March-2016-Aquatic-Nuisance-Species-Management-Plan---reduced

Aquatic Nuisance Species
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Chinese M ystery Sn
ail
NORTH CAROLINA
Marbled Crayfish
N o r t h e rn Snakehead
Lion Fis h
Hy d r illa
W a t e r Primrose
Nutri a
Spotted J e ll y fish
NORTH CAROLINA
AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES MANAGEMENT PLAN
Prepared by the NC Aquatic Nuisance Species
Management Plan Committee
October 1, 2015
Approved by:
Steve Troxler, Commissioner
North Carolina Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services
Donald R. van der Vaart, Secretary
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Gordon Myers, Executive Director
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgements
Executive Summary
I. Introduction .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................1 The difference between Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) and Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) ................................................................5 Plan Purpose, Scope and Development .............................................................................................................................................................................5 Aquatic Invasive Species Vectors and Impacts ...............................................................................................................................................................6 Interactions with Other Plan .................................................................................................................................................................................................7
II. Problem Description .................................................................................................................................................................................................8 Background ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................8 Ecological Impacts ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................8 Economic Impacts ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................10
III. Pathways of Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................................................13 Stocking .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................14 Bait Release ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................14 Aquarium Release ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................15 Hitchhiker ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................15 Aquaculture ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................15 Additional Pathways ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................16
IV. Aquatic Nuisance Species of Concern ......................................................................................................................................................16 Freshwater Plants ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................18 Freshwater Animals ................................................................................................................................................................................................................18 Marine / Estuarine Animals ................................................................................................................................................................................................18 High Risk ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................18
V. Jurisdiction and Responsibilities ...................................................................................................................................................................19 State Entities ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................19 North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services .................................................................................................................19 North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission ....................................................................................................................................................20 North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries ...........................................................................................................................................................21 North Carolina Division of Water Resources ...........................................................................................................................................................22 Other State Entities .............................................................................................................................................................................................................22 Federal Agencies .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................23 United States Fish and Wildlife Service .....................................................................................................................................................................24 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration .............................................................................................................................................25 National Park Service .........................................................................................................................................................................................................25 United States Army Corps of Engineers .....................................................................................................................................................................25 United States Coast Guard ...............................................................................................................................................................................................26 Environmental Protection Agency ...............................................................................................................................................................................26 United States Forest Service ...........................................................................................................................................................................................26Other Entities.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................26 Aquatic Nuisance Species Regulatory Concerns .........................................................................................................................................................28 Aquaculture ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................28 Aquatic Weed Authority ...................................................................................................................................................................................................28 Aquarium and Ornamental Fish Trade & Water Garden Industries ..............................................................................................................30 Importation of Aquatic Animal Species .....................................................................................................................................................................30
VI. Management Goals and Objectives ...........................................................................................................................................................31 Goal ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................31 Objectives ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................31 Management Actions and Legislative Initiatives ........................................................................................................................................................31 Implementation Tables ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................35
Monitoring and Evaluation ..................................................................................................................................................................................................38
VII. Literature Cited .....................................................................................................................................................................................................39
VIII. Glossary of Terms and Acronyms ..............................................................................................................................................................41

IX. Appendices ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................43 Appendix A: Members of the NC Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan Committee Appendix B: State Prohibited SpeciesAppendix C: Federal Noxious Weed List (Aquatic)Appendix D: Species Tables
Table 1: Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) in North CarolinaTable 2: Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) in North CarolinaTable 3: Species Not Currently in North Carolina that are a High Risk for Becoming an Aquatic Nuisance SpeciesTable 4: Species Not Currently in North Carolina that are a Low Risk for Becoming an Aquatic Nuisance SpeciesTable 5: Nonnative Resident Species that are a Low Risk for Becoming an Aquatic Nuisance SpeciesTable 6: Species Native to a Portion of North Carolina that may be Invasive Outside of Their Native RangeTable 7: Species Native to a Portion of North Carolina that are a Nuisance Outside of Their Native RangeTable 8: Species with one or more questions as to native range, presence in North Carolina or degree of threat.
Appendix E: Summary of North Carolina State Laws, Programs, and Regulations Relevant to Aquatic Invasive SpeciesAppendix F: Summary of Federal and International Laws and Treaties Relevant to Aquatic Invasive SpeciesAppendix G: Public Comments Received and ResponsesAppendix H: Aquatic Nuisance Species of Concern Information Sheets
Aerial photo of Hydrilla verticillata in Lake Gaston North Carolina - Steve Hoyle, NCSU Crop Science
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The North Carolina Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan Committee wishes to thank and acknowledge the following individuals and agencies that graciously provided technical information and professional comments on various drafts of this document during the preparation of this plan.
Jon Blanchard, NC Division of State Parks & RecreationDean Carpenter, Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary PartnershipMelanie C. Doyle, Conservation Horticulturist, NC Aquarium at Fort FisherMichael Hosey, U. S. Army Corps of EngineersKeith Larick, North Carolina Farm BureauDonald R. MacLean, Division of Fish and Aquatic Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Ken Manuel, Aquatic Plant Manager, Duke Energy Corp.Bryn H. Tracy, NC Division of Water Resources
We would also like to dedicate this plan to the memory of our friend and colleague,
Rick Iverson, whose work on the issue of aquatic nuisance species continues to be a
source of inspiration and guidance.
North Carolina is fortunate to have abundant and diverse water resources, and protection of them is important to support the state’s unique biological attributes and growing population and economy. There are 17 major river basins with over 37,000 miles of freshwater streams that support thousands of aquatic species and provide drinking water for almost 9 million citizens. NC coastal fisheries are among the most productive in the U.S. because of the diversity of habitats available in the largest estuarine system (2.3 million acres) of any single Atlantic coastal state (Deaton et al. 2010). These waters are home to a variety of marine species that support the recreational and commercial livelihood for residents and delight millions of visitors to the state every year. An estimated 1.5 million freshwater and saltwater anglers fished in North Carolina during 2011 spending an estimated $1.65 billion with an economic ripple effect of $2.71 billion (Southwick Associates 2012). Recreational saltwater fishing alone brings in over $1.6 billion each year to the state’s economy (Crosson 2010). Given the significance of these water resources, it is critical to address current threats to the integrity of aquatic systems, as well as potential problems before they arise. The purpose of the North Carolina Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan (NCANSMP) is to improve the state’s ability to address aquatic invasive and aquatic nuisance species with the goal of preventing and controlling their introduction, spread, and negative impacts. The problem of aquatic invasive species (AIS) and aquatic nuisance
species (ANS) is not a new one in North Carolina, but one whose impacts have historically not been researched extensively or clearly understood. Meanwhile, those impacts have continued to threaten, and in some cases degrade, the very water resources that the state is dependent on. Data focused on the specific economic impact and cost for addressing ANS in North Carolina are severely lacking, but a recent national study noted that loses attributed to the presence of just three aquatic nuisance plant species were in excess of $800 million per year (CAST 2014). For that reason, a multi-agency committee was formed in 2014 and charged with developing a plan for management of ANS. Members of the committee were appointed by their respective agencies with the goal of preventing and controlling the spread and negative impacts of ANS in North Carolina. The committee worked together to document current rules and policies, identify potential gaps or areas needing more attention, and collectively agree on action steps to address the ANS issue in a more comprehensive way. The committee met regularly and conferred with other professionals to develop the peer-reviewed plan prior to its release for comment from the general public and the availability of the draft plan and related information on a prepared webpage. Finally, this plan was drafted in accordance with the National Invasive Species Act of 1996, which encouraged individual states to create their own ANS plans and also established a federal-level Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force to review and approve state plans. Section one of the plan provides information
about the differences between AIS and ANS, how the plan was developed, and an overview of general economic and ecologic impacts relying on the little data that are currently available. The planning committee felt strongly that not every nonnative aquatic species is a problem, and the terms aquatic invasive species and aquatic nuisance species should not be used interchangeably. An AIS is a nonnative species found outside of its historic range that is likely to cause ecological or economic harm. An ANS is a nonnative species that has been introduced and is known to be causing ecological or economic harm. This section also provides information about other plans in North Carolina that reinforce the need for monitoring and control of ANS and offer opportunities for partnerships and information sharing. The potential for collaborative efforts among agencies and other organizations may also enable leveraging of funds available for plan implementation. Section two provides information about the problem of aquatic nuisance species throughout the state in both freshwater and marine environments. In order to show that the problem is a statewide issue, case studies from the eastern region (Lake Waccamaw in Columbus County and the Chowan River in Chowan County), the central region (Lake Gaston in Halifax, Northampton, and Warren Counties), and the western region (Lake James in Burke and McDowell Counties) illustrate the environmental implications and mounting monetary costs associated with the control of ANS. Section three is an overview of where ANS originate and how they are introduced into the state’s waters. Nearly three-quarters of the ANS species in North Carolina have been introduced from other areas of North America. Humans play a key role in these introductions, either through unintentional or deliberate actions. For example, over one-half of ANS fish species known to be in the state were introduced by intentional stocking
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of the North Carolina Aquatic Nuisance Species
Management Plan (NCANSMP) is to improve the state’s ability
to address aquatic invasive and aquatic nuisance species with the
goal of preventing and controlling their introduction, spread, and
negative impacts.
or bait release. Additional pathways include cultivated species that escaped captivity, “hitchhiking” on recreational or commercial watercraft, and aquarium releases. Existing regulations help to minimize potential problems associated with the aquaculture trade, such as genetic mixing with native species.Section four provides detailed information about ANS species of concern. The committee used the lists of known noxious, prohibited, injurious, and invasive species and classified them into categories for invasive and nuisance aquatic species. An additional category was created to highlight “high risk” ANS: those that are not known to be in the state at this time, but that could potentially have severe negative impacts (such as Zebra Mussels). One-page fact sheets for many of these species are included and can be used by interested groups and members of the public for dissemination of public information regarding specific threats. A complete list of species is provided in Appendix D, including information about nonnative species that are not causing significant impacts, and species that are native to one part of the state and only become a problem when they are moved to another part of the state.Section five of the plan provides summary information about the various agencies with statutory regulatory responsibilities regarding ANS. Four primary state entities currently have such duties: the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC), the NC Division
of Marine Fisheries (NCDMF), and the NC Division of Water Resources (NCDWR). The four entities all address various issues associated with ANS, though they are not redundant as they regulate different species or industries and practices. Other state agencies also are involved to a lesser extent as their budgets allow. A number of federal agencies are also involved in regulating and overseeing the ANS issue in North Carolina, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Coast Guard, and others. Their roles are defined in federal policy approved by Congress and implemented through local field offices. Private sector companies and organizations are also playing a critical role in addressing the ANS issue in various parts of the state. A case study about a private utility and control of Hydrilla is provided as an example. Section six provides an overview of current gaps in the state’s response to ANS, including a general lack of both spatial and biological information about existing ANS and their impacts, no systematic reporting mechanisms or monitoring procedures in place, little available research on the economic implications of ANS introduction and proliferation, and fragmented control efforts. For these reasons, the committee has recommended that a standing Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (ANSTF) be established to coordinate reporting, control, and monitoring of existing and new ANS occurrences. Implementation tables are
provided with associated timelines. The committee did not feel that they were prepared to assign dollar values to the activities and preferred to be specific about financial considerations after implementation steps were considered and prioritized by the ANSTF. The proposed ANSTF will be the lead entity to develop a “rapid response” strategy for newly identified ANS occurrences, create and implement a comprehensive public outreach effort, establish reporting and monitoring procedures, and identify topics needing additional research and observation. Communication channels can be enhanced among regulators, academia, and interested members of both public and private sectors by having regular meetings and joint activities focused on a common topic of concern. In a time of constrained financial resources, leveraging of funding opportunities can be more fruitful with a broad base of support that such a committee could cultivate and serve. Though much about the ANS issue in North Carolina is unknown, there is clearly a certainty that the issue is having many negative impacts and is a growing threat to the environmental and economic well-being of the state. Effective partnerships, shared learning, and timely proactive management strategies are necessary to meet the goal of controlling the incidence and spread of ANS in North Carolina. The North Carolina Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan provides a road map for that coordination to occur more comprehensively and effectively.
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I. INTRODUCTION
North Carolina stretches across three geographic regions including the Mountains, the Piedmont, and the Coastal Plain and provides a variety of aquatic habitats including creeks, rivers, reservoirs, ponds, natural lakes, wetlands, and estuaries. There are 17 major river basins located wholly or partially within the state (Figure 1). Unique characteristics of aquatic habitats across the state support a diverse natural heritage that in some areas has become threatened by introduced species. International commerce involving movement of goods and material has brought with it unintentional consequences. Wildlife, plants, and
other organisms are collected from one corner of the world, then transported and introduced to other locations where native populations are often adversely affected. Similarly, relocating animals and plants from one area of the state to another can also pose a significant risk to established aquatic communities. It is estimated that introduced nuisance species, both aquatic and terrestrial, cost the United States an estimated $120 billion a year in total damage and control costs. (Pimentel et al. 2005). Recreationists, hobbyists, and commercial activities are all contributing to the large-scale movement of species. It is a complex problem imposing significant
ecological and economic impacts to North Carolina, a problem that demands coordinated, timely, and effective responses. Invasive species are particularly difficult to manage in aquatic resources because they spread easily through the water, are difficult to chemically control, and often cross jurisdictional boundaries. Regulatory agencies, academic researchers, and both public and private sectors in North Carolina must identify ways to more effectively communicate and implement efforts to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species before more of those species become a nuisance.
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The 17 river basins and their geographic size
within the state are (from east to west):
Albemarle Sound / Pasquotank: This basin drains over 18,000 square miles (mostly in southern Virginia). The North Carolina portion is 3,906 square miles in size and includes the Albemarle Sound, Currituck Sound, Croatan Sound, Roanoke Sound, and a portion of Pamlico Sound along the Outer Banks to Ocracoke Inlet, and the outlets of the Pasquotank, Chowan, and Roanoke Rivers. Extensive planning and management partnerships are formed between the states and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership.
Tar Pamlico: This basin drains 5,375 square miles and lies entirely within North Carolina. It includes the Tar River and Fishing Creek, which converge to form the Pamlico River; an ecologically important wetland and estuary area.
Neuse: This basin drains approximately 6,225 square miles of the piedmont and central coastal plain of North Carolina and includes the Neuse, Eno, Flat, and Trent Rivers which becomes an estuary of the Pamlico Sound. The Falls Lake impoundment on the Neuse River is the primary water supply for the City of Raleigh.
White Oak: Located on the eastern coastal plain, this basin drains approximately 910 acres and includes White Oak River, Newport River, and North River. It also includes the waters of Bogue Sound and Core Sound. Almost half of the basin is classified as open water, and most of the balance is forested area, including the Croatan National Forest.
Chowan: This basin drains approximately 4,973 square miles, mostly within southeastern Virginia. The lowest quadrant of the basin (487 square miles) is located within North Carolina. It begins at the convergence of the Nottoway and Blackwater Rivers which then become the Chowan River that
drains to the Albemarle Sound. The Chowan Basin is part of the Albemarle-Pamlico estuarine system, the second largest estuarine system in the United States.
Roanoke: Though the Roanoke basin comprises over 10,000 square miles, only 3,530 of them are located in northern central North Carolina and includes the south-flowing Roanoke River, and portions of the Dan and Hyco Rivers. The basin includes hydropower facilities on Kerr Lake, Roanoke Rapids Lake, and Lake Gaston before regaining river characteristics on the north eastern coastal plain.
Cape Fear: Located entirely within North Carolina and is the state’s largest drainage basin, encompassing 9,149 square miles. It includes the Cape Fear River, the Haw River (impounded by the B. Everett Jordan Dam), and the Deep River.
Lumber: This basin is actually an uppermost composite of three larger basins that are mostly located in South Carolina, and one small basin in eastern North Carolina. The three uppermost reaches include the Lumber, Big Shoe Heel Creek, and the Waccamaw, and all of them ultimately become part of the Great Pee Dee Basin. The fourth sub-basin includes the Shallotte River and Lockwood’s Folly River that eventually flow into the Atlantic Ocean.
Yadkin Pee Dee: This area is the northern-most portion of a large basin that extends from mountainous headwater areas through the central piedmont of North Carolina and into South Carolina. It includes the Yadkin River and its confluence with the Uwharrie River which forms the Pee Dee River and its confluence with the Rocky River. There are impoundments located at W. Kerr Scott Lake, High Rock Lake, Tuckertown Reservoir, Baden Lake, Lake Tillery, and Blewett Falls Lake before the Pee Dee runs into South Carolina. The portion of the basin in North Carolina covers approximately 2,723 square miles.
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Catawba: Located in western North Carolina and drains 3,343 square miles of high elevation and piedmont lands. It contains the Catawba River which has 7 impounded lakes formed by Duke Energy hydropower facilities, and eventually flows into South Carolina just below the densely-populated City of Charlotte.
New: The New River basin includes 754 square miles in north western North Carolina that drain the western slope of the Eastern Continental Divide. It is comprised of the North and South forks of the Toe River which converge to form the New River that flows north to Virginia. Portions of the South Fork and New River have been designated as National Wild & Scenic River and State Natural and Scenic River.
Broad: Mostly located in South Carolina, the 1,511 square miles of this basin are primarily undeveloped headwater streams that drain some of the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge.
Watauga: The entire basin is 883 square miles. Though largely located in eastern Tennessee, approximately 206 square miles are located in mountainous northwestern North Carolina and includes the Elk and Watauga Rivers. Land in this sparsely-populated portion of the basin is predominantly forested area and pasture.
