Introduction
Next to climate change and habitat alternation, invasive species pose the next highest
threat to biodiversity on the planet (Rahel et al. 2008). Since the year 2000, Prussian Carp (Carassius gibelio) have been found in streams
throughout south-central Alberta, Canada. Originally native to northern China,
Prussian carp have been introduced to regions throughout Europe from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean, and are recognized as one of the most dangerous invasive species (Kalous et al. 2004, Vetemaa et al. 2005, Tarkan et al. 2014).
Prussian carp are renowned for their ability to aggressively colonize new habitats, and within a short period of time become the dominant species (Liasko et al. 2011, Sari et al. 2008). They posses a number of qualities that are associated with highly invasive species including their ability to tolerate extreme environmental conditions such as low oxygen and high turbidity; broad omnivorous diet, consuming macrophytes, detritus and invertebrates; and ability to reproduce through gynogenesis, which involves utilizing the sperm of similar species to activate the development of the embryo but contribute no genetic material, producing clonal-female offspring (Tsoumani et al. 2006, Balik et al. 2003). Furthermore, Prussian carp thrive in low gradient, slow or stagnant waterways, making prairie streams ideal habitat for colonization. This could pose serious threat to native fish communities in Alberta. No eradication techniques for Prussian carp have been developed in areas it has invaded. For these reasons it is important to understand more about current distribution and how they are interacting with native species and the surrounding environment. |
The objective of this study is to:
1. Assess Prussian Carps current distribution in Alberta and track how fast they have spread since their initial detection. (Ask about keeping in for website? or focus on analysis for this class?)
2. To compare community fish assemblages and abundances in streams that had no Prussian Carp in 2005 with streams that had Prussian Carp in 2014
3. To conclude if there are any environmental or habitat parameters that could help better predict Prussian carp presence
1. Assess Prussian Carps current distribution in Alberta and track how fast they have spread since their initial detection. (Ask about keeping in for website? or focus on analysis for this class?)
2. To compare community fish assemblages and abundances in streams that had no Prussian Carp in 2005 with streams that had Prussian Carp in 2014
3. To conclude if there are any environmental or habitat parameters that could help better predict Prussian carp presence
The expected results would conclude that Prussian carp has had an impact on native fish communities in streams. This result would likely be in declines or shifts in species abundance and diversity from competition over resources and habitat availability (Figure **). Unexpected results would conclude that Prussian carp has had no impact at all or even a positive effect on community composition and species abundance. Knowing the outcome of this study can help managers make more informed decision about where to allocate management efforts for trying to prevent further spread. It may also help guide policy makers to reevaluate and create stricter regulations on import of non-native species or movement of species across provincial boarders.
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