Black Carp: Biological Synopsis and Risk Assessment of an Introduced Fish Review by: Wendell R. Haag Journal of the North American Benthological Society, Vol. 27, No. 3 (September 2008), pp. 800-802 Published by: Society for Freshwater Science Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1899/27.3.BR.800.1 . Accessed: 05/08/2014 14:00

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This content downloaded from 158.135.136.72 on Tue, 5 Aug 2014 14:00:16 PM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions J. N. Am. Benthol. Soc., 2008, 27(3):800–804 Ó 2008 by The North American Benthological Society DOI: 10.1899/27.3.BR.800.1 Published online: 5 August 2008

BOOK REVIEWS

Black carp: biological synopsis and risk assessment published. The book’s strong and well-supported of an introduced fish. Leo G. Nico, James D. conclusion that black carp represents a high-risk Williams, and Howard L. Jelks. ISBN 1-888569-68– species, coupled with assessment of the potential 9. American Fisheries Society, Special Publications benefit of the species were surely instrumental in this 32, 5410 Grosvenor Lane, Suite 110, Bethesda, decision. The book will continue to be an important Maryland 20814-2199 USA. 2005. 337 pp. $60.00 resource as states consider mitigation or restrictive (hard cover). measures within their own borders. The black carp is a rare example of an introduced organism for which Black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) is one of the meaningful control measures have been enacted before latest and scariest in a seemingly never-ending it was too late to at least contain the problem. succession of nonnative fishes appearing in North Therefore, a thorough risk assessment of black carp America. Black carp will be of particular interest to at this time is timely and important. readers of J-NABS because it is a large fish (.1 m) that Despite the importance of the risk assessment, I is specialized for feeding on mollusks. Black carp have suspect readers of J-NABS will be interested primarily the potential to alter food webs radically by eliminat- in the sections dealing with ecology of black carp— ing or reducing grazers (snails) and filter feeders especially Chapters 5 (‘‘Native Geographic Distribu- (bivalves) and to drive the final nail into the coffins of tion’’), 6 (‘‘Biology and Natural History’’), 7 (‘‘Diet and many imperiled freshwater mussels and snails that are Gape Size’’), 14 (‘‘Native Mollusks and black carp’’), near extinction. Black carp arrived in North America and 15 (‘‘Potential Geographic Range’’ [in North courtesy of the aquaculture industry to control the America]). The first 3 of these chapters are the most intermediate host (snails) of flukes that parasitize informative and present previous work on black carp several commercially grown fish species. or related species. Most papers on black carp were The authors’ objectives were to compile biological published in Chinese and Russian, and many are .25 information on black carp and use it to assess the risks y old. These sources are difficult to obtain (in some associated with its introduction and establishment in cases, impossible), and these languages present the North America. About ½ of the 17 chapters deal with additional challenge of accurate translation, such that black carp ecology and the other ½ deal with issues the original meaning is often difficult to interpret. related to the risk and potential impacts (good and These difficulties are compounded by the often bad) of this species in North America. The chapters on incomplete or vague description of methods and risk assessment, parasites and parasite control in results in these papers. The authors are to be aquaculture, and other sections read like a government commended for their thoroughness and tenacity in agency report. Indeed, the book was adapted and wading through this material, providing caveats expanded from 2 versions of a report prepared where necessary, and pointing out potential inaccura- previously (Nico and Williams 1996, Nico et al. 2001) cies or errors. These efforts are responsible for perhaps for the Risk Assessment and Management Committee the most important achievement of the book: making of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force, and this obscure body of information accessible to North published by the US Geological Survey. American researchers. A risk assessment might seem to be a moot exercise The authors provide relatively undigested summa- if the fish already has been introduced, but it remains ries of previous studies so readers will have access to uncertain whether individuals present in the wild as much of the material as possible and can draw their represent established, reproducing populations. Fur- own conclusions. I agree that this manner of presen- thermore, the degree to which existing populations can tation was appropriate to some extent, but this style be contained depends on how the use and transport of can result in sections of long, tedious text. For this fish is regulated in the future. Black carp was example, .½ of a page is devoted to recounting the recently listed as an injurious species under the federal various ways in which 13 different papers described Lacey Act (in October 2007), a status that prohibits the fish as having a black back and a white belly importation and interstate transportation of the spe- (Chapter 4). This section is followed by .1 page cies; the decision was pending when this book was reporting, study by study, that fish reach .1.5 m in 800

