The Introduction of Nonnative Fish into Wilderness Lakes: Good Intentions, Conflicting Mandates, and Unintended Consequences
Knapp RA, Corn PS, Schindler DE. 2001. The Introduction of Nonnative Fish into Wilderness Lakes: Good Intentions, Conflicting Mandates, and Unintended Consequences. Ecosystems. 4(4):275-278
There are many nonnative fisheries located in wilderness areas. This presents management complications as wilderness areas attempt to preserve natural processes. Studies show fish introductions having effects on nutrient cycles of water bodies. Phosphorus increases brought on by fish augment nutrient availability for algal biomass production causing changes in lake food webs. Introduced nonnative fish also have effect on amphibians and the larger ordering of the ecosystem. Lower numbers of amphibians were found at fish-filled lakes, and higher numbers were found at nearby fishless lakes. Despite these effects removal of the nonnative fish is not necessarily the answer. Studies have shown that even after removal of fish, full ecosystem recovery may not occur. New management strategies are needed to reduce ecological impacts of nonnative species in wilderness areas.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Knapp, Roland; Corn, Paul; Schindler, Daniel
- Units
- BICA
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, exotic animals, Fisheries Management, Inventory and Monitoring (I&M)