French Broad: The main rivers included in this basin include the French Broad, the Pigeon, and the Nolichucky, all of which drain the western slope of the Blue Ridge and are part of the Mississippi River system ultimately emptying in the Gulf of Mexico. The basin encompasses 2816 square miles in western North Carolina and 1500 square miles in eastern Tennessee. The three rivers converge in eastern Tennessee where they are impounded just upstream of Douglas Lake. Much of this basin lies in undeveloped land within the Pisgah and Cherokee National Forests.
Little Tennessee: Two primary rivers in this basin are the Little Tennessee and the Tuckasegee on the western slope of the Blue Ridge. The basin begins in northern Georgia and extends through just over 2,300 square miles into North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. Much of this basin is comprised of Tennessee Valley Authority hydropower facilities at Fontana Lake and forested land.
Savannah: Only a very small portion (172 square miles) of this basin exists in southwestern North Carolina that includes headwater areas for the Savannah River which flows through South Carolina and Georgia before entering the Atlantic Ocean. This is a very steep area that is almost exclusively within the boundaries of the Nantahala National Forest and receives an average annual rainfall of over 100 inches.
Hiawassee: This basin encompasses 2,099 square miles in Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Approximately 641 square miles of it is located in two mountainous counties in far western North Carolina, predominantly within the Nantahala National Forest. The entire river is managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority for hydropower production, and three impoundments are located on the river reach within North Carolina.North Carolina‘s coastal ocean includes the convergence between two major oceanic currents: the warm, north-flowing Gulf Stream and the cool, south-flowing Virginia coastal current (also called the Labrador Current). The Gulf Stream current moves within 10 – 12 mi (16.1 – 19.3 km) of the coast at Cape Hatteras before turning northeast toward Europe, bringing southern native and non-native species to North Carolina‘s ocean and estuarine waters. The Virginian (Labrador) Current ends at the Gulf Stream, supplying northern oceanic native and non-native species to North Carolina (Deaton et al. 2010).
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What is the difference
between Aquatic Invasive
Species (AIS) and Aquatic
Nuisance Species (ANS)?Although some groups and documents use AIS and ANS interchangeably, for this document we have classified introduced aquatic species into three general groups:
Aquatic nonnative species are organisms that have been moved to a place, drainage system, ecosystem, or any aquatic system outside of their historic range;
Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are aquatic organisms that are likely to cause negative ecological and/or economic impacts when moved outside of their historical range;
Aquatic nuisance species
(ANS) are aquatic invasive organisms that have been introduced and are causing ecological and/or economic harm.
AIS
or
ANS
Plan Purpose, Scope, and DevelopmentThe North Carolina Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan (NCANSMP) addresses both aquatic invasive species and aquatic nuisance species. Examples of AIS that have been found in North Carolina include Tiger Shrimp (Paneaus monodon) and Giant Salvinia (Salvinia molesta). Examples of ANS include Lionfish (Pterois volitans), Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris), Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata), Alligatorweed (Alternanthera philoxeroides), and Nutria (Myocastor coypus). For the remainder of this section the term “invasive” refers to any organism that falls in the invasive species category or the nuisance species category. The designation of current species in this document are defined based on existing knowledge and monitoring of these species within the extent of North Carolina. Annual reviews of the NCANSMP species list will allow for changes in the prioritization and designation of individual species. The purpose of the NCANSMP is to improve the State’s ability to address aquatic invasive and nuisance species issues. In order to have measurable and meaningful results (i.e. curbing the impact of aquatic invasive species), multiple approaches will be needed. This plan makes specific recommendations that will create a framework to guide coordinated statewide actions. This plan aims to help improve current management by identifying potential strategies for coordination among agencies and other organizations, to raise awareness and enhance cooperation on aquatic invasive species issues. Expected outcomes are to effectively identify and prioritize aquatic invasive species threats, to identify and prioritize vectors, and to minimize the impacts of aquatic invasive species that are causing harm to the ecology and economy of North Carolina. Another expected outcome of the plan is to educate and engage the public in assisting agencies in identifying and addressing aquatic invasive species throughout the state. This plan is in alignment with general guidance provided by the national Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (ANSTF). The NCANSMP was developed by a steering committee representing multiple state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the NC Division of Water Resources (NCDWR), the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), the NC Division of Marine Fisheries (NCDMF), the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC), the NC Division of Coastal Management (NCDCM), the NC Office of Land and Water Stewardship and faculty of North Carolina State University (NCSU). Starting in 2014, the NCANSMP steering committee met regularly as a think tank, identifying and discussing current aquatic invasive species management efforts, reviewing materials, and drafting plan components. The working draft was then circulated to peer reviewers for further refinement. Once the draft was completed, the steering committee publicized and posted it on a Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) webpage for dissemination to the public and solicited comments. Comments received were considered and a final draft was prepared for executive review and approval in 2015.This plan is limited to aquatic invasive species problems within the state of North Carolina but it is implicit that management activities be coordinated with our neighboring states to help reach our goal of minimizing new introductions. Congress authorized the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act (NANPCA) in 1990 with the goal of addressing specific ANS problems in the Great Lakes region of the country. By 1996, NANPCA was reauthorized and renamed the National Invasive Species Act, which established a national goal of eliminating and preventing new introductions of all AIS. This act authorized every state to develop a comprehensive management plan to deal with the multitude of problems that are attributed to AIS. States with approved plans are eligible for federal financial assistance to help implement their management objectives. Some viruses and diseases could be considered aquatic invasive species. While it is recognized that they cause harm to native wildlife as well as people and that these microorganisms have aquatic relevance, they are beyond the scope of this plan. However, they may be addressed in future iterations of the NCANSMP.
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Aquatic Invasive Species
Vectors and ImpactsAquatic invasive species can be moved from one system to another through a variety of pathways or vectors (e.g. stocking, bait release, aquarium release, relocation by “hitchhiking” on boating or fishing equipment or any other equipment exposed to aquatic systems, aquaculture escapement, aquarium and water garden trade, or in the ballast water of ships). It is important to note that not all exotic or nonnative aquatic species are predisposed to become a nuisance in North Carolina. Statistically, only a small percentage of all exotics that are able to survive or even naturalize in North Carolina will become aquatic nuisance species. ANS cause problems when there are few or no native
predators or biological controls to keep the growth and reproduction of those specific organisms in check. ANS often have unintended, negative consequences, which can alter the existing aquatic community permanently. Quantifying the ecological impacts of ANS is often difficult. Introduced animals can feed on eggs, fry, or adults of existing animals; compete with existing animals for food and habitat; introduce diseases and parasites; interbreed with existing species, diluting the native gene pool; and degrade habitat and water quality. Similarly, introduced plants compete with existing plants for nutrients, light, and habitat; impact water quality; and alter existing habitat. Some impacts may be indirect and others may not yet be known. Unfortunately, once established, ANS are nearly impossible to eradicate. Strategies to evaluate and
manage the unintended impacts of ANS are difficult to implement, often ineffective, and costly. Furthermore, the harm caused by ANS is not limited to the waters where they are introduced because these species inevitably move downstream or are transferred to adjacent basins. ANS will often outcompete native organisms and can ultimately lead to a condition of reduced biodiversity. There are obvious challenges with assigning a dollar value to ecological function and biodiversity. Environmental impacts and economic impacts are often tightly linked, yet the specifics of the relationships can be elusive. Often it is the economic and social impacts that are more effectively quantified and articulated. The value of real property that is affected by aquatic nuisance species can be more easily determined. The impacts to direct water use and recreation can be measured. The direct economic impact of ANS on commercially important fish or shellfish industries can be calculated. Noxious aquatic weeds are ANS that have caused numerous problems across the state and have been investigated specifically to determine negative economic impacts in North Carolina. In 1995 the North Carolina General Assembly directed the NCDWR to study aquatic weed infestations on a statewide basis. The NCDWR was to identify research; assess environmental and economic impacts; assess impact of federal regulations; and discuss management, eradication, enforcement and funding mechanism options. A report titled “Economic & Environmental Impacts of N.C. Aquatic Weed Infestations” was released in April 1996. The report specifically highlighted Hydrilla, Alligatorweed, and Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum). Hydrilla grows as a submersed plant and forms thick mats which directly impact recreation activities and can impede water withdrawal (municipal supply, irrigation and industrial). Hydrilla can outcompete beneficial native submerged aquatic vegetation and alter the function or structure of the habitat it invades (Langeland, K.A. et al. 1996.).
It is important to note that not all exotic or nonnative aquatic
species are predisposed to become a nuisance in North Carolina.
Statistically, only a small percentage of all exotics that are able
to survive or even naturalize in North Carolina will become
aquatic nuisance species. ANS cause problems when there are
few or no native predators or biological controls to keep the
growth and reproduction of those specific organisms in check.
Hydrilla verticillata wrapped around a boat prop can be a source of contamination in new water bodies.
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Interactions
with Other Plans
Albemarle-Pamlico Comprehensive
Conservation and Management Plan The Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership (APNEP) is a cooperative effort jointly sponsored by the NCDEQand the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) with support from the Commonwealth of Virginia. The mission of APNEP is to identify, protect and restore the significant resources of the Albemarle-Pamlico estuarine system. The program area extends across most of the Albemarle-Pamlico watershed, which falls in SE Virginia and the eastern part of North Carolina. APNEP currently has in place its Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan 2012-2022. This plan identifies three primary goals and lists specific ecosystem outcomes for each goal. Goal number 2 states “A region where aquatic, wetland and upland habitats support viable populations of native species” and one of the outcomes is “Nonnative invasive species do not significantly impair native species’ viability or function, nor impair habitat quality, quantity and the processes that form and maintain habitats.” (APNEP Policy Board 2012).
Coastal Habitat Protection Plan Recognizing the need to both protect habitat and prevent overfishing, the North Carolina General Assembly passed the Fisheries
Reform Act in 1997. Part of that act charged the NCDMF with writing a Coastal Habitat Protection Plan (CHPP). The CHPP includes a section on threats to coastal fish habitat and specifically lists “Introduced or Nuisance Species.” The CHPP states “Introduced species can compete with natives for space, light and nutrients and displace natives with species of lower value to native fish utilization.” One of the goals of the 2010 CHPP is to “Improve Effectiveness of Existing Rules and Programs Protecting Coastal Fish Habitats,” which includes enhancing and expanding educational outreach on the value of fish habitat, threats from human activities, effects of nonnative species, and reasons for management measures (Deaton et al. 2010). The CHPP is updated every 5 years and is currently under its 2015 revision.
North Carolina Wildlife Action PlanThe North Carolina Wildlife Action Plan (WAP) is a compre-hensive management tool devel-oped by the NCWRC and more than 50 partners to help conserve and enhance the state’s full array of fish and wildlife species and their habitats. The WAP describes 17 river basins and 23 types of habitats that are found across the state. The plan matches each priority species to the habitat type or river basin where it is found, identifies the most important threats facing each habitat, including invasive species, and details the crit-ical actions required to protect and conserve these habitats. The plan was originally developed in 2005 and is cur-rently undergoing a 2015 revision (NC Wildlife Resources Commission 2005).
River Basin Water Resources PlansThe NCDWR is in the process of developing river basin water resources plans for each of the 17 river basins in North Carolina. A component of these plans is to identify and catalog aquatic weed problems within each basin. These plans will provide recommendations to the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) to ensure the quality and quantity of surface water and groundwater (North Carolina Division of Water Resources website, http://portal.NCDEQ.org/web/wq/ps/bpu.).
Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan
2012 - 2022
Collaborative Actions for Protecting and Restoring the Albemarle-Pamlico Ecosystem
IDENTIFY
PROTECT
RESTORE
ENGAGE
MONITOR
Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership
Adjoining State ANSMPsNorth Carolina shares borders with four other states that have already adopted plans to address aquatic nuisance species: the Virginia Invasive Species Management Plan (2005), the Tennessee Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan (2008), and the South Carolina Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan (2008), and the Georgia Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan (2009). Each of these states has emphasized ways to prevent the introduction of AIS that are also noted in the North Carolina Plan. Coordination between states to prevent the introduction of AIS into shared waters can be further enhanced by establishing regular communications between state AIS program coordinators, participation in National ANS Task Force conferences and events, and through the implementation of other existing interstate aquatic management plans such as the Albemarle-Pamlico Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan. Additionally, continued participation in regional ANS efforts through the Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership (SARP), the Southeastern Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA), and the Gulf and South Atlantic Regional Panel on Aquatic Invasive Species enhances information exchange and can provide a forum for identifying partnerships for future initiatives and joint activities to address shared objectives.
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II. PROBLEM DESCRIPTION
The direct and indirect negative
impacts of ANS are increasing
noticeably, affecting the survival
and diversity of our native plants
and animals; disrupting natural
ecosystem functions; and impairing
the valuable use of our waterways
for recreational, commercial, and
industrial activities.
BackgroundAs our economy has become more global, aquatic plants and aquatic animals are being moved around at an increased rate. These organisms are being moved to areas outside of their native ranges, both within and from outside of the United States. Not all nonnative aquatic species are predisposed to cause problems or are considered threats to the state’s environment or economy; however, a handful do constitute a significant risk in one or both of these categories. The direct and indirect negative impacts of ANS are increasing noticeably, affecting the survival and diversity of our native plants and animals; disrupting natural ecosystem functions; and impairing the valuable use of our waterways for recreational, commercial, and industrial activities. While not always a true measure of ecological health, species biodiversity is one metric that can be helpful to natural resource managers when assessing ecological conditions of specific habitats.Aquatic animal species introductions have greatly increased in North Carolina since the 1950s (Figure 2). North Carolina does not have a current or complete record of when each of the known introduced species first arrived into our state, nor do we know the definite geographical extent of each species. These gaps in data will hopefully be addressed in the near future as education and awareness are increased about the impacts some of these species can cause both ecologically and economically to our state. As recently as 2014 it was estimated that there are 130 different
Figure 2. Cumulative number of aquatic animal species introduced to North Carolina waters. Data accessed on 11/20/2014 by United States Geological Survey.nonnative aquatic species in our waterways (Figure 2). North Carolina has a diverse distribution of both freshwater and marine resources. Within the 17 major river basins, there are over 37,000 miles of freshwater rivers and streams. There are 58 major reservoirs (>250 acres) in North Carolina, ranging in size from 272 to 32,510 acres, with a combined total surface area of 218,505 acres (McRae 2015). Coastal waters include the extensive Albemarle and Pamlico estuarine systems which are separated from the Atlantic Ocean by 300 miles of coastline. The waters’ features and the surrounding wetlands provide important habitat for fish and other wildlife at various stages of their life cycles. North Carolina provides terrestrial and aquatic habitat for over 4,131 species including vascular plants, native vertebrate animal species (excluding marine fishes), and native species in the following invertebrate groups: freshwater mussels; freshwater snails; crayfishes; large branchiopods; butterflies and skippers; underwing moths; tiger beetles; and dragonflies and damselflies and ranks number 9 in the nation for species diversity. North Carolina also ranks number 1 for amphibian diversity with 84 species (Stein 2002). Approximately 40% of freshwater fish in North America are considered imperiled (Jelks et al.
2008) and 70% of freshwater mussels are at risk (Stein et al. 2000). In North Carolina 13.6% of our 206 freshwater fish species are considered “at risk” (Stein 2002). These waters continually provide the public with a wide range of recreational activities, supporting the tourism industry and local economies throughout North Carolina.
Ecological Impacts
North Carolina has many native species that are declining and nonnative nuisance species are one of the major causes. It is estimated that 42% of Federally Threatened or Endangered species are significantly impacted by nonnative nuisance species across the nation and nuisance species are significantly impeding recovery efforts for them in some way (Stein and Flack 1996). There are many areas across the state of North Carolina where ANS have invaded aquatic communities; are competing with native species for food, light, or breeding and nesting areas; and are impacting biodiversity. Biodiversity refers to all of the organisms (plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, etc.) and ecosystems that can be found in a region. Generally, a high level of biodiversity indicates
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that natural systems are in balance and that the environment is healthy. When an AIS is introduced it may have many advantages over native species, such as easy adaptation to varying environ-ments and a high tolerance of living conditions that allows it to
thrive in its nonnative range. There may not be natural predators to keep the in-vasive species in check; therefore, it can potentially live longer and reproduce more often, further reducing the biodi-versity in the system. The native species may become an easy food source for invasive species, or the invasive species may carry diseases that wipe out popu-lations of native species. Aquatic nuisance species that disrupt coastal and ocean waterways around North Carolina can affect various life history stages of native species. Species such as the Australian Spotted
Jellyfish, the Asian Tiger Shrimp, and the Lionfish are known to be voracious predators, eating or impacting food sources for native species and are not known to have natural predators in North Carolina waters. These coastal and marine ANS are currently tracked through NCDMF annual and seasonal surveys and through validation of local reports. These are just a few examples, but there are many more direct and indirect ecological impacts that can be antici-pated with continued introductions of nuisance species in our state.
North Carolina has many
native species that are declining
and nonnative nuisance species
are one of the major causes.