This content downloaded from 158.135.136.72 on Tue, 5 Aug 2014 14:00:16 PM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions 2008] BOOK REVIEWS 801 length and 70 kg in mass. It is easy enough to skip over think that the potential cascading effects of this fish on these sections, but some reduction of material was food webs were downplayed or given short shrift. warranted. Several pages are devoted to ways to Otherwise, the book is fairly comprehensive. distinguish black carp from the similar grass carp Some readers will be disappointed by the lack of (Ctenopharyngodon idella), but a concise summary of solid conclusions drawn about many aspects of black diagnostic characters in a short table or key would carp ecology. For example, it is unclear how effective have been very useful. Nevertheless, it is appropriate black carp are in controlling snails in aquaculture to present the raw material here, and it does give the ponds (Chapter 13), and it is difficult to assess whether reader a sense of what the authors must have suffered black carp really are dependent on mollusks or can through to produce this book. exist solely on other food items (Chapter 7). In some The book also can be difficult to read because it cases, the authors reached conclusions that appeared seems to have been edited only minimally. This book difficult to defend. Despite the uncertainty about the was adapted from a technical report but it could have ability of black carp to control mollusks in ponds, the been adapted more thoroughly. Redundancy among authors later seemed to accept as fact black carp’s chapters is extensive. For example, the same informa- ability to reduce or eliminate mollusks in the wild tion on spawning site characteristics is presented in at (Chapter 14). Elsewhere, conclusions can be so broad least 3 places (Chapters 6 and 15 [appears twice here]). as to be unsatisfying: ‘‘Available information on black The extent of redundant presentation of information is carp and data on related species indicate that black reflected by the number of sentences that begin with carp have the potential to survive almost anywhere in phrases like ‘‘As discussed previously’’ or ‘‘As noted the United States where there is suitable habitat and earlier’’; I counted 7 such phrases within 15 pages that food resources’’ (Chapter 15). But again, the authors I selected haphazardly throughout the book. The book have made the wise choice of presenting much of the could have been reduced in length by as much as ½ information in an undigested form. After wading had the authors used a more economical organization through this material themselves, readers will easily and streamlined awkward and wordy construction. sympathize with the near impossibility of making However, these stylistic problems detract only from the readability of the text and do not detract from the many solid conclusions. These uncertainties highlight quality and quantity of information presented in the how shockingly little we really know about this fish in book. either its native or introduced range. The book covers most of the important topics on For people interested in black carp, this book will be black carp and presents some interesting original indispensable. The $60.00 price might seem high analyses. The analysis of gape size and size of North (especially considering the redundancy found American mollusks (Chapter 14) is well done and throughout in the book), but it is a bargain when one shows the proportion of the North American fauna considers the cost and aggravation of finding the that is vulnerable to predation by this fish (answer: original literature and having it translated. In addition nearly all of it). The analysis of river length required to providing a wealth of ecological information on for hatching of fertilized eggs under different temper- black carp, the authors have made a firm, well- atures and velocities (Chapter 15) is useful for supported statement about the risks this fish poses to assessing the suitability of river segments for estab- North American freshwater ecosystems, and these lishment of black carp and makes some worrisome efforts will make an enduring contribution to the predictions about the large amount of habitat available containment of this problem. I suspect many biologists for this fish in the central US. However, I would have and resource managers who read this book will be liked to see a set of strong recommendations for compelled to become involved in this issue at some containing or even eliminating this fish in open waters level. of North America. In particular, a stronger, more consistent conclusion should have been drawn regard- Wendell R. Haag ing the adequacy of polyploidy as a tool with which to Center for Bottomland Hardwoods Research prevent establishment of this fish (e.g., it did not work US Forest Service Oxford, Mississippi for grass carp; is there any reason to expect it will be effective for black carp?). At one point, the authors Literature Cited seemed to state that polyploidy would be effective (p. 252), but this position ignored the earlier discussion NICO, L. G., AND J. D. WILLIAMS. 1996. Risk assessment on about currently used methods for induction of black carp (Pisces:Cyprinidae). Final report submitted to triploidy that are not 100% effective (p. 246). I also the Risk Assessment and Management Committee of the

