Control of invasive Rusty Crayfish on Lake Michigan spawning reefs

Session: 03. - Science and Policy for Management of Invasive Crayfish

Andrew Tucker, The Nature Conservancy, [email protected]
Matthew Herbert, The Nature Conservancy, [email protected]
Tracy Galarowicz, Central Michigan Univ., [email protected]
David Clapp, Michigan DNR Fisheries Division, [email protected]
Lindsay Chadderton, The Nature Conservancy, [email protected]

Abstract

Invasive Rusty Crayfish can hinder efforts to rehabilitate native fish populations, primarily through egg predation. However, there is not an effective control strategy for Rusty Crayfish in the Great Lakes. Rusty Crayfish are one of the dominant egg predators on spawning reefs in northern Lake Michigan. Although eradication of Rusty Crayfish in the Great Lakes is unlikely, impacts on egg survival can be mitigated when crayfish population size is reduced. Innovative, temporary crayfish barriers have successfully limited Rusty Crayfish movement in the laboratory. We will deploy these barriers on critical native fish spawning reefs to suppress recolonization Rusty Crayfish while concurrently removing Rusty Crayfish from surrounding habitat. We will test whether this integrated control can provide short term protection for vulnerable life stages of native Lake Trout, Cisco, and Lake Whitefish.

1. Keyword
invasive species

2. Keyword
Lake Michigan

4. Additional Keyword
spawning reefs

5. Additional Keyword
crayfish