Lake Waccamaw in Columbus County is the most biologically diverse lake in North Carolina and one of the most species-rich lakes in the Western hemisphere. Unfortunately, the ecology of the lake has become threatened by ANS (Figure 3): specifically an aquatic weed known as Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata). Native to Asia, Hydrilla was introduced to North Carolina waters more than 30 years ago. This plant readily reproduces by fragmentation, where a small fragment can grow into a whole new plant. This form of asexual reproduction (including tubers) can quickly lead to the development of a large colony of plants capable of impeding a waterway, damaging fisheries, and displacing native plants by filling the water column with vegetation.Lake Waccamaw has 52 fish species, 11 species of snails, and 15 species of mussels and clams, many of them endemic to the lake, meaning they have been found nowhere else on earth. Some of the species found in this lake are extremely rare and under state or federal protection. The Waccamaw Silverside (Menidia extensa) is listed as a Federally Threatened species and the Waccamaw Fatmucket (Lampsilis fullerkati) and Carolina Pygmy Sunfish (Elassoma boehlkei) are being considered for federal listing. There are several other rare, endemic species in the lake, including: Waccamaw
Killifish (Fundulus waccamensis), Waccamaw Darter (Etheostoma perlongum), Waccamaw Spike (Elliptio waccamawensis), Waccamaw Snail (Amnicola sp.) and Waccamaw Siltsnail (Cincinnatia sp.). The introduction of Hydrilla to this important biological resource was alarming to many natural resource managers and stakeholders. Because of this one ANS, Lake Waccamaw’s rare native species are under careful watch by biologists and natural resource managers who are working to address the Hydrilla problem and the threats it currently imposes on this uncommonly rich natural resource. NCDEQ, in cooperation with other state entities and local governments, began a Hydrilla eradication project in 2013. The entire infestation was treated with herbicide at a cost of $401,000 and the associated field work (monitoring and survey) was completed for an additional cost of approximately $15,000. In 2014 the treatment cost was slightly less at $367,000 plus associated field work. The treatment is highly influenced by rainfall; unfavorable weather conditions would have resulted in an addition $97,000 herbicide cost in 2014. The Lake Waccamaw Technical Advisory Committee estimates that costs will be on average approximately $500,000 annually through 2020 to completely remove Hydrilla from Lake
Waccamaw. The time and money used to monitor Hydrilla and its impact on native species illustrates the complexity of invasive species management and eradication efforts. The very high costs associated with these management activities emphasizes why prevention of these invasions are so critical to the North Carolina environment and economy (Emens 2015).
Figure 3. An estimated 608 acre area of Hydrilla infestation (highlighted in red) on Lake Waccamaw. Courtesy of North Carolina State University Department of Crop Science
CASE STUDY: Lake Waccamaw and Hydrilla
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Lake James, located in Burke and McDowell counties, is the uppermost reservoir on the Catawba River chain of Duke Energy lakes. Impounded in 1923, the reservoir supports recreational fisheries for Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides), Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus
dolomieu), sunfish (Lepomis sp.), Walleye (Sander vitreus), White Bass (Morone chrysops), and crappie (Pomoxis sp.). However, invasive species have been introduced into the reservoir and have been implicated in the decline of sport fish populations, most notably Walleye. Walleye were introduced into the reservoir in the 1950s and have since supported a very popular fishery.In 2008, White Perch (Morone
americana) were first verified in Lake James by NCWRC biologists. White Perch are known to consume eggs and compete with some sport fish during specific life stages and can have negative impacts on the population dynamics of popular fisheries (Feiner 2011). In 2009, Blueback Herring (Alosa aestivalis) and Alewife
(A. pseudoharengus) were first discovered in the reservoir. These two fish are also known to negatively impact some sport fisheries. A recent study on Hiwassee reservoir demonstrated a strong negative effect from Blueback Herring on Walleye recruitment (Wheeler et al. 2004). After the initial discovery of these species, NCWRC biologists collected in 2012 an abundance of all three species during Walleye broodstock surveys in Catawba and Linville rivers, tributaries to the reservoir. As of March 2012 all three species appeared to be well established in Lake James.Concurrent with invasive species establishment there were numerous complaints from anglers concerning low catch rates of Walleye. NCWRC biologists verified a lack of reproduction during 2011 and 2012. Surveys conducted annually from 1999-2008 indicated the Lake James Walleye population was composed of multiple year classes maintained through annual natural reproduction, albeit moderately erratic from year to year. The percentage of age-0 and
1 Walleye was lower in the 2012 survey than any reported value since annual surveys were initiated in 1999. These results were evidence that invasive species may be impacting spawning success of Walleye in Lake James and an immediate management action was necessary. Consequently, NCWRC began stocking Walleye at the historical rate of 30,000 fish/year to offset future recruitment failures. NCWRC biologists plan to continue stocking efforts and evaluate the contribution of stocked fingerlings to the Lake James Walleye fishery by utilizing modern population genetic techniques. The genetic evaluation will be conducted over a several year period costing approximately $10,000 per year. The annual cost of producing and stocking of Walleye to maintain a fishery is estimated at $6,500. However, it will require a more significant effort to restore the fishery to levels observed before White Perch, Blueback Herring and Alewife were introduced.
CASE STUDY: Lake James and White Perch, Blueback Herring, and Alewife
Economic ImpactsNationwide it is estimated that nonnative, aquatic, and terrestrial nuisance species cost the United States economy $120 billion dollars annually in lost production, control costs and environmental damage (Pimentel et al. 2005). An additional study has estimated that the introduction of 15 recent species alone could cost the U.S. $134 billion by 2050 (U.S. Congress 1993). While North Carolina’s total economic and environmental impact costs are not well known or clearly defined, it is clear that costs continue to rise as more nonnative species make their way into our state. Potential costly impacts from ANS that are more measurable include reduced waterfront property values when desirable water bodies become infested by invasive aquatic plants; the costs associated with maintaining blocked water intakes; and
the cost of contaminated water used for municipal, industrial, and agricultural purposes. Duke Energy estimates that they have spent approximately $400,000 over the past five years to manage ANS such as Hydrilla at their facilities in North Carolina. This cost includes herbicides, triploid Grass Carp, surveys, equipment, travel costs, and staff time (Manuel 2015). Duke Energy, in cooperation with the state, has successfully managed Hydrilla throughout the Catawba and elsewhere over the last twenty years. Many home and business owners face real costs associated with ANS across the state on an increasing basis. Impeded flow patterns and nuisance plant infestations create optimal breeding conditions for mosquitos and provides these pests with food and shelter from predators that would normally help naturally control them. Because of this nuisance aquatic plant–
mosquito association, many of the early aquatic plant control programs were initiated by mosquito control districts (Gallagher and Haller 1990). Local governments and public health officials incur increasing costs for managing mosquitos and other pests that live and multiply in standing water; these costs could be passed along to the local residents.Some of the most widely used public lakes in North Carolina are managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in cooperation with the NC Division of Parks and Recreation (NCDPR) and NCWRC. Managing these lakes for ANS is a joint effort that is an ongoing, time consuming, and expensive task. Current cooperative management efforts include aquatic vegetation surveys that are done at known ANS locations, point surveys over an entire lake yearly, triploid Grass Carp stocking, and herbicide applications where
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deemed appropriate. These multiple agency collaborations have improved the success of invasive species removals and increased data sharing among partners across the state.B. Everett Jordan, Falls of the Neuse and John H. Kerr reservoirs are USACE owned properties that have Hydrilla issues to varying degrees. In addition to Hydrilla other invasive aquatic plants include Brittle Naiad and Parrotfeather at B. Everett Jordan Reservoir; Brittle Naiad and Alligatorweed at John H. Kerr Reservoir; and Parrotfeather, Alligatorweed and Creeping Water Primrose at Falls of Neuse Reservoir. The USACE implemented an Aquatic
Vegetation Management Program (AVMP) for John H. Kerr Reservoir in 2012. The 2014 aquatic vegetation survey results estimated that approximately 1,274 acres of Hydrilla were in the lake, mainly on the North Carolina section of the lake. USACE funded surveys and control measures including stocking of triploid Grass Carp at John H. Kerr Reservoir have cost in excess of $185,000 since 2011 (Hosey 2015). Survey results since 2011 and the Kerr AVMP can be accessed on the USACE John H. Kerr Reservoir website: (http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Locations/DistrictLakesandDams/JohnHKerr/NaturalResources/
AquaticVegetationManagement.aspx). The recreation and tourism industry also has the potential to see the economic impacts of these aquatic nuisance species if water bodies are not able to be used by boaters for fishing and other water sports. Many commercial, recreation, and tourism jobs across the state depend on our rivers, lakes and other water features. If these waterways are unusable for recreation due to ANS, boating, watersports and fishing will become much more difficult and frustrating and recreationists may choose to visit or vacation elsewhere.
The story of Hydrilla at Lake Gaston serves as an example of how a single nuisance species can lead to tremendous management costs. Lake Gaston is a 20,000-acre reservoir located on the North Carolina-Virginia border. In 1989 approximately 25 acres of Hydrilla were identified. By 1992 it spread to more than 500 acres and 200 of those acres were treated with herbicide. Despite efforts to control its spread, by 1994 more than 2,500 acres were infested. From 1995 through 2012 approximately 3,000 acres of the lake were infested with Hydrilla. Large-scale herbicide applications and triploid Grass Carp stockings over that entire period (19 years) eventually led to a reduction of Hydrilla. Management costs exceeded 1 million annually in the late 2000s (Figure 4). In terms of management dollars spent, Hydrilla is currently the most costly ANS that infests North Carolina waterways. Once introduced and established in an area, Hydrilla is difficult and expensive to eradicate. Over the last few years, approximately $1.5 million dollars of public funds are spent annually on Hydrilla management across the state, and additional funding comes from private entities, utilities, and non-profit organizations. However, the need for treatment far exceeds available funds (Emens 2015). Eradicating the plant through the use of herbicides
or by using triploid Grass Carp is an expensive and lengthy process that can also impact native species in the area. Hydrilla has been a serious problem at Lake Gaston since the 1990s. It began to infest the Catawba chain of lakes in 1999 and management heavily relied on stocking triploid Grass Carp, although rapid response herbicide treatments were applied prior to the approval of the use of triploid Grass Carp. Despite the coordinated effort to control its growth and spread, Hydrilla
has continued to infest waterways in more counties and is now spreading to areas which are even more challenging to manage. Hydrilla currently infests the Eno River, Cape Fear River, the Chowan River basin and is beginning to colonize the shoreline along the Albemarle Sound. Biologists fear that it could find its way into pristine lakes such as those in and around Pocosin Lakes and Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuges.
CASE STUDY: Lake Gaston
Figure 4. The following data were extracted from the “Cash Contributions Paid to LGWCC” reports; produced by Lake Gaston Weed Control Council.
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Local communities have begun to identify the need for action on invasive and nuisance species. Chowan County Soil and Water Conservation District and their local community members have collaborated to fund over $25,000 in the past seven years to treat the Chowan River for Hydrilla infestations (Alons 2014). Disruptions in boating traffic, aesthetics and general concern for the spread of invasive species have ignited this county into action. In 2014 Chowan County, in cooperation with NCDWR, treated approximately 15 acres of shoreline in the Chowan River; however, an organized volunteer survey of river shoreline identified additional infested areas that have yet to be treated. Overall, the lack of a broader management plan and funding have led to a patchwork of treatments that have not controlled the spread of Hydrilla into other areas of the river. This results in greater economic impacts and control costs. Local stakeholders are continuing to survey for the presence of Hydrilla to coordinate a unified response.The story of Giant Salvinia (Salvinia molesta) is an example of how the power of partnerships and well-coordinated efforts can lead to excellent results. This story shows that ANS can be managed and even eradicated with Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR). Giant Salvinia is a Federally Listed Noxious Aquatic Weed. A one-page fact sheet on this plant is included in this document. Entering the state as a contaminant in water garden plants, Giant Salvinia was unintentionally shipped into North Carolina in 1997. The aquatic plant nursery in Beaufort that received the shipment did not know what the plant was. Giant Salvinia spread within the nursery and contaminated most of their water garden stock. As they continued sales of water garden plants, Giant Salvinia was distributed further. Some of the plants were discovered at the North Carolina State Fair in October 1998 and were found by an NCSU aquatic weed specialist. NCDA&CS was informed and the noxious weeds were traced back to the nursery in Beaufort. Sales records from that nursery helped discover other sites where Giant Salvinia had been introduced. All locations were examined and control/eradication efforts were undertaken. NCSU,
NCDA&CS, and NCDWR cooperated in all efforts. Alerts were sent to agricultural extension agents and other state agencies, resulting in several additional infested sites being detected, most of them less than 1 acre in size, and Giant Salvinia was removed from them within a year or two. In 2000, the Southeast North Carolina Giant Salvinia Task Force was formed after a large infestation was discovered in Pender County. The Task Force, composed of twelve partners from federal, state and local agencies, was developed with an explicit mission to detect and eradicate Giant Salvinia from southeastern North Carolina. A rapid response program was put in place so that potential locations were confirmed and evaluated, and control measures were initiated in a timely manner. By 2001, Giant Salvinia had been detected in 9 counties in Eastern North Carolina with all the smaller locations having been eradicated. One site proved to be challenging: a 40 acre hardwood swamp adjacent to the Cape Fear River in Pender County. The task force partnership, with funding support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Pulling Together Initiative grant program, addressed the management challenges of the Pender County site and the last bit of Giant Salvinia was removed from the state in 2009 (Emens and Hoyle 2015). Control methods:The use of herbicide was the primary method of control across all known
sites. An experimental release of the Salvinia weevil was done at the River Bend site in Pender County. The weevils were released onto a pond which is separate from the hardwood swamp site. The insects were provided to the state by the USDA APHIS program. The weevils controlled the growth of Salvinia to some degree however it became apparent that they were not going to remove Salvinia entirely. Ultimately the pond was treated with herbicide to remove the remaining Salvinia. The most challenging site to remove Salvinia from was the hardwood swamp in River Bend. For several years the approach was to use foliar applications of diquat and/or fluridone, whereas staff waded through with backpack sprayers and towed small kayaks that carried battery-powered spray rigs. Each year Salvinia was partially controlled but also continued to spread and re-infest previously controlled areas. It became apparent this strategy was not going to successfully eradicate the invasive aquatic fern. The management approach shifted to a site-wide herbicide treatment using fluridone. Approximately 2 consecutive years of fluridone pressure successfully removed Salvinia from the site. The trees were not injured and native aquatic plants naturally repopulated the swamp without the need of a revegetation program.
Case Study of Economic Impacts: Chowan County
Scott Robinson, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Bugwood.org
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We have defined ANS as a nonnative species that lives most or all of its life in aquatic environments and is causing negative ecologic and/or economic impacts in North Carolina. It is important to understand how these species enter and invade nonnative ranges in order to educate the public about ways to reduce future harmful introductions. Species have been found outside of their native ranges from other parts in North Carolina, the United States, or even from around the world. Nearly 74% of the 95 introduced aquatic animal species come from elsewhere in North America (Figure 5). Humans have played a key role in introducing the majority of these nonnative species over the years, either unintentionally or deliberately. Introduction pathways are defined as natural or manmade means by which species are physically relocated to areas outside of their native range. Introduction pathways are also referred to as introduction mechanisms or vectors.
Introductions can be unintentional or deliberate and can include many activities, media and occurrences. North Carolina has the potential to be more vulnerable to ANS due to interconnected
systems which may allow easier inland access to our rivers and streams for species transportation. In the Southeast, Florida and North Carolina have the most introduced and established fish species; however, the dominant pathway in each state is different. For example, the majority of Florida’s introductions are related to the aquarium trade while North Carolina’s are mainly the result of stocking for sportfishing, either by intentional historic resource agency stockings or unauthorized releases by anglers. An average of 72% of all fish species introduced in the Southeast have become established (Benson et al, 2001).In North Carolina, many species have been introduced from outside of the state. However, a substantial number of species have also been transplanted from one North Carolina waterway where they are native to another waterway outside of their native range. For example, North Carolina has a large number of native minnow species that are thought to have been introduced into previously unoccupied areas as the result of bait releases. Just like exotic species, these species when introduced into new areas of the state can have negative ecological and/or economic impacts.
III. PATHWAYS OF INTRODUCTION
Nearly 74% of the 95 introduced aquatic animal species come
from elsewhere in North America (Figure 5). Humans have
played a key role in introducing the majority of these nonnative
species over the years, either unintentionally or deliberately.
Figure 5. Origin and number of nonnative aquatic animals introduced in North Carolina. Data gathered on 11/20/2014 from the United States Geological Survey.
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There are many introduction pathways for ANS species to enter North Carolina. Based upon the information collected and analyzed in the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) database (which excludes plants), the top five most commonly occurring known aquatic pathways in North Carolina are intentional stocking (38%), bait release (25%), aquarium release (9.33%), hitchhiker (4%) and aquaculture (3%)(Figure 7). A more detailed look into some of these pathways is discussed below.Additionally, ANS species are vectored by several different methods. One example would be through seed/seedling movement on migrating animals. Another vector would be through human movement, and lack of sanitation on shoes, boat trailers, tractor tires, and new planting materials. It is important to distinguish between vectors and pathways as they contribute to the introduction and spread of ANS species.
Figure 6. Introduction pathways for aquatic animals in North Carolina. Each category includes all species introduced via that pathway. A single species can be introduced by more than one pathway and may therefore be counted more than once. Data gathered on 12/1/2014 from the United States Geological Survey.