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Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force. US Geological feat implied in the subtitle. Yet, Helfman apologizes Survey, Gainesville, Florida. (unnecessarily) for not fitting ‘‘everything into this NICO, L. G., J. D. WILLIAMS, AND J. J. HEROD. 2001. Black Carp book that I wanted’’ (p. xi). A key strength is his (Mylopharyngodon piceus): a biological synopsis and weaving together of the ecology and evolution of updated risk assessment. Final report submitted to the fishes, how human alterations of ecosystems are at Risk Assessment and Management Committee of the odds with fish adaptations, and how such knowledge Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force. US Geological Survey, Gainesville, Florida. can aid conservation efforts. A more accurate title would be ‘‘Fish Conservation Ecology,’’ given the emphasis on the biology and ecology of fish conser- Fish conservation: a guide to understanding and vation. However, Helfman also devotes significant text restoring global aquatic biodiversity and fishery to the social, cultural, and political actions and resources. Gene S. Helfman. ISBN 13: 978-1-55963- structures that enable and ensure conservation. 596-7. Island Press, 1718 Connecticut Avenue NW, Part I (1 chapter) is an overview of talking points for Suite 300, Washington, DC 20009 USA. 2007. 584 pp. fish conservation: geographic patterns of diversity, $170 (cloth), $85 (paper). extent of decline, value of fishes to humans, and definition of biodiversity. Here, Helfman reveals his With this gem, Gene Helfman bests his popular The species-centric view of conservation goals; he pays Diversity of Fishes (Helfman et al. 1997) and skillfully sparse attention to the status of other biodiversity fills a glaring gap in the literature on aquatic elements (e.g., genomes, assemblages). To some extent, conservation. The book’s purpose is to provide this bias reflects the state of scientific knowledge. ‘‘interested persons with the background needed to Furthermore, Helfman correctly points out later ‘‘that explore topics’’ and to enable them to ‘‘use this most assessments of declining biodiversity are per- knowledge to take action to conserve fishes and their formed at the species level, because most governing habitats’’ (p. xi). The target audience is broad but most bodies and the public recognize and protect species’’ of the text is written to engage readers familiar with (p. 49). Even so, this narrow view of biodiversity as fish ecology or conservation biology. Unlike most species diversity has shortcomings. For example, it edited volumes, development and integration of topics leads to a misinterpretation of the relation between are uniformly excellent throughout. I expect this biotic homogenization and biodiversity loss. Helfman exceptional book to find significant use in college concludes that homogenization merely ‘‘has significant courses on fish ecology, fisheries management, and relevance to . . . biodiversity loss’’ (p. 245), whereas biological conservation, and to be a go-to source of homogenization really is a particular form of biodi- fish-related knowledge for neophyte conservationists versity loss—the loss of assemblage diversity. He also as well as seasoned experts. understates overfishing as a cause of biodiversity loss. The bulk of the book consists of 16 chapters, which Commercial fishing alters some communities dramat- typically describe general patterns and concepts, ically (even irreversibly), and this alteration is also a specific examples, and some scientific solutions related loss of assemblage diversity. to the focal conservation problems. Throughout, Helf- Thus, homogenization and overfishing cause biodi- man effectively uses many tables, figures, and boxes to versity loss even if no species goes extinct. Although I provide extra background and timely details. Several was glad to see the instructive section ‘‘What Good is a of these aids occur in each chapter but, unfortunately, Darter?’’, it could have been strengthened by a broader no comprehensive listing is provided to help the treatment of the value of ecosystem services provided reader find them. The text also includes many by fishes or of the socioeconomic factors that drive fish quotations from previous publications to emphasize imperilment. These topics are critical to justifying and key points and precisely relate authors’ meanings. achieving fish conservation and cannot be overem- Other valuable features include an appendix of phasized. Although treated in later chapters, they probable fish extinctions (.200 species and subspe- warrant additional emphasis up front. cies), a glossary (.170 terms), a comprehensive list of Part II (3 chapters) provides a global survey of the references (.2200 articles—I significantly lengthened taxonomic and geographic scope of fish imperilment my ‘‘read this’’ list), a subject index (;12 pages), and a and a synthesis of species traits correlated with species index (;5 pages). imperilment. Helfman offers a broad, informative This book is really 2 books in 1; it includes coverage without being encyclopedic. Tallies of extinc- compelling syntheses of the distinctive subjects of fish tions by major habitat types show that extinctions have diversity conservation and fisheries conservation. I occurred disproportionately (relative to water vol- know of no one else who could pull off the ambitious umes) in caves, ponds, springs, and rivers. This section

