Using consumption rate to assess potential predators for biological control of white perch

Knowledge and Management of Aquatic Ecosystems
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Abstract

Control of undesirable fishes is important in aquatic systems, and using predation as a tool for biological control is an attractive option to fishery biologists. However, determining the appropriate predators for biological control is critical for success. The objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of consumption rate as an index to determine the most effective predators for biological control of an invasive fish. Consumption rate values were calculated for nine potential predators that prey on white perch Morone americana in Branched Oak and Pawnee reservoirs, Nebraska. The consumption rate index provided a unique and insightful means of determining the potential effectiveness of each predator species in controlling white perch. Cumulative frequency distributions facilitated interpretation by providing a graphical presentation of consumption rates by all individuals within each predator species. Largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, walleye Sander vitreus and sauger S. canadensis were the most efficient white perch predators in both reservoirs; however, previous attempts to increase biomass of these predators have failed suggesting that successful biological control is unlikely using existing predator species in these Nebraska reservoirs.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Using consumption rate to assess potential predators for biological control of white perch
Series title Knowledge and Management of Aquatic Ecosystems
DOI 10.1051/kmae/2011028
Issue 403
Year Published 2011
Language English
Publisher EDP Sciences
Description 02, 9 p.
Country United States
State Nebraska
County Lancaster
Other Geospatial Branched Oak Lake
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