Stocking
Historically, most federal and state government fish and wildlife agencies routinely stocked game fish for recreational purposes and North Carolina was no different. In fact, North Carolina ranks stocking as the primary introduction pathway in the state with 38% to date (Figure 7). Many stockings during the late 1800s and much of the 1900s involved sport fish such as Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) and Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), both of which are not native to the state. Other sport fish stocked extensively included species native to only a part of the state, such as Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides), Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), White Bass (Morone chrysops), and many sunfish (Lepomis spp.). The potential impact the historical stockings had upon native fishes and other aquatic organisms was not known at the time, nor was it considered in the ways it is today. Stocking still occurs, but state and federal fish and wildlife agencies are much more conscious of the potential ecological consequences. The focus is often on restoring rare species to their native range.Intentional release by anglers and hunters can be another avenue in which ANS can be introduced into previously uninhabited waters. Some anglers and
hunters have the opinion that releasing or introducing species will improve the sport by increasing the stock and variety of fish or improving habitat for fish and waterfowl. Species such as Hydrilla and Brazilian Elodea (Egeria densa) have been introduced by a few anglers and hunters in North Carolina with hopes of increasing habitat for their target species, such as bass and various waterfowl (Waters 2015). Consequently, these species begin to spread into the waters and become a nuisance species to the existing natives. Prime examples for North Carolina include the intentional unauthorized release of Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris), Blue Catfish (Ictalurus furcatus), White Perch and Spotted Bass (Micropterus punctulatus) that have been illegally introduced to numerous waters for sport fishing. The two catfish species grow very large and can outcompete native species in the waters where they are released. Biologists have noted that native sunfish, madtoms and bullheads disappear in areas where the Flathead Catfish are introduced. In North Carolina Flathead Catfish are opportunistic feeders that eat whatever becomes available, which can include native species (Pine 2005). Both Flathead and Blue Catfish species have been documented to consume river herring in coastal rivers where they are depleted (Schloesser et al. 2011).
Bait Release
The transport and release of live bait by both fresh and saltwater anglers in North Carolina waters may pose a nuisance species risk. Bait releases consisting primarily of minnow species make up approximately 25% of all introductions in North Carolina (Figure 7). Some bait species native to coastal rivers, such as Blueback Herring and Alewife, can pose a great nuisance risk if released intentionally or accidentally in inland reservoirs. Walleye fishing in most mountain reservoirs has been seriously degraded by the release of these species by anglers. Other species of bait, including fish and crayfish, may be brought into North Carolina by anglers from nearby states, or imported from outside the state and then introduced into our waters. Bait, such as nonnative shrimp, may carry diseases or parasites which could impact our native species. More discussion has begun to circulate on this issue with introduction of the Eel Swimbladder Nematode (Anguillicoloides crassus) into the United States. This introduction poses a significant risk to the native American eel (Anguilla rostrata). The nematode is native to Southeast Asia and its native host is the Japanese eel (Anguilla japonicas). Releasing unused bait from another water body increases the risk
15
of introducing nonnative species into areas they weren’t previously known to exist. Additional NCWRC and NCDMF rules and other agency jurisdiction information on bait release can be found in Section V of this document.
Aquarium and Pet Release Aquarium releases can be a considerable source of invasive species introduction into native waters (Padilla and Williams 2004). In North Carolina, aquarium and pet release makes up approximately 12% of all nonnative fish introductions in the state (Figure 7). No statistics are available regarding nonnative plant species introductions. In general, the majority of plant and animal species sold in aquarium and pet stores are nonnative, diverse in selection, and easily available for consumers to purchase either in stores or online. Aquarium species are usually medium to large in size, which, if released, have a greater probability of surviving and reproducing in their new environment, especially if the water temperature range is suitable. Some introduced species can survive through the cold winters by inhabiting a warm water outlet from industrial companies or power plants.Releases usually occur when an aquarium or pet owner has a fish or plant that has gotten too large for the tank or for a backyard water feature. In some cases, the owner decides they don’t want to care for the species any longer. The public does not always understand the invasive qualities for certain aquatic species, but feel that “freeing” the fish or plant species into the wild is preferable to other methods of disposal. The owners may release the pet or dump the entire aquarium (nonnative animals, plants and pathogens) and contaminated water into a water body, storm drain, or sewer system when they are finished with the aquarium, which has the potential to cause disease in native organisms.Plant species such as Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) and Brazilian Elodea have been found in stores that carry aquarium merchandise, and others can be
acquired through various e-commerce sites (Reichard and White 2001). All nurseries and garden centers that sell aquatic plants are regularly inspected by NCDA&CS employees for Federal and State Noxious Weeds.There is no current comprehensive information available on the distribution of aquarium species in North Carolina waters, but there are a number of examples of aquarium releases that have been documented in the state. Lionfish (Pterois miles) have been one of the more commonly caught nuisance fish species in North Carolina and locations southward in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean (Morris and Akins 2009). Additionally, species such as the Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus), Pacu (Colossoma spp. and Piaractus
spp.), Oriental Weatherfish (Misgurnus
anguillicaudatus) and Piranha (Pygocentrus spp., Rooseveltiella spp. and
Serrasalmus spp.) are occasionally found in North Carolina freshwater systems (North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences unpublished data; NCWRC unpublished data). It is suspected that some species, such as Mysterysnails (Cipangopaludina spp.), are intentionally placed in aquatic systems to grow and multiply for later harvest.
Relocation by “Hitchhiking” Hitchhiking is considered here as the unintentional movement of non-native species from one location to another. It is the pathway through which 4% (Figure 7) of invasive animal species have entered or spread throughout North Carolina waterways, but plants also are introduced to new water via this mechanism. Boat and trailer transportation between the state’s infested and clean water bodies presents a risk of invasive species introduction through hull fouling; entanglements; and water discharge from bilge pumps, live-wells, and bait buckets. Equipment such as life jackets, fishing tackle and nets, watersport accessories such as tubes or skis, waterfowl hunting gear, and even the family dog may have ANS hitchhikers that could be transported unknowingly if not properly inspected. The vegetation may itself be an ANS or harbor other
ANS, such as nonnative snails. When boat owners do not thoroughly wash and inspect boats and boat trailers, they can easily transport aquatic weeds, such as Hydrilla, from one water body to another. Educating boaters about the importance of inspecting and cleaning their boats and trailers is critical to reducing the unwanted introduction of these nuisance species in our state. Many public boat ramps and marinas across the state post educational boards at the docks or ramps to increase education and awareness. This information can be found at the National ANSTF website and campaign for http://anstaskforce.gov/campaigns.php. Importation of cultured species into North Carolina, even those that are legal, can bring unwanted species along as hitchhikers. For example, a shipment of fish to stock a private pond may contain invasive species, such as other fish, crayfish, snails, mussels, plants, or diseases.
AquacultureNorth Carolina has a diverse aquaculture industry (freshwater and marine), which is one of the largest in the Southeast. This industry is also a pathway that makes up approximately 3% of our state’s invasive species introductions (Figure 7). Saltwater aquaculture operations include the production of hard clams, oysters and soft shell crabs. Freshwater aquaculture operations include Hybrid Striped Bass (Morone chrysops x saxatilis), Rainbow Trout, Channel Catfish, freshwater prawns and various Tilapia (Oreochromis spp.), many of which are nonnative. In addition, there are several crayfish operations in North Carolina that raise Red Swamp Crawfish (Procambarus clarkii). Concerns about this pathway include the escape and reproduction of nonnative aquaculture species in North Carolina waters, potential genetic mixing of native species with highly inbred production stocks, and the introduction of various finfish and shellfish diseases that may cause negative impacts to native species. Industry precautions and aquaculture regulations are in place to help prevent these problems.
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Additional Pathways of
Introduction There are many other pathways in which species may make their way into North Carolina waters. The above sections focus on the top five introduction pathways in our state. Additional pathways that contribute to North Carolina’s species introductions include shipping, released food fish, escaped captives, aquascaping and strong storms. Although our neighboring state South Carolina has ranked shipping as their fifth highest introduction pathway, very little data are available for this pathway in North Carolina, where it is currently ranked tenth (Figure 7). North Carolina has ports in Wilmington, Morehead City, and along the Intracoastal Waterway where there are military operations, but gaps in invasive species monitoring on shipping vessels and their ballast waters at these ports has resulted in the shipping pathway being ranked lower than it realistically would be for North Carolina. This is a data gap that needs to be addressed in order to more accurately account for and manage the aquatic invasive species entering our state’s waterways.The water garden and nursery trades have historically been sources of purposeful plant introductions that later become classified as noxious (Williams 1980). In recent years the
water garden industry has grown as more homeowners build backyard ponds and water features on their property. Stormwater retention ponds have also been constructed on many commercial properties, and wetland plants are utilized for soil stabilization and nutrient filtering purposes. NCDA&CS’ Plant Industry Division reports 49 nurseries that carry aquatic plants for sale in 2015. These nurseries are inspected yearly by NCDA&CS personnel, and nursery owners are informed of laws and guidelines regarding invasive aquatic plants. Ongoing educational efforts are necessary to reduce the number of accidental releases and to advise homeowners of proper disposal mechanisms. Occasionally, noxious weeds such as Hydrilla have been found as contaminants in aquatic plants for sale at nurseries and garden centers, and stop-sale orders are issued by the appropriate regulatory authorities. Internet sales of federal and state noxious weed species are monitored by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Plant Protection and Quarantine officers and intercepted when possible. Sales by individuals at flea markets and through unlicensed nurseries can circumvent the state and federal oversight of invasive species.
Several species of aquatic plants are commonly used in the trade because of their attractive flowers and foliage. One such example is Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). Although it not considered invasive in North Carolina because it can rarely survive the low winter temperatures, it is regulated in South Carolina due to warmer weather. Growing Water Hyacinth in a container will prevent this plant from spreading and is preferable to releasing it into a large water body where it might grow unchecked.Hurricanes and other strong storms can spread invasive species by changing and disrupting the normal flow patterns of Atlantic coast currents, pushing invasive species into new areas. This disruption in the currents traditional flow pattern allows an opening for invasive to spread their distribution to areas previously uninhabited. In North Carolina, storms, such as hurricane Fran, can effect more than just the ocean currents. Hurricane Fran caused a decrease in the height of forest canopies. This reduction allowed more light to penetrate the understory and increases the resource and microhabitat variability that enhanced colonizing species to establish in disturbed areas, including potentially invasive weeds (Boutet and Weishampel 2003).
IV. AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES OF CONCERNThe Steering Committee developed lists of known or potential aquatic invasive and aquatic nuisance species (Appendix D) in a stepwise manner. North Carolina and federal prohibited, noxious, injurious or invasive species lists were compiled in addition to the lists from aquatic nuisance management plans of adjacent states. This master list was then pared down by removing duplicates and those species not pertinent to North Carolina. Additions were then made of known invasive or nuisance species in the state. All species were then reviewed for accuracy and adjusted based on current knowledge since some of the original lists were 5-10 years old.The master list was used to create the individual tables in Appendix D. Tables 1 and 2 are lists of invasive and nuisance species (as defined in this document) currently known to exist in North Carolina. Table 3 contains those species not currently known to be present in North
Carolina, but are considered “high risk” of becoming a nuisance should they arrive in the state. An example of a high risk ANS is the Zebra Mussel. Table 4 is similar to Table 3 in that the species are not currently present in the state, but the risk is lower of them becoming a nuisance. Table 5 includes those nonnative species already found in North Carolina but whose presence has not caused significant or widespread impacts or have been a part of the ecological landscape for many decades (e.g., Rainbow Trout). Tables 6 and 7 are lists of species that are native to part of the state but have been moved outside their native range and are considered either invasive (Table 6) or nuisance (Table 7) in the introduced waters. Finally, Table 8 contains species that have one or more questions concerning their origin (i.e., cryptogenic species), their presence in North Carolina, or their potential for becoming a nuisance.
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Scientific Name Common Name Taxa Group Habitat Rank
Hydrilla verticillata Hydrilla Plant Freshwater 1
Pterois miles Lionfish; Devil Firefish Fish Marine 2
Pterois volitans Red Lionfish Fish Marine 2
Nymphoides peltata Yellow Floating Heart Plant Freshwater 4
Phragmites australis australis European Common Reed Plant Freshwater-Brackish 4
Orconectes rusticus Rusty Crayfish Crayfish Freshwater 6
Procambarus clarkii Red Swamp Crawfish Crayfish Freshwater 6
Alternanthera philoxeroides Alligatorweed Plant Freshwater 6
Orconectes virilis Virile Crayfish Crayfish Freshwater 9
Ictalurus furcatus Blue Catfish Fish Freshwater 10
Lyngbya wollei Musty black mat algae Cyanobacterium Freshwater 11
Cipangopaludina chinensis malleata Chinese Mysterysnail Gastropod Freshwater 12
Cipangopaludina japonica Japanese Mysterysnail Gastropod Freshwater 12
Anguillicoloides crassus (= Anguillicola crassus)Eel Swimbladder Nematode Nematode NA 12
Myriophyllum spicatum Eurasian Watermilfoil Plant Freshwater 12
Myocaster coypus Nutria Mammal Freshwater 16
Corbicula fluminea Asian Clam Bivalve Freshwater 17
Micropterus punctulatus Spotted Bass Fish Freshwater 17
Phyllorhiza punctata Australian Spotted Jellyfish Coelenterate Marine 19
Lythrum salicaria Purple Loosestrife Plant Freshwater 19
Lythrum spp.Purple Loosestrife (any not native to NC)Plant Freshwater 19
Murdannia keisak Marsh Dewflower; Asian Spiderwort Plant Freshwater 19
Ludwigia hexapetala (L. uruguayensis)Uruguay Waterprimrose Plant Freshwater 23
Myriophyllum aquaticum Parrotfeather Plant Freshwater 23
Polysiphonia breviarticulata a red algae Algae Marine 25
Egeria densa Brazilian Elodea Plant Freshwater 25
Najas minor Brittle Naiad Plant Freshwater 25
Triadica sebifera Chinese Tallow Tree Plant Freshwater 25
Tilapia zillii Redbelly Tilapia Fish Freshwater 29
Ludwigia peploides peploides Creeping Water Primrose Plant Freshwater 29
Codium fragile tomentosoides Green Sea Fingers Algae Marine 31
Carcinus maenas European Green Crab Crab Marine 31
Oreochromis aureus Blue Tilapia Fish Freshwater 31
Eichhornia crassipes Water Hyacinth Plant Freshwater 31
Ludwigia peploides montevidensis Creeping Water Primrose Plant Freshwater 31
Pistia stratiotes Water Lettuce Plant Freshwater 31
Potamogeton crispus Curly Pondweed Plant Freshwater 37
Nasturtium officinale Watercress Plant Freshwater 38The following page lists species that are particularly problematic in North Carolina. Expanded information about each of these can be found in Appendix H. The list is not all-inclusive of all invasive species in North Carolina, but they were chosen in order to highlight some of the more commonly discussed nuisance and invasive species found across the state. Additional information is also included for several “high risk” species that are not currently in North Carolina, but could have potentially devastating impacts if they were to be introduced.
Prioritization of ANS Species currently found in North Carolina.
Species in bold have commercial or recreational value
Priority ANS Species:Nuisance species were ranked to provide an indication of those species that should receive the most attention for action upon plan approval. Rankings were provided by members of the Steering Committee using the following criteria:1. Ecological Impacts – potential to impact aquatic ecosystems based on literature, discussions with colleagues, field observations and personal experience;2. Current Distribution and Status – documented current distribution in North Carolina;3. Trend in Distribution and Abundance – anticipated spread of this species in the state within the next ten years;4. Management Difficulty – difficulty in controlling this species including availability of proven
management techniques and a need for repetitive and ongoing treatments;5. Economic Impact – ability or potential to negatively impact the economy based on historical information from within the state or other states.Each species was given a relative numerical ranking of 1, 2 or 3 for each of the five criteria with 1 being the lowest impact and 3 being the highest impact. The committee members ranked each species independently for each criterion. A mean for the independent rankings was then calculated for each criterion and the five means (i.e., one for each criterion) for each species was summed to give a composite score. The resulting scores were then ordered from high to low to provide an overall ranking. The following table indicates how the ANS species identified by the committee are ranked based on this methodology:
Higher Priority
Medium Priority
Lower Priority
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Alligatorweed (Alternanthera philoxeroides)Brazilian Elodea (Egeria densa)Brittle Naiad (Najas minor)Curly Pondweed (Potamogeton crispus)Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum)European Common Reed (Phragmites australis australis)Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata)Marsh Dayflower (Murdannia kiesak)Parrotfeather (Myiophyllum aquaticum)Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)Watercress (Nasturtium officinale)Water Hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes)Water Primrose (Ludwigia grandiflora)Water Lettuce (Pistia statiodes)Yellow Crested Heart (Nymphoides peltata) Floating Crested Heart (N. cristata)
Freshwater Plants:
Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) and Blueback Herring (A. aestivalis) (when introduced into reservoirs)Asian Clam (Corbicula fluminea)Blue Catfish (lctalurus furcatus)Blue Tilapia (Oreochromis aureus) and Redbelly Tilapia (Tilapia zilli)Chinese Mysterysnail (Cipangopaludina malleata) and Japanese Mysterysnail (C. japonica)Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris)Nutria (Myocastor coypus)Red Swamp Crawfish (Procambarus clarkia)Rusty Crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) and Virile Crayfish (O. virilis)Spotted Bass (Micropterus punctulatus)White Perch (Morone Americana) (when introduced into reservoirs)
Freshwater Animals:
Australian Spotted Jellyfish (Phyllorhiza punctate)Eel Swimbladder Nematode (Anguillicoloides crassus or
Anguillicola crassus)Lionfish (Pterois miles or Pterois volitans)
Marine/Estuarine Species:Apple Snail (Pomacea insularum and P. canaliculata)Giant Salvinia (Salvinia molesta)Marbled Crayfish, Marmokrebs (Procambarus fallax
virginalis)Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and Bighead Carp (H. nobilis)Snakeheads (Channa spp.)Zebra Mussel (Dreisenna polymorpha)
High Risk Species Not Currently in NC:
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In North Carolina aquatic nuisance species are managed by state and federal agencies. The North Carolina state agencies that have some authority include the Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), NCDWR and NCDMF, NCWRC and NCDA&CS. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and National Marine Fisheries Service also have some authority in North Carolina.