This content downloaded from 158.135.136.72 on Tue, 5 Aug 2014 14:00:16 PM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions 2008] BOOK REVIEWS 803 also synthesizes the interactions among habitat avail- with a focus on sustainability. The first chapter ability, fish body size, and fishing as factors related to (longest in the book) is a hugely instructive integration imperilment, and points out the difficulty of distin- of the biology, technology, economics, and regulation guishing actual acceleration in the decline of species (or lack thereof) of overfishing, including clear and ecosystems from our increasing knowledge of definitions of common terms from the fisheries such declines. The section concludes with an overview literature (p. 255). Also included is an overview of of the legal/political infrastructures that administer fishery economics, which integrates social and biolog- conservation in 12 geopolitical units. Additional topics ical knowledge far more insightfully than the book’s that might have been discussed in this section include: discussions of other human impacts on fishes. Helf- 1) efficacy of conservation laws and programs in man does not pull punches in his assessment (e.g., selected countries, 2) public attitudes that control ‘‘global commercial fishing is not economically justifi- conservation effectiveness in selected countries, and able’’ [p. 260]), which is supported by informative case 3) future imperilment likely to occur via expanding studies on sharks, New England groundfishes, pelagic impacts of urbanization and climate change. fishes, and old-growth fisheries. He deftly explains Part III (5 chapters) is a richly detailed primer on the startling details about: 1) ‘‘unaccounted’’ fishing environmental biology of fishes as influenced by mortality, an important factor in the failings of human alterations of habitat, water quality, and management based on maximum sustainable yield; species distributions. Coverage extends well beyond 2) food webs supported by beam–trawl fisheries, the typical conservation literature to encompass basic where only 9% of the biomass mobilized is consumed fish biology, impact assessment, fish ecology, and by humans; and 3) evolution of life-history traits that management approaches. For example, Helfman sum- often prevents them from rebounding after fishing marizes the emerging problems of endocrine disrup- pressure is relaxed. Helfman also describes emerging tors, Pfiesteria, and acoustic pollution, and offers a tensions between conventional commercial fishing and lucid overview of alien species invasion, impact, and fish-based ecotourism and how economic actions by management. vocal consumers and chefs forced the industry to catch The importance of fish biology notwithstanding, I swordfish more sustainably and label their products would have liked to see more attention to the more informatively. The take-home message is not philosophical, socioeconomic, and policy underpin- new: overfishing persists despite well-known solutions nings of biodiversity loss not related to fishing. For supported by well-established science. This pattern example, Helfman briefly alludes to the social tensions exemplifies the prevailing primacy of sociopolitical between celebrating dams as ‘‘monumental human preferences over sound science in conservation. Even achievements’’ and seeing dams as ‘‘monuments to here though, Helfman concludes on a positive note: if human shortsightedness’’ (p. 130). These disparate we alter our management course, including adoption views reflect the deep value-system divides that of ecosystem-level approaches, the resiliency of eco- impede biological conservation; they warrant further systems will enable them to recover. explication. Helfman further asserts ‘‘Benefits . . . from Part IV also includes chapters on coral-reef fishes, intact river and floodplain systems far outweigh the live-fish commerce, and captive-fish propagation, all of benefits’’ of dams (p. 157). This position is highly which have rich discussions of socioeconomic factors debatable, especially with fossil-fuel energy programs and sustainability, along with the relevant ecology. in flux, and the relevant costs and benefits are not Despite serious deterioration of most coral reefs during articulated here. He mentions, but does not treat the 20th century and impending effects of global substantively, the implications of invoking biocentric warming, Helfman argues that current trends justify vs anthropocentric value systems when managing optimism for reef-fish conservation. For example, ecosystems. Evaluations of species introductions de- many tropical nations have replaced markets with pend strongly on how one values native biodiversity more traditional conservation practices based on local and are especially complicated because some intro- control, restrictive fishing, and recognition that marine ductions are viewed as beneficial or harmful from both resources are limited. Case histories on cardinalfish, biocentric and anthropocentric perspectives. For ex- seahorses, and piranhas demonstrate the complex ample, an introduced predator might eradicate en- relations among ecological, economic, and social costs demic fishes but enhance the fishery; an introduced and benefits of the aquarium trade. As Helfman imperiled species might prevent an extinction but limit explains the complicated relationships among aqua- other utilitarian uses of a water body. culture, captive fishes, and production of food for Part IV (5 chapters) presents a wide-ranging humans, he reveals that aquaculture does not clearly ecological assessment of global fisheries management, add to our food supply. For example, ‘‘Farming marine

