Native species diversity and riparian land cover influence round goby invasion

Session: Invasive Species (4)

Corey Krabbenhoft, University at Buffalo, [email protected]
Donna Kashian, Wayne State University, [email protected]

Abstract

Nonnative introductions occur over a large gradient of anthropogenic influence. When multiple stressors exist, the impact of invasion on freshwater ecosystems may be compounded, and the potential for successful invasion is exacerbated. We thus suggest that anthropogenic influence can alter the nature and extent of invasion, and sought to identify the environmental context associated with round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) invasion. We conducted a three-year survey in seven Great Lakes tributaries along the round goby invasion front. Fish surveys and habitat assessments were supplemented with historical fish assemblage data and riparian land cover information. Boosted regression trees were used to identify commonalities among the environmental and biotic conditions associated with successful round goby populations. Predictably, time-since-invasion and proximity to source populations were the parameters most associated with large goby populations. Additionally, low native fish diversity, high proportion of anthropogenic land uses in riparian corridors, stream size, and high contaminant levels were additional factors associated with highly invaded sites. Results suggest conservation of native fish assemblages and maintenance of habitat quality present the largest potential to increase system resistance to invasion. Management efforts to reduce dispersal and impacts of invasive species may benefit from a better understanding of the context-dependency of invasion.

Twitter handle of presenter
@ckrabb