State Entities
NC Department of Agriculture
and Consumer ServicesThe NC Aquaculture Development Act designates the NCDA&CS as the lead state agency in matters pertaining to aquaculture and grants the NCDA&CS the authority for registration and licensing of freshwater aquaculture facilities (§ 106-761). In addition, the Act states that NCDA&CS authority shall be limited to commercially reared fish and does not include authority over wild fishery resources managed under the authority of the NCWRC. Under this statute, production of any species not listed as an approved species in the Aquaculture Development Act is “prohibited from propagation and production unless the applicant for the permit first obtains written permission from the Wildlife Resources Commission.” Table 1 identifies the species that do not require individual
approval from the NCWRC. If the species is found on this list, the NCDA&CS is able to register and license the facility. If the species is not listed, the applicant is responsible for obtaining written permission from the NCWRC. Furthermore, the statute makes it unlawful to willfully release domestically raised fish into waters of
the state, other than in private ponds, without written permission of the NCWRC or NCDMF. For NCDA&CS licensing program information visit http://www.ncagr.gov/markets/aquaculture/license.htm. The statute specifically states that nothing in the Act shall apply to the aquarium or ornamental trade in fish.
V. JURISDICTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES
Table 1: Approved Species for Aquaculture Production
1. Including any hybrids using these four species of the genus Lepomis
2. Production, propagation, and holding facilities in the Neuse, Roanoke, or Tar/Pamlico River basins for hybrid Striped Bass shall comply with additional escapement prevention measures prescribed by the NCWRC
3. A letter of approval from the NCWRC is required before Yellow Perch may be raised at a facility located west of Interstate Highway 77
Common Name Scientific Name
Bluegill 1 Lepomis macrochirus
Redear Sunfish 1 Lepomis microlophus
Redbreast Sunfish 1 Lepomis auritus
Green Sunfish 1 Lepomis cyanellus
Black Crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus
White Crappie Pomoxis annularis
Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides (northern strain)
Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu
White Catfish Ictalurus catus
Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus
Golden Shiner Notemigonus crysoleucas
Fathead Minnow Pimephales promelas
Goldfish Carassius auratus
Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss
Brown Trout Salmo trutta
Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis
Common Carp Cyprinus carpio
Crayfish Procambarus species
Hybrid Striped Bass 2 Morone chrysops × Morone saxatilis
Yellow Perch Perca flavenscens 3

Table 1: Approved Species for Aquaculture Production
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The NCDA&CS is responsible for developing and implementing a fish disease management plan to prevent the introduction of fish diseases through aquaculture facilities. This plan is to be created with the assistance of the NCWRC (§ 106-762). To satisfy the requirement of the statue the NCDA&CS and NCWRC must work together to develop the fish disease management plan. The NCDA&CS Noxious Weed Regulations, adopted under authority of the NC Plant Pest Law (N.C.G.S. 106 Article 36), were established to prevent the widespread establishment of harmful nonnative plants. This list is comprised of all weeds that are found on the Federal Noxious weed list (http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/weeds/downloads/weedlist.pdf) as well as several additional species that are state noxious weeds and are approved by the NC Board of Agriculture. Any plant on the state or federal noxious weed list that does not already occur in the state is prohibited in the state without a permit. Plants on the noxious weed list that are already present in the state (but are found in less than 20 counties) are quarantined to those counties where they are known to exist. Movement of the plant outside of those quarantine counties is prohibited. In addition to the
plant itself, articles that could contain noxious weed propagules, such as soil or hay, are also regulated. In addition, the sale of noxious weeds is prohibited unless exempted by provisions of the
Noxious Weed Regulations. The list of NCDA&CS noxious weeds that are considered to be aquatic plants is provided in Table 2.
Common Name Scientific Name
Mosquito Fern Azolla pinnata
Caulerpa [Killer Algae (Mediterranean Strain)] Caulerpa taxifolia
Rooted Water Hyacinth Eichhornia azurea
Hydrilla Hydrilla verticillata
Miramar Weed Hygrophila polysperma
Water Spinach Ipomoea aquatic
African Oxygen Weed; African Elodea Lagarosiphon major
Ambulia, Asian Marshweed Limnophila sessiliflora
Uruguay Waterprimrose Ludwigia hexapetala
Water Primrose Ludwigia uruguayensis
Purple Loosestrife Lythrum salicaria
Loosestrife species (any not native to NC) Lythrum spp.
Broadleaf Paper Bark Tree Melaleuca quinquenervia
Arrowleaf False Pickerelweed Monochoria hastate
Heartshape False Pickerelweed Monochoria vaginalis
Eurasian Watermilfoil Myriophyllum spicatum
Crested Floating Heart Nymphoides cristata
Water Snowflake Nymphoides indica
Yellow Floating Heart Nymphoides peltata
Duck Lettuce Ottelia alismoides
Arrowhead Sagittaria sagittifolia
Giant Salvinia Salvinia auriculata
Giant Salvinia Salvinia biloba
Giant Salvinia Salvinia herzogii
Giant Salvinia Salvinia molesta
Wetland Nightshade Solanum tampicense
Exotic Bur Reed Sparganium erectum Table 2: NCDA&CS Noxious Weed List (Aquatic)
North Carolina
Wildlife Resources CommissionThe NCWRC has the authority for conservation of wildlife resources and all the activities that are connected with the conservation and regulation of wildlife resources (G.S. 113-132). This includes management authority for aquatic nuisance species when introduced into inland fishing waters and shared management authority with NCDMF for joint fishing waters. The NCWRC has authority based on G.S. 113-274 and G.S. 113-292 to regulate and permit the transportation, purchase, possession, sale or stocking of species within its jurisdiction. It is illegal to
stock fish into public waters or for any person, firm, or corporation to transport live freshwater nongame fishes, or live game fishes in excess of the possession limit, or fish eggs without a permit from the NCWRC (15A NCAC 10C .0209). The NCWRC also prohibits the possession of certain exotic species (15A NCAC 10C .0211) (Table 3). Triploid grass carp may be bought, possessed and stocked only for the purpose of controlling aquatic vegetation under a NCWRC permit. Regulations also allow hunting for invasive species including Nutria and Mute Swans, as long as all other local laws and bag limits are obeyed. The Aquaculture Development Act (G.S. Chapter 106 Article 63) provides
a list of species that can be propagated and produced with a NCDA&CS Aquaculture License. The NCWRC can only place restrictions on the listed species when there is a disease concern. All other species are prohibited from propagation and production unless the applicant for the permit first obtains written authorization from the NCWRC. In the past the NCWRC has reviewed requests for species that spend any portion of their life in freshwater even though they may spend a majority of their life in estuarine or marine environments. Propagation and production of species on the NCWRC prohibited species list (Table 3) are not allowed.
Table 2: NCDA&CS Noxious Weed List (Aquatic)
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Common Name Scientific Name
Piranha Pygocentrus nattereri
Walking Catfish Clarias batrachus
Snakehead Fish from the Family Channidae, formerly Ophiocephalidae
Black Carp Mylopharyngodon piceus
Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis
Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix
Rudd Scardinius erythropthalomus
Round Goby Neogobius melanostomus
Tubenose Goby Proterorhinus marmoratus
Ruffe Gymnocephalus cernuus
Japanese Mysterysnail Cipangopaludina japonica
Chinese Mysterysnail Cipangopaludina chinensis malleata
Red-rim Melania Melanoides tuberculatus
Virile Crayfish Orconectes (Gremicambarus) virilis
Rusty Crayfish Orconectes (Procericambarus) rusticus
Australian Red Claw Crayfish or red claw Cherax quadricarinatus or Cherax genus
White Amur or Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella
Swamp or "rice" Eel Monopterus albus
Red Shiner Cyprinella lutrensis
Zebra Mussel Dreissena polymorpha
Quagga mussel Dreissena rostriformis bugensis or any mussel in the family
Dreissenidae
Table 3: NCWRC Prohibited Species List
North Carolina Division of Marine FisheriesThe North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission has jurisdiction over the conservation of marine and estuarine resources (G.S. 113-132) and oversees NCDMF, which has regulatory authority over aquaculture facilities that cultivate or rear marine or estuarine resources through an Aquaculture Operation Permit (AOP). In order to operate an aquaculture facility that deals with estuarine or marine species the facility must obtain a permit from the NCDMF director (15A NCAC 03O .0501). If the applicant is collecting wild fish for the aquaculture facility NCDMF has regulatory authority over how the fish are collected. Under regulatory authority (15A NCAC 03I .0104) it is illegal to introduce any living marine or estuarine nonnative species into state waters without obtaining a permit from NCDMF. This permit regulates the ability to place live marine and estuarine
organisms not native to North Carolina into coastal waters, to place live marine and estuarine organisms native to North Carolina that originated outside of the State’s boundaries, to hold or maintain any live marine or estuarine organism imported into the state in a quarantine or isolation system for live bait or use in an aquaculture operation, or to sell for bait in any live marine or estuarine organism imported into the state. NCDMF is also given the authority to regulate the release of domestically raised fish into waters of the state other than in private ponds as defined by G.S. 113-129 (§ 106-762). NCDMF continues to monitor species that occur in NC estuaries and sounds through continuous monitoring of its fishery surveys and mapping of sub-tidal estuarine habitat. NCDMF employees participate on the federal aquatic invasive species boards and the state aquatic weed control board to ensure the most up to date information is identified.
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North Carolina
Division of Water ResourcesThe Aquatic Weed Control Act of 1991 empowers the NCDEQ Secretary to designate plant organisms as noxious aquatic weeds and to direct the control, eradication and regulation of those noxious aquatic weeds. Furthermore, the Weed Control Act provides the NCDEQ Secretary authority to control, remove, or destroy any noxious aquatic weed located in the waters of the state. A key operational component of the Act allows the Department to coordinate management activities and enter into cost-share agreements with local governments. The Secretary assigned the NCDWR to formalize an aquatic weed control program in order to implement the Act. Previous to the Act an interagency committee coordinated aquatic weed control activities with NCDWR as the lead agency. That committee became the NC Aquatic Weed Control Council (NCAWCC). The NCAWCC is a standing voting committee that determines the distribution of state-appropriated funds that are used to treat nuisance species. The NCDWR coordinates aquatic weed control projects. The NCDA&CS has the authority to regulate the importation, sale, use, culture, collection, transportation and distribution of
noxious aquatic weeds, as described in the NC Plant Pest Law and rules subsequently adopted by the NC Board of Agriculture. Aquatic nuisance species are often managed with pesticides. The Clean Water Act has been interpreted such that any pesticide applied to, over, or near waters of the United States requires a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. As is the case with many states, the EPA has authorized North Carolina to
administer its own NPDES permit program. North Carolina established threshold criteria so that a general permit would cover small-scale pesticide treatments. If a pesticide application is expected to exceed any threshold, then an application for an NPDES permit must be obtained from the NCDEQ so pesticides can be used. For a full list of the pesticide thresholds please see the entire NCDWR
NCG560000 permit.
Other State EntitiesOther state agencies, (e.g. North Carolina Division of Coastal Management, North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)
and North Carolina Forest Service) will treat for aquatic nuisance species as funds are available. NCDOT actively controls Japanese Knotweed and Alligatorweed when they pose a threat to the structural integrity of bridges and
roadways (D. Smith, 2015). In addition to treatment around roadways, the NCDOT controls nuisance species if they are found on mitigation sites.
Recent and Proposed LegislationSince 2010 very few bills related to ANS have been introduced in North Carolina. The Appropriations Act of 2013 (Session Law 2013-360) appropriated $250,000 to control Hydrilla in Lake Waccamaw. The
Appropriations Act of 2014 (Session Law 2014-100) limited to $500,000 the amount of the Shallow Draft Navigation Channel Dredging and Lake Maintenance Fund that could be used for aquatic weed control.In the 2015 session of the General Assembly there are two identical
bills (House Bill 430 and Senate Bill 422) that, if passed, would direct the Environmental Review Commission to study issues relating to statewide approaches to control invasive aquatic noxious weeds in the state’s waters, including funding needed to support statewide control.
Ducks in Spotted Duckweed, Shutterstock
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Federal Agencies and Acts
The Lacey ActThe Lacey Act [18 USC 42-43; 16 USC 3371-3378 (50 CFR 16)] was created in 1900, giving the Secretary of the Interior the authority to regulate the importation and transport of species, including offspring and eggs, determined to be injurious to the health and welfare of humans, the interests
of agriculture, horticulture or forestry, and the welfare and survival of wildlife resources of the U.S. Wild mammals, wild birds, fish, mollusks, crustaceans, amphibians and reptiles are the only organisms that can be added to the injurious wildlife list. Species that have been listed as injurious cannot be imported or transported between states, the District of Columbia, the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or any territory or possession of the U.S. by any means without a permit issued by the USFWS. A permit may be granted for importation or the transportation of listed injurious species for scientific, medical, educational, or zoological purposes.
Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control ActThe NANPCA {(Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act, reauthorized as the National Invasive Species Act (NISA) in 1996)} was primarily created in response to the Zebra Mussel invasion of the Great Lakes, where ballast water introduction had caused serious ecological and socioeconomic impacts. Although the zebra mussel invasion of the Great Lakes has played a central role in prompting passage of the federal legislation, NANPCA has been established to prevent the occurrence of all new ANS introductions and to limit the dispersal of all ANS already in U.S. waters.The Act, established for the prevention and control of the unintentional introduction of nonindigenous aquatic nuisance species, is based on the following five objectives as listed in Section 1002 of NANPCA:• To prevent further unintentional introductions of nonindigenous aquatic nuisance species.• To coordinate federally funded research, control efforts and information dissemination.• To develop and carry out environmentally sound control
methods to prevent, monitor and control unintentional introductions.• To understand and minimize economic and ecological damage. • To establish a program of research and technology development to assist state governments.• The primary components of the Act:• Required vessels entering ports on the Great Lakes to exchange ballast water and meet other requirements, with voluntary guidelines for similar actions on other waters of the U.S.• Authorized a number of studies and monitoring programs to assess the spread of AIS and develop methods for controlling them.• Required the development of Armed Services ballast water programs as well as the establishment of the Ballast Water Management Demonstration Program.• Authorized the establishment of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force.• Established a mechanism for regional collaboration and coordination through the establishment of the ANSTF Regional Panels.• Authorized the development of an AIS Program to be housed within the USFWS.
• Established the State/Interstate ANS Management Plan Grant program managed by the USFWS, through which states can develop and implement a comprehensive state management plan for the prevention and control of aquatic nuisance species.NISA amended NANPCA “To provide for ballast water management to prevent the introduction and spread of nonindigenous species into the waters of the United States, and for other purposes.” NISA authorized:• The production of guidelines for how to guard against the introduction and dispersal of invasive species.• Regulations for vessel operations and crew safety, and education and training programs to promote compliance.• Funding for research on environmentally sound methods to control the spread of invasive species. • Ecological surveys for certain environmentally sensitive regions of the country.• The establishment of the National Ballast Information Clearinghouse to provide data about ballasting practices and compliance with guidelines.
Executive Order 13112 of February 3, 1999The purpose of Executive Order 13112 is to outline the duties and responsibilities of federal agencies to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species and provide for their control and impact minimization. It enables federal agencies to develop prevention and rapid response
protocols, conduct monitoring and restoration activities, and to promote public education and research on invasive species. It also prohibits agencies from conducting activities that would enable the introduction and spread of invasive species unless the benefits of such activities “outweigh” the potential harm.
Another directive of this executive order is the establishment of the Invasive Species Council, an interagency to advise and provide recommendations for federal invasive species activities, develop an Invasive Species Management Plan for federal agency efforts, and work with other state, tribal, regional local, and ecosystem-level organizations to coordinate responses on invasive species issues.
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United States
Department of Agriculture The Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.) gives the Secretary of Agriculture the authority to prohibit or restrict the importation, entry, exportation or movement in interstate commerce of any plant, plant product, biological control organism, noxious
weed, article or means of conveyance if the Secretary determines that the prohibition or restriction is necessary to prevent the introduction of a plant pest or noxious weed into the United States. The Secretary of Agriculture was also given the authority to designate noxious weeds and prohibit them from interstate or foreign commerce under the Federal Noxious Weed Act (7 U.S.C.
2801). This Act also authorizes the USDA Secretary to inspect, seize, and destroy products and to quarantine areas, to prevent the spread of noxious weeds. The 2014 Farm Bill allocated $62.5 million annually for the Plant Pest and Disease Management programs for fiscal years 2014 through 2017 then the funding will increase to $75 million annually.
United States
Fish and Wildlife ServiceThe mission of the USFWS is to work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. Because of their responsibilities, the USFWS is very concerned about the impacts that invasive species are having across the Nation. The USFWS addresses invasive species issues through a variety of programs and partnerships. The USFWS’ invasive species efforts take proactive approaches to address intentional and unintentional introductions, combat the spread of existing invaders on and off USFWS lands, and maintain the USFWS as a leader in invasive species prevention and control.
