sale, and the not have significant federalism effects. means that each published rulemaking economic effect in the United States of A federalism summary impact statement must: is not required since this rule would not (a) Be logically organized; this proposed rule would be negligible, (b) Use the active voice to address if not nil. The draft economic analysis have substantial direct effects on the States, in the relationship between the readers directly; that the Service prepared supports this (c) Use clear language rather than conclusion (USFWS Draft Economic Federal Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and jargon; Analysis 2015). In addition, none of the (d) Be divided into short sections and species requires control efforts, and the responsibilities among the various levels of government. sentences; rule would not impose any additional (e) Use lists and tables wherever reporting or recordkeeping Civil Justice Reform possible. requirements. Therefore, we certify that, In accordance with E.O. 12988, the If you feel that this proposed rule has if made final as proposed, this Office of the Solicitor has determined not met these requirements, send rulemaking would not have a significant that this proposed rule does not unduly comments by one of the methods listed economic effect on small entities, as burden the judicial system and meets in the ADDRESSES section. This will defined under the Regulatory Flexibility the requirements of sections 3(a) and better help to revise the rulemaking and Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). 3(b)(2) of the E.O. The rulemaking has comments should be as specific as Small Business Regulatory Enforcement been reviewed to eliminate drafting possible. For example, comments Fairness Act errors and ambiguity, was written to should include the numbers of sections minimize litigation, provides a clear or paragraphs that are unclearly written, The proposed rule is not a major legal standard for affected conduct which sections or sentences are too rulemaking under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the rather than a general standard, and long, and the sections that should Small Business Regulatory Enforcement promotes simplification and burden include lists or tables. Fairness Act. This proposed rule: reduction. Government-to-Government a. Would not have an annual effect on Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 Relationship With Tribes the economy of $100 million or more. In accordance with the President’s b. Would not cause a major increase This proposed rule does not contain any collections of information that memorandum of April 29, 1994, in costs or prices for consumers; Government-to-Government Relations individual industries; Federal, State, or require approval by OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 with Native American Tribal local government agencies; or Governments of the Interior’s manual at geographic regions. U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). This proposed rule will not impose recordkeeping or 512 DM 2, we readily acknowledge our c. Would not have significant adverse reporting requirements on State or local responsibility to communicate effects on competition, employment, governments, individuals, businesses, or meaningfully with recognized Federal investment, productivity, innovation, or organizations. We may not conduct or tribes on a government-to-government the ability of U.S.-based enterprise to sponsor and a person is not required to basis. In accordance with Secretarial compete with foreign-based enterprises. respond to a collection of information Order 3206 of June 5, 1997 (American The 11 species are not currently in unless it displays a currently valid OMB Indian Tribal Rights, Federal-Tribal trade or have been imported in only control number. Trust Responsibilities, and the small numbers since 2011, when we Endangered Species Act), we readily specifically began to query the trade National Environmental Policy Act acknowledge our responsibilities to data for these species. Therefore, there The Service has reviewed this work directly with tribes in developing should be a negligible effect, if any, to proposed rule in accordance with the programs for healthy ecosystems, to small businesses with this proposed criteria of the National Environmental acknowledge that tribal lands are not rule. Policy Act (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et subject to the same controls as Federal

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public lands, to remain sensitive to Authors (C) Hypophthalmichthys harmandi Indian culture, and to make information (largescale silver carp). The primary authors of this proposed (D) Hypophthalmichthys molitrix available to tribes. We have evaluated rule are the staff of the Branch of (silver carp). potential effects on federally recognized Aquatic Invasive Species at the Indian tribes and have determined that (E) Hypophthalmichthys nobilis Service’s Headquarters (see FOR FURTHER there are no potential effects. This (bighead carp). INFORMATION CONTACT). proposed rule involves the prevention (F) Mylopharyngodon piceus (black of importation and interstate transport List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 16 carp). of 10 live fish species and 1 crayfish, as Fish, Imports, Reporting and (G) Phoxinus phoxinus (Eurasian well as their gametes, viable eggs, or recordkeeping requirements, minnow). hybrids, that are not native to the Transportation, Wildlife. (H) Pseudorasbora parva (stone United States. We are unaware of trade moroko). in these species by tribes as these Proposed Regulation Promulgation (I) Rutilus rutilus (roach). species are not currently in U.S. trade, For the reasons discussed within the (vi) Any live fish, gametes, viable or they have been imported in only preamble, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife eggs, or hybrids of Lates niloticus (Nile small numbers since 2011. Service proposes to amend part 16, perch), family Centropomidae. (vii) Any live fish, gametes, viable Effects on Energy subchapter B of chapter I, title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as follows: eggs, or hybrids of Perccottus glenii On May 18, 2001, the President issued (Amur sleeper), family Odontobutidae. Executive Order 13211 on regulations PART 16—INJURIOUS WILDLIFE (viii) Any live fish, gametes, viable that significantly affect energy supply, eggs, or hybrids of the following species ■ distribution, or use. Executive Order 1. The authority citation for part 16 in family Percidae: (A) Perca fluviatilis (European perch). 13211 requires agencies to prepare continues to read as follows: (B) Sander lucioperca (zander). Statements of Energy Effects when Authority: 18 U.S.C. 42. (ix) Any live fish, gametes, viable undertaking certain actions. This ■ 2. Amend § 16.13 by revising eggs, or hybrids of Silurus glanis (wels proposed rule is not expected to affect paragraph (a)(2)(v) and by adding catfish), family Siluridae. energy supplies, distribution, or use. paragraphs (a)(2)(vi) through (x). The (x) Any live crustacean, gametes, Therefore, this action is not a significant revision and additions read as follows: viable eggs, or hybrids of Cherax energy action and no Statement of destructor (common yabby), family Energy Effects is required. § 16.13 Importation of live or dead fish, mollusks, and crustaceans, or their eggs. Parastacidae. References Cited (a) * * * * * * * * A complete list of all references used (2) * * * Dated: September 30, 2015. in this rulemaking is available from (v) Any live fish, gametes, viable eggs, Michael J. Bean http://www.regulations.gov under or hybrids of the following species in Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish Docket No. FWS–HQ–FAC–2013–0095 family Cyprinidae: and Wildlife and Parks. or from http://www.fws.gov/ (A) Carassius carassius (crucian carp). [FR Doc. 2015–27366 Filed 10–29–15; 8:45 am] injuriouswildlife/. (B) Carassius gibelio (Prussian carp). BILLING CODE 4333–15–P

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