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finfishes results in a net loss of fish protein for humans’’ opportunity to suggest how conservation biologists (p. 409). Conservation aquaculture is gaining momen- might reconfigure their professional activities (e.g., tum in the recovery of imperiled fishes (and other taxa research vs outreach) to advance conservation. such as mussels). Helfman carefully evaluates the I was somewhat disappointed at not seeing in Part V efficacy of this tactic by explicating the genetic (or elsewhere) a focused discussion of the importance consequences of propagation, as well as the socially of public education in catalyzing and enabling fish entrenched habits of over-exploitation and habitat conservation. Helfman alludes to that importance destruction. A chilling lesson—learned from decades when discussing public aquaria and their role as of salmon propagation—is that ‘‘Hatcheries accelerate education centers but never makes the case that public extinction’’ (p. 422). This harsh reality reflects societal attitudes and education are crucial to conservation attitudes more than scientific inadequacies. Theoreti- success. He describes the power of direct observation cally, artificial propagation is a useful temporary tactic to of wild fishes to enhance people’s valuation of fishes forestall extinction while native habitat is being and habitats; such experiences are especially emotive restored. Unfortunately, the sociopolitical mechanisms in unfished underwater parks (p. 305). Helfman also for sufficient restoration commonly do not materialize. mentions the importance of education in managing Part V (2 chapters) provides synthetic remarks on alien species and argues for educating people about ethics and the future. The ethics of directly exploiting the ecological, economic, and social consequences of fishes is treated insightfully but the ethics associated buying or releasing aquarium fishes, but analogous with indirect consequences of human alteration of arguments also apply to other human impacts that ecosystems, which strongly affect individual fish and erode biodiversity. I would have liked to see more species, is ignored. Helfman addresses the ethics of explicit treatment of: 1) public awareness of why fishes keeping fishes in a personal aquarium and the ethics of and biodiversity are valuable, and 2) public concern fishing for sport, which is viewed by some as sadistic about fish imperilment specifically and biodiversity torture and by others as a path to appreciating nature. loss generally. Such knowledge can form the basis for He neither fully promotes nor condemns sportfishing programs in fish-conservation education. but posits an evolutionary ethic: we should ‘‘act and manage with natural selection in mind’’ (p. 454). The Helfman concludes the book, as he does each chapter on future perspectives was the most challeng- chapter, with his signature hopefulness regarding ing, and perhaps most important, one in the book. what can and should be done to advance fish Helfman reviews a series of reasonable solution- conservation. He does not predict the future success oriented concepts and actions but does not pretend of conservation but he eloquently imparts a career’s to know the surefire solutions for fish conservation. At worth of knowledge ‘‘to teach and enthrall us’’ (p. 468) minimum, effective solutions will include ‘‘legislation so that we can forge that future. All of us have a role, based on sound science’’ and ‘‘better enforcement of but first read this book. existing regulations’’ (p. 455), but both of these are contingent on a societal commitment that is now Paul L. Angermeier lacking. He astutely notes that significant advances in US Geological Survey Virginia Cooperative conservation will often require ‘‘participation of Fish and Wildlife Research Unit individuals who may have been previously hostile to Virginia Polytechnic and State University the notion’’ (p. 464). An innovative addition here is a Blacksburg, Virginia sensible, prescriptive list of 6 personal actions that can catalyze conservation but traditionally have not been Literature Cited foci of conservation biologists: ‘‘advocate, communi- cate, litigate, educate, donate, and participate’’ (p. 464). HELFMAN, G. S., B. B. COLLETTE, AND D. E. FACEY. 1997. The Helfman rightly exhorts all conservationists to engage diversity of fishes. Blackwell Science, Malden, Massa- in these as best we can—and soon—but misses the chusetts.

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