Fisheries and Aquatic ConservationThe USFWS’ Aquatic Invasive Species Program is housed within the Fisheries and Habitat Conservation Program’s Division of Fisheries and Aquatic Conservation. The Branch of Aquatic Invasive Species essentially houses three functions:• The USFWS Aquatic Invasive Species Program – The AIS Program seeks to prevent the introduction and spread of AIS, rapidly respond to new invasions, monitor the distribution of and control established invaders, and foster responsible conservation behaviors through its national public
awareness campaigns (Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers and Habitattitude). • Administration of Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force – This Branch of AIS builds capacity, coordinates, and implements AIS prevention and control activities authorized under the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (NANPCA, as amended by the National Invasive Species Act (NISA) of 1996), including: cochairing and administering the ANSTF, supporting Regional Panels, providing grants for State/Interstate ANS Management Plans, and implementing a National AIS program.• Injurious Wildlife Evaluations and Listings – The AIS Program supports the Injurious Wildlife Provisions of the Lacey Act through an ongoing process of evaluating species and possibly listing them as injurious through the rulemaking process. The AIS Program has worked to prevent populations of invasive species from entering or spreading into the United States. Priority containment (boat inspection and decontamination), early detection and rapid response (snakehead eradication and Chicago Sanitary Shipping Canal), interjurisdictional coordination and planning (Quagga/Zebra Mussel Action Plan and 100th Meridian), and regulatory (injurious wildlife listing of Black and Silver Asian Carp) and
nonregulatory actions (Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!) have occurred across many jurisdictions. Through the actions of the AIS program, a national AIS network has been built – including 42 states, 6 Regional panels, over 1,000 participants in two national public awareness campaigns and many other partners – that has planned, directed and accomplished significant regional and landscape-level invasive species prevention and management resource outcomes. The AIS Program serves as the nation’s front line for prevention of new aquatic invasive species by regulating imports of injurious wildlife, facilitating behavioral change and managing pathways to limit the introduction and spread of invasives (awareness campaigns and ballast water), and developing monitoring programs for invasion hotspots to facilitate early detection and rapid response.The Service’s Fisheries and Conservation Program maintains one facility in North Carolina: the Edenton National Fish Hatchery.The USFWS is also responsible for certifying Grass Carp hatcheries to ensure triploidy. Grass Carp are regularly used by the public and government agencies to control aquatic nuisance species (e.g., Hydrilla). The USFWS subsample these facilities to determine that these fish will not be able to breed, once released, in the wild. If triploidy is not observed these fish will not be certified for resale.
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National Wildlife Refuge SystemThe USFWS also manages more than 561 refuges, encompassing more than 150 million acres of wildlife habitat, within its National Wildlife Refuge System. According to 2013 data, more than 2.4 million acres of the Refuge System are impacted by invasive plants. In addition, there are approximately 1,715 invasive animal populations residing on refuge lands. There are 10 National Wildlife Refuges in North Carolina: Alligator River, Cedar Island, Currituck, Mackay Island, Mattamuskeet, Pea Island, Peedee, Pocosin Lakes, Roanoke River, and Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuges.
Endangered SpeciesThe ultimate goal of the Endangered Species Act [ESA - (16 U.S.C. § 1531 et seq.)] is the recovery (and long-term sustainability) of endangered and threatened species and the ecosystems on which they depend. Recovery is the process by which the decline of an endangered or threatened species is arrested or reversed, and threats removed or reduced so that the species’ survival in the wild can be ensured. The goal of the ESA is the recovery of listed species to levels where protection under the ESA is no longer necessary.In many instances these threats may be caused by invasive species. They may either directly harm the
species by causing mortality or may threaten a species by modifying or destroying the habitat or food source on which that species depends. A variety of methods and procedures are used to recover listed species, such as reduction of threats (including invasive species), protective measures to prevent extinction or further decline, consultation to avoid adverse impacts of federal activities, habitat acquisition and restoration, and other on-the-ground activities for managing and monitoring endangered and threatened species.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is responsible for the stewardship of the nation’s ocean resources and their habitat. NOAA provides vital services for the nation: productive and sustainable fisheries, safe sources of seafood, the recovery and conservation of protected resources, and healthy ecosystems—all backed by sound science and an ecosystem-based approach to management. NOAA has responsibility for prevention, monitoring, control, education, and research to prevent future introductions and the spread
of ANS. NOAA provides staff support for engagement and activities related to its leadership role as the co-chair of both the National Invasive Species Council (representing the Department of Commerce) and the ANS Task Force- two interagency organizations that coordinate and ensure complementary, cost-efficient, and effective federal activities regarding invasive species. Additionally, NOAA’s Sea Grant program and program offices have been actively involved in research and outreach regarding ANS, as well as restoration of habitat that benefits native species by removal of invasive organisms.The Monitor National Marine Sanctuary (MNMS or Sanctuary),
located 16 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, was designated in 1975 to protect the wreck of the famed vessel. Since designation, the Sanctuary has started to expand its research and monitoring of resources beyond maritime heritage resources to include biological resources as well. Fundamental to this change is the basic requirements to inventory and characterize invasive species that live in and around the MNMS. With this information MNMS will be better informed and able to assess the status of invasive species living in the Sanctuary, make more informed management decisions, and take action as needed.
National Park ServiceAlong with Executive Order 13112, the National Park Service (NPS)
works to manage invasive species on park lands through national and local programs. These programs have strategies that include cooperation
and collaboration, inventory and monitoring, prevention, early detection and rapid response, treatment and control, and restoration.
United States Army Corps of EngineersThe USACE Wilmington District has four reservoirs and three locks and dams in North Carolina. The USACE has authority under 36 CFR 327.12 to post restrictions on the use of a project or portion of a project by reason of public health, public safety, maintenance, resource protection or other reason in the public interest. The USACE Wilmington District Commander has implemented a posted restriction to
address the spread of aquatic nuisance species: “Stop Invasive Species – Before launching and leaving, you must remove visible mud, plants, and animals from vessels, trailers, and other equipment.” B. Everett Jordan, Falls of the Neuse, and John H. Kerr reservoirs are USACE-owned properties that have Hydrilla issues. In B. Everett Jordan Reservoir the USACE has worked with the NCWRC, NCDPR and other partners to perform annual surveys to determine invasive species locations. Hydrilla in the Weaver Creek section of B. Everett
Jordan Reservoir has been managed with triploid Grass Carp. In Falls of the Neuse Reservoir, the USACE has worked with NCWRC, NCDPR, City of Raleigh and Wake County to perform annual surveys that have identified Hydrilla, Parrot Feather, Alligatorweed and Creeping Primrose. The USACE is working to develop an Aquatic Vegetation Management Program for Falls of the Neuse Reservoir. The City of Raleigh, which has a water intake on Falls of the Neuse Reservoir, has been surveying and treating nuisance aquatic
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species in the reservoir proper and the Beaverdam Subimpoundment for many years. Hydrilla, Alligatorweed, and Brittle Naiad have been documented in John H. Kerr Reservoir. Since 2012, the USACE has implemented an Aquatic
Vegetation Management Program, which includes annual aquatic vegetation surveys and stocking of triploid Grass Carp: http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Locations/DistrictLakesandDams/JohnHKerr/NaturalResources/
AquaticVegetationManagement.aspx (Accessed January 2015). These surveys estimated 1,274 acres of Hydrilla in 2014. The USACE, shoreline permit holders and NCDPR have performed spot treatments for invasive species.
United States Coast GuardThe United States Coast Guard (USCG) is responsible for management of ballast water regulations. In 2012, regulations were modified to respond
to concerns that invasive species found in ballast water could have ecological, economic, or potential health threats. These new management regulations include mandatory ballast water management practices for all vessels
that operate in United States waters and additional practices for vessels entering United States waters as well as record keeping and reporting of ballast operations by all large commercial vessels.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)The EPA’s NPDES vessels program regulates incidental discharges from the normal operations of vessels consistent
with Clean Water Act Section 402 http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/npdes/vessels/index.cfm (Accessed January 2015). Through this program the EPA has a Vessel General Permit (VGP) that covers incidental discharges and ballast
water for commercial vessels greater than 79 feet in length and operating as a means of transportation. Ballast water discharges for vessels less than 79 feet in length are covered by the EPA’s Small Vessels General Permit.
U.S. Forest ServiceThe mission of the USFS is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The USFS strives nationally, regionally, and locally to reduce, minimize, or eliminate the potential for introduction, establishment, spread, and impact of aquatic and terrestrial invasive species (including plants, pathogens, vertebrates, invertebrates, fungi, algae, etc.) across all landscapes and ownerships. The Forest Service plays an important national and regional role with the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force, including serving on several Regional ANS Panels. USFS invasive species management specialists are
stationed at national, regional, and local offices throughout the country. The USFS National Invasive Species Management Policy (Forest Service Manual – FSM 2900) provides direction to all National Forests and Grasslands to work with local, state, tribal, and other partners to address aquatic and terrestrial invasive species threats. This national policy emphasizes the importance of integrating USFS invasive species activities to expand prevention, early detection and rapid response, control, restoration, cooperation, education and awareness, and mitigation activities across all National Forest System program areas. Among other requirements, the policy directs all National Forests and Grasslands to cooperate with state governments and tribes to implement
and enforce applicable regulations, plans, and guidance on invasive species management on National Forests and Grasslands, including but not limited to:a) State regulations related to prevention and control of aquatic and terrestrial invasive species (including noxious weeds). b) State regulations associated with utilizing, storing, transporting, or certifying invasive-species-free (and/or noxious weed-free) straw, hay, mulch, gravel, forage, seed, or other materials. c) Statewide aquatic nuisance species management plans, fish and wildlife management plans, early detection and rapid response plans, or other statewide or region- wide invasive species management plans.
Other Entities
Utility CompaniesDuke Energy has an in-house aquatic invasive management team that manages 43 waterbodies. These water bodies, located in the Carolinas, are prioritized and surveyed by the
team on a two to three year rotation. The Duke Energy team’s focus is on invasive submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) that may become a problem for recreation (boating, swimming, fishing, shoreline esthetics, etc.) and municipal and industrial water withdrawals.
When invasive SAV is observed Duke Energy quickly moves to implement a management plan, usually in cooperation with relevant stakeholders and natural resource agencies.
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Nongovernment OrganizationsNongovernment organizations such as The Nature Conservancy (TNC) who own large areas of land are responsible
for the management of invasive species on their property. TNC will manage invasive species by herbicide treatment to restore native species. For more information see
(http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/habitats/forests/howwework/protecting-native-plants-and-animals-taking-on-the-invaders.xml)
CASE STUDY SUCCESS: Lake Norman and Mountain Island Lake HydrillaIn Lake Norman and Mountain Island Lake on the Catawba River, Hydrilla has successfully been eliminated for almost ten years. Lake Norman, at 32,500 acres, is the largest water body in the state. Although significantly smaller at 3,280 acres, Mountain Island Lake supplies most of the drinking water for more than 1.2 million citizens in the metropolitan Charlotte area. Both reservoirs are operated by Duke Energy Corporation for power generation.The management strategy used was: (1) early detection of Hydrilla, (2) early use of registered herbicides for plant suppression along with stocking triploid Grass Carp, and (3)
maintenance stocking of triploid Grass Carp to prevent Hydrilla regrowth from tubers (Manuel et al. 2013). Following this strategy, Hydrilla standing biomass was quickly removed in the water bodies in one to two growing seasons following the introduction of triploid Grass Carp. This suggests that integrating herbicide applications with stocking triploid Grass Carp may largely eliminate the multi-year lag effect normally associated with using triploid Grass Carp alone. Sustaining a maintenance density of triploid Grass Carp in the reservoirs prevented Hydrilla regrowth. This management approach proved successful when
Hydrilla coverage was as little as one to three percent of the reservoir’s surface area. Detecting and controlling Hydrilla early during the infestation should reduce the cost of management and perhaps minimize some adverse impacts associated with the use of triploid Grass Carp. Partners for these two successful Hydrilla management projects included Duke Energy Corporation, Lake Norman Marine Commission, Charlotte Mecklenburg Utilities Department, Mountain Island Marine Commission, Gastonia Water Supply, NCDEQ, and NCWRC.
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Other Aquatic Nuisance
Species Regulatory Points
to NoteOften there are multiple state and/or federal agencies that are involved when
it comes to aquatic nuisance species. There may be overlap in jurisdictions leading to confusion for the general public. These overlaps often occur when discussions include, but are not limited to aquaculture, aquatic weed authority, aquarium and ornamental
fish trade and water garden industries and importation of aquatic species into North Carolina. These jurisdiction questions are often handled on a case by case basis by the agencies that are involved.
AquacultureAlthough laws defining the jurisdictions between freshwater and marine/estuarine species exist, there can be confusion as to which agency has jurisdiction if a permit applicant is proposing to produce a species that may be found in freshwater for a portion of its life while the rest of its life is in estuarine or marine waters. In this instance, all three agencies would have jurisdiction and the applicant could be required to obtain an aquaculture license from the NCDA&CS, written permission from the NCWRC and an aquaculture operations permit from the NCDMF. However, this is not how the process generally works. For example, although flounders are found
in freshwater they spend a majority of their life in marine and estuarine waters; therefore NCDMF has issued flounder aquaculture permits, while NCWRC has not issued authorization and NCDA&CS has not permitted the facilities. However, if a species spends a majority of its life within freshwater or the facility is in NCWRC inland water jurisdiction, the NCWRC and NCDA&CS have been taking the lead. In recent years there has been an informal process between NCWRC and NCDMF to determine who is responsible for authorizing or permitting a facility in instances where jurisdiction is unclear. There has been open communication prior to the permitting of a facility based on the potential risks to all native fishes. At times, after discussion amongst
the agencies, one agency will take the lead and process the aquaculture application with comments provided by the other agency. The agencies have been conducting business this way to aid the applicants by providing one point of contact during the review. Although there has been open communication among the agencies, this process can be confusing to permit applicants. In order to alleviate this confusion, the agencies responsible for authorizing these facilities should attempt to provide permit applicants with additional guidance regarding the appropriate agency to contact to obtain a permit. This informal process should be documented and be made available to the public on each agency’s web site.
Aquatic Weed AuthorityThe Aquatic Weed Control Act of 1991 provides authority to both NCDEQ and NCDA&CS. With regards to NCDEQ, the Act states “The Secretary shall direct the control, eradication and
regulation of noxious aquatic weeds,” and with regards to NCDA&CS, “The Commissioner of Agriculture may regulate the importation, sale, use, culture, collection, transportation and distribution of a noxious aquatic weed as a plant pest under Article 36 of
Chapter 106 of the General Statutes.” Both agencies have listed specific invasive plants and there is a significant amount of overlap between the two, however they are not identical (Table 4).
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Table 4: Agency oversight regulating specific invasive aquatic plant species in North Carolina. Species highlighted in
the color grey are listed on the Federal Noxious Weed List1.
NCDA & CS2 NC DENR3 PPQ-APHIS4
African Elodea (Lagarosiphon spp.) X X X
Alligatorweed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) X
Ambulia (Limnophila sessiliflora) X X X
Anchored Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia azurea) X X X
Arrowhead (Sagittaria sagittifolia) X X X
Arrowleaf False Pickerelweed (Monochoria hastata) X X X
Brazilian Elodea (Egeria densa) X
Brittleleaf Niad (Najas minor) X
Broadleaf Paperbark Tree (Melaleuca quinquenervia) X X X
Common Reed (Phragmites australis australis) X
Crested Floating Heart (Nymphoides cristata) X
Duck lettuce (Ottelia alismoides) X X
Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) Xa X
Exotic Bur Reed (Sparganium erectum) X X X
Giant Salvinia (Salvinia auriculata) X X X
Giant Salvinia (Salvinia biloba) X X X
Giant Salvinia (Salvinia herzogii) X X X
Giant Salvinia (Salvinia molesta) X X X
Heartshape False Pickerelweed (Monochoria vaginalis) X X X
Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) X X X
Killer Algae (Caulerpa taxifolia) X X
Miramar Weed (Hygrophila polysperma) X X X
Mosquito Fern (Azolla pinnata) X X X
Parrotfeather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) X
Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) Xa X
Swamp Stonecrop (Crassula helmsii) X X
Uruguay Waterprimrose (Ludwigia uruguayensis) X
Water Chestnut (Trapa spp.) X X
Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) X
Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiodes) X
Water Snowflake (Nymphoides indica) X
Water Spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) X X X
Wetland Nightshade (Solanum tampicense) X X
Water Fern (Salvinia spp.) X X
Yellow Floating Heart (Nymphoides peltata) X X
1Federal Noxious Weed List. Last updated Dec 10, 2010. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/weeds/
downloads/weedlist.pdf Last accessed Sept 19, 2015.
2NC Noxious Weed List (North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services). Last updated Dec 10, 2010. http://
www.ncagr.gov/plantindustry/plant/weed/noxweed.htm Last accessed Sept 19, 2015.
3Noxious Aquatic Weed List (North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality). Last updated April 1, 2006. http://
www.ncwater.org/files/awc/noxious_weeds.pdf Last accessed Sept 19, 2015.
4Noxious Weed Regulations (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service – United States Department of Agriculture). Last
updated November 10, 2010. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/weeds/downloads/7cfr360-11.pdf
Last accessed Sept 19, 2015.
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Aquarium and Ornamental Fish
Trade and Water Garden IndustriesMost fish, crayfish, mollusks, aquatic snails, and aquatic plants found in the aquarium, ornamental fish trade and water garden industries can be legally possessed, imported, produced, transported, bought and sold, unless their possession is specifically prohibited by the NCWRC or the NCDA&CS.Although the Aquaculture Development Act does not apply to the aquarium or ornamental fish trade, the Act does grant the NCWRC authority to “identify species for which possession in
the State is prohibited [§ 106-761(h)].” The NCWRC has prohibited the possession of 21 species of fish, crayfish, mollusks and aquatic snails (Table 3). Live individuals of these species may not be transported, purchased, possessed, sold or stocked in the public or private waters of North Carolina. The NCDA&CS regulates 27 species of aquatic plants through the Noxious Weed List under authority of the N.C. Plant Pest Law. The sale or distribution of all noxious aquatic weeds identified by the NCDA&CS is prohibited unless a permit is issued by NCDA&CS. The major risk associated with the aquarium and ornamental fish trade
and water garden industries is the introduction of nuisance aquatic species into public waters. Introductions can occur through intentional releases or escapement. The NCWRC and NCDMF prohibit the release of fish, crayfish, mollusks and aquatic snails into public waters without a permit. Unless specifically allowed by permit or regulation, the import, possession, sale or distribution of aquatic plants is prohibited for those species identified by the NCDA&CS as noxious weeds. This prohibition precludes the release of these aquatic plants into public waters.
Importation of Aquatic Animal Species into North CarolinaThe importation of fish, crayfish, mollusks and aquatic snails, into North Carolina is not directly regulated as an independent activity. The NCWRC and NCDMF have statutory authority to regulate importation for their respective jurisdictions, but have not fully promulgated rules to directly address this issue.Currently the transport of aquatic animal species into the state is regulated by NCWRC, NCDMF and USFWS under certain circumstances. NCWRC requires a transportation permit for wild-caught fish, crayfish,
mollusks and aquatic snails when transported in excess of daily creel limits. In addition, NCWRC prohibits the possession, including importation, of 21 species of fish, crayfish, mollusks, and aquatic snails as noted in Table 3. NCDMF restricts the introduction, transfer and holding of imported marine and estuarine organisms without first obtaining a permit or without obtaining them from a permit holder. The NCDMF permits are limited to the activities of placing live marine and estuarine organisms not native to the state into coastal fishing waters, placing live marine and estuarine organisms which are native but which originated outside the state’s boundaries into coastal
fishing waters, holding or maintaining any live marine or estuarine organism imported into the state in a quarantine or isolation system for live bait or use in an aquaculture operation, or selling for bait any live marine or estuarine organism imported into the state. The USFWS restricts the importation of some species under the authority of the Lacey Act. The Act prohibits import and interstate transport of any live specimen of a species listed as “injurious” without a permit from the USFWS. Species listed as “injurious” have been deemed to be harmful “to human beings, to the interests of agriculture, horticulture, forestry, or to wildlife or the wildlife resources of the United States.”
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VI. MANAGEMENT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The overall goal of the North Carolina Aquatic Nuisance Species Plan is “to prevent and control
the introduction, spread and negative impacts of aquatic nuisance species in North Carolina.”
Currently gaps in ANS management within the state include: the lack of a comprehensive policy
statement on ANS, the lack of a centralized decision making framework, inadequate statewide
monitoring and reporting procedures, no centralized reporting system, a lack of biological and
economic data, insufficient mapping, no rapid response plans, limited resources for enforcement,
no comprehensive public education strategy, and limited coordination of partnerships with
nonstate agencies and entities.
PRIMARY OBJECTIVES
1. Increase the coordination of aquatic nuisance species prevention and management activities.
2. Educate public and private stakeholders on the impacts of aquatic nuisance species.
3. Review existing federal and state legislation and regulations to identify inconsistencies and gaps.
4. Identify and secure new funding for aquatic nuisance species activities.
5. Monitor occurrence and spread of aquatic nuisance species.
6. Manage populations of aquatic nuisance species and manage other aquatic invasive species as appropriate to prevent their establishment and spread.
7. Identify and implement needed research on impacts and control of aquatic nuisance species.
In order to address these deficiencies, several primary objectives have been identified to improve prevention and management programs and minimize adverse impacts of ANS populations on North Carolina’s public waters. Those primary objectives are:
OBJECTIVES, STRATEGIES, & ACTIONSThe following is a list of recommended strategies and action items to help accomplish each objective.1. Increase the coordination of ANS prevention and management activities.The challenges ANS bring to the state requires the collaboration and expertise of a variety of different governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations. In order to control or manage ANS, improved coordination will require ongoing communication and coordination among all entities.a. Develop a formal agreement (e.g., MOU) for improved coordination between NCDA&CS, NCDEQ and NCWRC to clearly identify roles of each agency in addressing and regulating ANS in North Carolina.• Draft MOU to emphasize mutual support and secure signatures from agency leadership.• Develop and distribute informational material to agency staff and interested stakeholders to clearly articulate specific roles and contact information.
b. Establish a North Carolina Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force to lead plan implementation• Recruit representation / participation from various government agencies, industries, non-governmental organizations, and universities.• Determine meeting schedule, communication channels, and task force leadership (chair, co-chair, etc.)• Provide participants with relevant information, such as copies of the NCANSMP and adjoining state ANS plans, required to establish an annual program of work initially focused on high priority tasks.c. Establish Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR plans to address new introductions that have the potential for significant negative impacts such as encroachment into sensitive habitat areas, rapid spread into surrounding areas, and potential damage to infrastructure.• Utilize information about “high risk” ANS species
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that are identified in the NCANSMP to establish early detection and response protocol and circulate to agency staff.• Develop taxa-specific protocols when establishing species specific plans is not feasible.• Distribute information about ANS to relevant stakeholders and request reporting of species observations and distributions. • Establish communication channel with adjoining states to monitor ANS species distribution in surrounding areas, and include them in development of the EDRR plan.d. Develop management plans for prevention, control and eradication of specific ANS.• Establish a schedule for plans to be developed and prioritize them based on level of impact and rate of spread as part of annual work plan development.• Collect and review relevant scientific information and stay current on emerging control methods.• Map and monitor known populations of ANS.• Identify potential unaffected habitats that ANS populations are likely to impact in the future.• Recommend specific control measures and / or eradication techniques.e. Participate on regional and national ANS panels and organizations.• Maintain membership and participation in the regional and national aquatic nuisance species task forces and working groups.• Secure necessary membership and travel funds through agency budgeting processes.f. Coordinate ANS prevention and management activities with bordering states (VA, SC, TN, GA).• Review current ANS plans of adjoining states.• Develop / Maintain communication channels with relevant staff in adjoining states.• Stay apprised of existing ANS policy and proposed changes in adjoining states.g. Establish an ANS coordinator to provide staff support for NCANSTF.• Review existing NCDEQ positions and identify 1 FTE coordinator and funding streams.• Accommodate coordinator duties into work plan and schedule.
2. Educate the public and private stakeholders on ANS.Improving educational understanding and programs for public and private stakeholders on ANS will assist in the early detection and prevention of the introduction and spread of ANS. Promoting ANS management through interagency cooperation will provide a centralized partnership for participation by local and private entities.a. Develop interagency plan for outreach: prioritize audiences, list specific materials to be developed, conduct workshops as needed.• Inventory and assess existing public information materials for consistency.• Target audiences such as boaters, fishermen,
lake homeowners associations and communities, aquaculture professionals, aquarium hobbyists, school children, college students, landscaping professionals, and agencies’ staff and partners.• Incorporate ANS prevention information into existing activities such as vessel registration and titling, boater safety checks, boating education courses, issuance of fishing licenses, development f stocking permits, issuance of aquaculture licenses, fishing education events, and master gardener programs.• Review and utilize resources available through other existing programs such as Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers (SAH) – Protect Your Waters, a national public awareness campaign that empowers citizens and others to help prevent the spread of AIS, and Habitattitude, a national public awareness campaign on responsible pet use and not releasing pets into the wild. b. Develop and maintain NCANS Management Plan webpage.• Organize existing ANS webpage to accommodate NCANSTF documents and announcements.• Provide link to ANS webpage to agency webpages and partner organizations. • Post one-page info sheets from the NCANSMP to the webpage for the public and interested parties to download and circulate through their own education initiatives.c. Develop and maintain an electronic information sharing process and database of ANS species and locations.• Investigate opportunity to utilize existing NCDEQ database to accommodate ANS information.• Engage university to discuss utilization of a common data base.• Investigate geospatial data sharing compatibility issues with other systems. (Ex: USGS NAS database, EDDmaps)d. Cultivate additional partnerships to collect and disseminate information to technical and non technical audiences, coordinate prevention activities, and identify and leverage funding opportunities.• Invite relevant non-governmental organizations, utilities, and professional organizations such as Sea Grant and local citizen-led lake and river groups to participate on the NCANSTF.• Enhance ANS education and information in existing agency programs and publications such as river basin management plans, published fishing regulations, and agency publications for broader dissemination.e. Develop and adopt a recognizable slogan, logo, or brand.• Work with state agencies graphic design and public information staff to develop logo and branding materialsf. Improve communication with state and federal law
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enforcement and natural resources management officials regarding ANS.• Maintain involvement in regional and national ANS-focused organizations such as the National ANS Task Force, Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership (SARP), and the Southeastern Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA)• iShare relevant information through web postings, listserves, and social media channels.
3. Review existing federal and state legislation and
regulations to identify inconsistencies and gaps.A periodic review of existing and proposed legislation will help ensure effective and efficient management of ANS throughout the state. Improved legislation could assist in the coordination of these state agencies as they monitor and respond to ANS issues throughout the state.a. Assess legislation and regulations periodically, as required.• Monitor federal policies and legislation for changes that may impact North Carolina.• Monitor adjoining states policies and rules for changes that may impact North Carolina.• Review NC legislative initiatives involving ANS as they arise during annual sessions of the NC General Assembly.• Determine if any future proposed rules or regulations are in conflict with existing agency policies and / or existing state or federal laws.
4. Identify and secure new funding for ANS activities.Monetary needs will increase with the implementation of ANS rapid response plans and additional monitoring. Leveraging existing funding sources and seeking new funding sources is critical for the state to successfully become more proactive in managing ANS.a. Identify existing funding of cooperating NCANSTF agencies that is dedicated to or can be used for ANS activities.• Review agency budgets to assess existing funding for ANS-related activities to identify any redundancies or leveraging opportunities. b. Identify new funding and grant opportunities (federal, state, local, private industry, nonprofit, etc.).• Review non-state agency funding for ANS-related activities by other NCANSTF members to identify leveraging opportunities and / or matching funds.c. Seek recurring funding via legislative action in state agency budgets.• Budget priorities will be determined by individual agencies.
5. Monitor occurrence and spread of ANS. Currently there is limited data collected on ANS in North Carolina. Establishing statewide monitoring and data reporting guidelines with centralized data storage will help
address the lack of data currently available to state agencies working with ANS. A program to centralize data will allow agencies to map and understand ANS movements throughout the state. This will also help to prioritize key ANS species that are of the most concern for the state of North Carolina.a. Identify all existing monitoring efforts and critical data gaps.• Compile list of all geospatial data sets containing ANS in North Carolina and assess for compatibility and comprehensiveness. • Document the method of data collection and storage.• Develop early detection networks for ANS and AIS.b. Standardize monitoring and reporting guidelines.• Create a list of necessary data to collect for each ANS sighting (i.e. GPS coordinates, date found, photographic evidence of ANS in situ, known control efforts, etc)• Create inventory of ANS species already in existing databases such as APNEP and EDDmapSc. Develop comprehensive mapping efforts.• Establish and coordinate surveys and monitoring of aquatic habitats for ANS occurrence.• Consider data formatting that is compatible with existing data sets such as USGS NAS, the NC Conservation Planning Tool, and the North Carolina One Map for ease of transferability and incorporation.d. Centralize data storage and sharing.• Integrate proposed existing GIS maps and data on the state and federal level for compatibility.• Create AIS/GIS working group to compile data.• Establish protocol for distribution of information.e. Long term: Identify and monitor areas of greatest vulnerability to specific ANS infestations.• Compile information / assessment on the ANS-related impacts on native species and habitats.• Identify opportunities for university research.• Focus on areas with high levels of environmental vulnerability, such as Lake Waccamaw; potential for significant difficulties in ANS containment and treatment, such as the Eno River, and areas with importance for public needs, such as near recreational access points, hydropower facilities and public drinking water supplies and infrastructure.
6. Manage populations of ANS and AIS as appropriate to
prevent their establishment and spread. Establishing and initiating protocols to respond to prioritized threats will reduce the spread of these species into other areas of the state, and potentially prevent their establishment within North Carolina.a. Eradicate discreet populations of ANS including those recently introduced, relatively small, isolated, and poorly established.
34
• Develop and update prioritized list of ANS and AIS, incorporating risk analyses methods and outcomes.• Implement rapid response procedures, as outlined in management plans for new introductions that have the potential for high levels of negative impact. • Identify and implement accepted protocols as outlined for eradication operations on private property.• Implement accepted protocols as outlined within management plans developed by the regional panels of the ANSTF or by the NCANSTF.• Conduct follow-up monitoring to determine efficacy of management activities. b. Manage/eradicate ANS according to accepted protocols as outlined within management plans developed by Regional Panels of the ANSTF or by the NCANSTF. Conduct follow-up monitoring to determine efficacy of management activities.c. Identify ways to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of management treatments.• Investigate and develop programmatic Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Statements for ANS control to facilitate rapid response as needed.• Investigate the feasibility of alternative prevention and management methods.
7. Identify and implement needed research on impacts
and management of ANSContinual research on all ANS including those that are currently in and could potentially threaten North Carolina is necessary to understand how they are affecting or may impact our aquatic systems. Improved research on life histories, environmental factors and management and control alternatives will contribute to North Carolina’s ability to prevent and manage the spread of ANS, as well as to increase coordination with governmental and private entities throughout the region.
a. Study life histories of ANS that occur in or threaten North Carolina.• Compile existing information and identify research gaps.• Coordinate with colleges and universities to develop ANS research agenda• Identify and investigate environmental tolerances of ANS• Compile existing and proactively develop risk assessments for ANSb. Study environmental and economic impacts of high priority ANS. • Compile existing information and identify research gaps.• Coordinate with colleges and universities and relevant private sector entities to develop research agenda. • Targeted organizations with specific research agendas focused on High Priority ANS and high risk species.c. Identify research priorities by NCANSTF coordination with regional organizations (i.e., GSARP, SARP) and share priority lists with funding agencies such as NC Water Resources Research Institute, SeaGrant, and others.d. Evaluate platforms to serve as a clearinghouse for ANS research in North Carolina.• Disseminate information gained through research conducted on ANS in NC through professional organizations such as the National ANS Task Force. e. Consider expansion of ANS species list to include those pathogens that pose a threat specific to human health.
35
Implementation Tactics Tables
In order to implement action items, it is necessary to have a timeline with guidelines for accomplishment. The following implementation tables will provide
road marks for implementing action items and meeting plan objectives. Implementation tactics were originally identified by the NCANSMP steering committee
and are intended to be revised and improved by the NCANSTF. The steering committee has made the recommendation that the main vector to implement
many of the objectives be driven by the NCANSTF, however if the task force is not created then the objectives could be completed through inter-agency and
external partner cooperation. Examples of partnerships and cooperators are not inclusive of those listed below. Additionally, action items have each been
assigned a priority level (high, medium, or low) to indicate which activities should be initiated earlier than others. When assigning the priority level, the
planning committee considered various factors, such as available or projected funding, severity of the ecological and / or economic impact, and sequencing of
necessary steps in the processing of specific activities.
Objective 1: Increase the coordination of ANS prevention and management activities.
Tactic Description Lead Agency Cooperators Funding Sources Priority
Level
Planned Effort
FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19
1A Improve coordination
between NCWRC,
NCDENR and NCDA&CS
NCWRC,
NCDEQ and
NCDA&CS
NCANSTF None required Medium X
1B Establish ANS Task
Force NCWRC,
NCDEQ and
NCDA&CS
various
government
agency staff,
utilities, NGO’s,
academics, etc.
None required High X
1C Establish rapid response
procedure for new
introductions that have
the potential for high
levels of negative impact
NCANSTF TBD – by organism
and location
TBD – by organism
and location
High X X X X
1D Develop management
plans for prevention,
control, eradication of
specific ANS
NCWRC,
NCDEQ and
NCDA&CS
NCANSTF Internal High X X X X
1E Participate on
regional and
national ANS panels
and organizations
NCWRC,
NCDEQ, and
NCDA&CS
NCANSTF Agency budgets Medium x x x x
Implementation
Tactics TablesIn order to implement action items, it is necessary to have a timeline with guidelines for accomplishment. The following implementation tables will provide road marks for implementing action items and meeting plan objectives. Implementation tactics were originally identified by the NCANSMP steering committee and are intended
to be revised and improved by the NCANSTF. The steering committee has made the recommendation that the main vector to implement many of the objectives be driven by the NCANSTF, however if the task force is not created then the objectives could be completed through inter-agency and external partner cooperation. Examples of partnerships and cooperators are not inclusive of those listed below. Additionally, action items have each
been assigned a priority level (high, medium, or low) to indicate which activities should be initiated earlier than others. When assigning the priority level, the planning committee considered various factors, such as available or projected funding, severity of the ecological and / or economic impact, and sequencing of necessary steps in the processing of specific activities.
1F Coordinate ANS
prevention and
management with
border states
NCWRC,
NCDEQ and
NCDA&CS
NCANSTF Internal and
external
Medium X X X X
1F Establish an ANSTF
coordinator position NCDEQ NCDEQ,
NCANSTF
Internal and
external
High X X
36
Objective 3: Review existing federal and state legislation and regulations to identify inconsistencies and gaps.
Tactic Description Lead Agency Cooperators Funding Sources Priority Level Planned Effort
FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19
3A Assess legislation and
regulations as needed.
NCWRC,
NCDEQ and
NCDA&CS
NCANSTF TBD Low X X X X
Objective 4: Identify and secure funding for ANS activities.
Tactic Description Lead Agency Cooperators Funding Sources Priority Level Planned Effort
FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19
4A Identify existing funding
in cooperating NCANS
taskforce entities that is
dedicated to ANS
activities.
NCANSTF NCAWCC,
NCDEQ,
NCWRC,
NCDA&CS
Internal and
external
High X X X X
4B Identify new funding
and grant opportunities
(federal, state, local,
private industry,
nonprofit)
NCANSTF NCAWCC Internal and
External
High X X X X
4C Seek recurring funding
via legislative action in
state agency budgets.
NCWRC,
NCDEQ and
NCDA&CS
NCANSTF,
NCAWCC
Internal Medium X X X
Objective 2: Educate the public and private stakeholders on ANS.
Tactic Description Lead Agency Cooperators Funding Sources Priority Level Planned Effort
FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19
2A Develop interagency
plan for outreach
ANSTF TBD Internal and
external
High X
2B Develop and maintain
ANS plan webpage
NCDEQ NCDA&CS and
NCWRC
Internal Medium X
2C Develop electronic
information sharing
process and database
NCANSTF TBD Medium X X X X
2D Cultivate additional
partnerships
ANSTF TBD Internal and
external
Medium X
2E Developing or
adopting recognizable
slogan, logo, or brand
ANSTF TBD Internal and
external
Low X
2F Improve
communication with
state, federal law
enforcement officials
and natural resource
managers re: ANS.
NCWRC,
NCDEQ and
NCDA&CS
Federal and state
law enforcement
agencies,
NCANSTF
Internal and
external
Medium X X X X
37
Objective 5: Monitor occurrence and spread of ANS.
Tactic Description Lead Agency Cooperators Funding Sources Priority
Level
Planned Effort
FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19
5A Identify all existing
monitoring efforts and
data gaps
NCANSTF NCWRC, NCDEQ
and NCDA&C
Internal and
external
High X X X X
5B Standardize monitoring
and reporting guidelines
ANSTF NCWRC, NCDEQ
and NCDA&C
Internal and
external
High X
5C Develop comprehensive
mapping efforts ANSTF NCWRC, NCDEQ
and NCDA&C
Internal and
external
High X
5D Centralize data storage
and sharing - Integrate
existing GIS maps and
data on the state and
federal level.
ANSTF NCWRC, NCDEQ
and NCDA&C
Internal and
external
Medium X
5E Long term: Identify and
monitor areas of
greatest vulnerability to
individual ANS
infestations
ANSTF NCWRC, NCDEQ
and NCDA&C
Internal and
external
Low X
Objective 6: Manage populations of ANS and AIS as appropriate to prevent their establishment and spread.
Tactic Description Lead Agency Cooperators Funding Sources Priority Level Planned Effort
FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19
6A Eradicate discreet
populations of ANS and
AIS included small and
isolated occurrences
ANSTF All Internal High X X X X
6B Manage established
populations of ANS and
AIS to minimize their
expansion and impact.
NCWRC,
NCDEQ and
NCDA&C
ALL Internal High X X X X
6C Identify ways to
enhance the
effectiveness and
efficiency of
management
treatments.
NCDA,
NCDEQ,
NCWRC
NCANSTF Internal and
external
Medium X
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Objective 7: Identify and implement needed research on impacts and management of ANS.
Tactic Description Lead Agency Cooperators Funding
Sources
Priority
Level
Planned Effort
FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19
7A Study life histories of
ANS that occur in or
threaten NC
TBD based on
organism or
location
NCANSTF Internal and
external
Medium X X X X
7B Study environmental
and economic impacts
of high priority ANS.
TBD based on
organism or
location
NCANSTF Internal and
external
High X X X X
7C Identify research
priorities by NCANSTF
and share priorities
with funding agencies
such as NCWRRI,
SeaGrant, etc
NCANSTF TBD based on
organism and
location
Internal and
external
High X X X X
7D Evaluate platforms to
serve as clearinghouse
for ANS research in NC.
NCANSTF University system,
non-state
agencies
Internal and
external
Medium X X X X
7F Consider expansion of
ANS species list to
include those pathogens
that pose a threat
specific to human health
NCANSTF Public health
agencies
Internal and
external
Low x X
Regular and systematic monitoring of progress on the goals and
objectives of the NCANSMP will be critical to determine the
success of implementation priorities, selection of future action
steps and the ongoing efforts to prevent and manage ANS and AIS
species in North Carolina.
Monitoring & Evaluation
Regular and systematic monitoring of progress on the goals and objectives of the NCANSMP will be critical to determine the success of implementation priorities, selection of future action steps and the ongoing efforts to prevent and manage ANS and AIS species in North Carolina. As outlined in the previous
tables, the NCANSTF, composed of members representing agencies, academia, industry, and non-governmental organizations involved in ANS management and research, will be charged with oversight of the NCANSMP, including enhancing the coordination of monitoring efforts and establishing a statewide database
that will be regularly updated with current information about the type and spread of ANS occurrences, based on a standardized reporting process. Metrics concerning impacts on other species will also be developed by the task force. This will require a centralized GIS database that can be shared with governmental and nongovernmental partners utilizing an established protocol. Success of the NCANSMP will be evaluated each year by the NCANSTF, based on progress in meeting the seven objectives, as measured by assessing the degree of completion of associated action items. The ongoing progress of implementing the NCANSMP will be evaluated through regular annual work
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VII. INFORMATION SOURCES AND LITERATURE CITEDAlons, S. Chowan and Perquimans Soil &Water Conservation District, Personal Conversation. 18 December 2014.APNEP Policy Board. 2012. Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan 2012-2014. www.NCDEQ.gov/web/apnep/ccmp.Benson, A.J., P.L. Fuller, and C.C. Jacono. 2001. Summary report of nonindigenous aquatic species in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 4. U.S. Geological Survey, Gainesville, FL. http://fl.biology.usgs.gov/Region_4_Report/index.html.Boutet, J.C. Jr. and J.F. Weishampel. 2003. Spatial pattern analysis of pre- and post-hurricane forest canopy structure in North Carolina, USA. Landscape Ecol. 18:553-559. Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST). 2014. Benefits of Controlling Nuisance Aquatic Plants and Algae in the United States. CAST Commentary QTA2014-1. Ames, Iowa.Crosson, S. 2010. A social and economic survey of recreational saltwater anglers in North Carolina. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Marine Fisheries. Deaton, A.S., W.S. Chappell, K. Hart, J. O‘Neal, B. Boutin. 2010. North Carolina Coastal Habitat Protection Plan. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Division of Marine Fisheries, NC. 639 pp.Emens, R. North Carolina Division of Water Resources. Personal Conversation. 15 January 2015. Emens, R. and Hoyle, S. North Carolina Division of Water Resources. Personal Conversation. 6 February 2015.Feiner, Z.S. 2011. Life history and trophic dynamics of invasive White Perch across stages of invasion in large North Carolina Reservoirs. North Carolina State University, Master’s Thesis.Gallagher, J.E. and W. T. Haller. 1990. History and development of aquatic weed control in the United States. Reviews in Weed Science 5:115-192.Hosey, M. United States Army Corps of Engineers. Personal Conversation. 6 February 2015.Jelks, H.L, S.J. Walsh, N.M. Burkhead, S. Contreras-Balderas, E. Diaz-Pardo, D.A. Hendrickson, J. Lyons, N.E. Mandrak, F. McCormick, J.S. Nelson, S.P. Platania, B.A. Porter, C.B. Renaud, J.J. Schmitter-Soto, E.B. Taylor, and M.L. Warren Jr. 2008. Conservation status of imperiled North American freshwater and diadromous fishes. Fisheries 33(8): 372-407. Langeland, K.A. 1996. Hydrilla verticillata (L.F.) Royle (Hydrocharitaceae), The perfect aquatic weed. Castanea 61:293-304.Manuel, K. Duke Energy. Personal Communication. 13 January 2015.Manuel, K.L., J.P. Kirk, D.H. Barwick, and T.W. Bowen. 2013. Hydrilla management in Piedmont reservoirs using herbicides and triploid Grass Carp: A case study. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 33:488-492.McRae, B. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Personal Communication. January 2015.
plan updates which may add or delete objectives and action items as needed by the NCANSTF. Their findings will be used to establish their next steps and priorities for the coming year. This evaluation will be posted on the NCANSMP webpage and circulated to interested parties. The Implementation Tactics Tables will be updated based on this information and will also be
available on the NCANSMP webpage.A critical first step towards successful implementation of the plan will be establishing the ANS coordinator position to provide staff support for the NCANSTF. A second critical step will be to obtain seed money that will allow the NCANSTF to begin plan implementation. Though much of the early high priority action items outlined in Section VI of
this plan mostly require the time and effort of the NCANSTF members, some items will require funding and that is the primary obstacle for plan success at this point. Early successes can raise the program profile and potentially attract additional funding for implementing additional components.
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Morris J.A. Jr. and J.L. Akins. 2009. Feeding ecology of invasive lionfish (Pterois volitans) in the Bahamian archipelago. Environmental Biology of Fishes. 86(3):389-398.North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. N.C. Environmental Education Website. www.eenorthcarolina.org.North Carolina Department of Environment & Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality. North Carolina State Water Supply Plan. http://www.ncwater.org/Reports_and_Publications/swsp/swsp_jan2001/swsp_j01.phpNorth Carolina Division of Water Resources, Basin Planning Branch. Feb. 10, 2015. http://portal.NCDEQ.org/web/wq/ps/bpu.North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources. The Environmental and Economic Impacts of N.C. Aquatic Weed Infestations. April, 1996.North Carolina State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. North Carolina River Basins and Watersheds. http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/programs/extension/watersheds/North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. 2005. North Carolina wildlife action plan.http://www.ncwildlife.org/plan.aspx.Padilla, D.K., and S.L. Williams. 2004. Beyond ballast water: aquarium and ornamental trades as sources of invasive species in aquatic ecosystems. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 2:131–138.Pimentel, D., R. Zuniga, and D. Morrison. 2005. Update on the environmental and economic costs associated with alien-invasive species in the United States. Ecological Economics 52(2005): 273-288.Pine, W.E., T. Kwak, D.S. Waters, and J.A. Rice. 2005. Diet selectivity of introduced Flathead Catfish in coastal rivers. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 134(4):901-909.Reichard, S.H, and P. White. 2001. Horticulture as a pathway of invasive plant introductions in the United States. BioScience 51(2): 103-113.Schloesser, R.W., et al. 2011. Ecological role of blue catfish in Chesapeake Bay communities and implications for management. American Fisheries Society Symposium 77:369-382.Smith, D. NCDOT. Roadside Environmental Unit. Personal Conversation. 2015.Southwick Associates. 2012. Sportfishing in America: An economic force for conservation. 12 p. http://asafishing.org/uploads/2011_ASASportfishing_in_America_Report_January_2013.pdfStein, B.A. and Flack, S.R., eds., 1996. America’s Least Wanted: Alien Species Invasions of U.S. Ecosystems. The Nature Conservancy. Arlington, VA.Stein, B.A., L.S. Kutner and J.S. Adams, eds. 2000. Precious Heritage: The Status of Biodiversity in the United States. Oxford University Press. New York, NY. 416 p.Stein, B.A. 2002. States of the Union: Ranking America’s Biodiversity. NatureServe Arlington, Virginia. Pg. 11.U.S. Congress, Office of Technology Assessment. September 1993. Harmful Nonindigenous Species in the United States. OTA-F-565. U.S. Government Printing Office. Washington, DC.U.S.G.S. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Website. Acc. 12-1-14. http://www.nas.er.usgs.gov/graphs/State.aspxWaters, C. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Personal Conversation. 22 January 2015.Western North Carolina Vitality Index. River Basins. http://www.wncvitalityindex.org/water/river-basinsWheeler, A.P., C.S. Loftis, and D.L. Yow. 2004. Hiwassee Reservoir walleye survey, 2000–2003. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Division of Inland Fisheries, Raleigh, NC.Williams M.C. 1980. Purposefully introduced plants that have become noxious or poisonous weeds. Weed Science 28:300-305.
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VIII. GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ACRONYMS
Aquatic – relating to fresh or saltwater ecosystems including wetlands and open waters.
Aquaculture – a multimillion dollar industry, primarily consisting of marine and freshwater finfish and shellfish production.
Aquaculture Development Act – state law that regulates commercial production and sale of freshwater finfish and shellfish in North Carolina. See G.S. 106-759 – 106-764.
Aquatic invasive species – a nonnative species that lives most or all of its life in aquatic environments and has the potential to, or is likely to, cause harm to the ecosystem and/or the economy.
Aquatic nuisance species – a nonnative species that lives most or all of its life in aquatic environments and is causing negative ecological and/or economic impacts in North Carolina.
Aquatic Weed Control Act (1991) – authorizes the DEQ Secretary to designate plant organisms as noxious aquatic weeds and to direct the control, eradication and regulation of those noxious aquatic weeds.
Ballast water – any water that is placed in the hold of a ship or vessel for the purpose of providing stability to said ship or vessel.
Biodiversity – the total number of all organisms (plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, etc.) and ecosystems that can be found in a region.
Control – using biological, chemical, or mechanical methods to limit the spread and abundance of organisms.
Cryptogenic – unknown origin.
Discreet species – a population that is localized in a small area or system and could be targeted for eradication.
Endemic – a species that can only be found in a particular place.
Eradicate – to eliminate a species or population entirely from an ecosystem or geographic area.
Exotic species – a species that is not native to the state of North Carolina and the United States. Because some exotic species may be harmful or invasive while others are not, this term should be used with great care.
Extant – existing or still exists.
Freshwater species – aquatic species native to freshwater.
Habitat – area where a species has the necessary food, water, shelter and space to live and reproduce.
Historic range – those geographic areas the species was known or believed to occupy in the past.
Hitchhiker – an invasive species that is moved inadvertently from one place to another by being attached to or carried on equipment (such as a boat, trailer, heavy machinery, waders, or other gear).
Introduced species – an organism that is not native to a designated ecosystem or geographic area.
Invasive Species – an exotic or nonnative species that has the potential to, or is likely to, cause harm to the ecosystem and/or the economy.
Marine species – aquatic species native to saline (or brackish) waters. Synonym includes saltwater species.
Monitor – to test for compliance within certain limits or guidelines, to look for changes in the environment and to determine whether predictions may fall within expected ranges.
Native species – organisms naturally occurring in a specific geographic area or ecosystem.
Native range – the geographical area within which that species can be found.
Naturalization – to introduce organisms into a region and to cause them to flourish as if native.
Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control
Act of 1990 – established a broad new Federal program to prevent introduction of and to control the spread of introduced aquatic nuisance species and the brown tree snake.
Nonindigenous species – synonymous with nonnative species.
Nonnative species – an organism in the wrong place, drainage system, ecosystem, or aquatic system outside its historical range.
Noxious aquatic weed – According to N.C.G.S. 113A-222, any plant organism which: (1) Grows in or is closely associated with the aquatic environment, whether floating, emersed, submersed, or ditch-bank species, and including terrestrial phases of any such plant organism; (2) Exhibits
42
characteristics of obstructive nature and either massive productivity or choking density; and (3) Is or may become a threat to public health or safety or to existing or new beneficial uses of the waters of the State.
Noxious weed – any noxious weed that is not native to the state, not currently known to occur in the state and poses a threat to the state (02 NCAC 48A .1701).
Nuisance species – an exotic or nonnative species that has been introduced into a new ecosystem and is now causing biological, physical, cultural, or economic harm to the ecosystem and/or the economy.
Parasite – an organism living in or on another organism.
Pathogen – a specific agent causing disease. May be a bacteria, virus, or fungus.
Pathway – natural or manmade means by which species are physically transported from one location to new areas which are outside of their native range. Interchangeable words used include vectors and mechanisms.
Plant Pest Law (Amendment 2013) – state law that states any insect or other invertebrate, disease, noxious weed, plant product, or article exposed to a plant pest can be considered a “plant pest.” Board of Agriculture shall have the sole authority to prohibit the planting, cultivation, harvesting, disposal, handling, or movement of plants within this law.
Rapid response – a timely systematic effort to eradicate, contain, or control a potentially invasive nonnative species
introduced into an ecosystem while the infestation is still localized.
Regulation – a law, rule, or order prescribed by authority
Saltwater species – aquatic species native to saltwater, spending any or all portions of its life cycle in saltwater.
Species – a fundamental category of taxonomy, ranking below genus and subgenus, consisting of related organisms capable of interbreeding.
Stocking – to add organisms or species to an ecosystem to achieve a certain population.
Taxa – taxonomic category, such as a species or genus.
Terrestrial species – organisms living primarily on land.
Triploid – Having three times the haploid number of chromosomes in the cell nucleus, resulting in a sterile organism
Vector – transportation of a species on or in a media or through a pathway.
Watershed – a geographic area that encompasses lakes, streams, rivers and/or estuary drainage areas that drain into a single water body or hydrologic unit.
Zero Tolerance Species – species that, if found, would trigger an immediate rapid response plan
List of Acronyms
AIS – Aquatic Invasive Species
AISP – Aquatic Invasive Species Program
APHIS – Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
ANS – Aquatic Nuisance Species
ANSTF – Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (National)
AOP – Aquaculture Operation Permit
EDRR – Early Detection and Rapid Response
GIS – Geographic information system
GSARP – Gulf and South Atlantic Regional Panel on Aquatic and Invasive Species
NANPCA – Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act
NCANSMP – North Carolina Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan
NCANSTF – North Carolina Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force
NCAWCC – North Carolina Aquatic Weed Control Council
NCDA&CS – North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
NCDEQ – North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
NCDMF – North Carolina Division of Marine FisheriesNCDWR – North Carolina Division of Water ResourcesNCNHP – North Carolina Natural Heritage ProgramNCSU – North Carolina State UniversityNCWRC – North Carolina Wildlife Resources CommissionNCWRRI – North Carolina Water Resources Research InstituteNISC – National Invasive Species CouncilNOAA – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NPDES – National Pollutant Discharge Elimination SystemMOU – Memorandum of UnderstandingSARP – Southeast Aquatic Resources PartnershipUSACE – United States Army Corps of Engineers USCG – United States Coast Guard USDA – United States Department of Agriculture USFS – United States Forest Service USFWS – United States Fish and Wildlife Service USGS – United States Geological Survey
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IX. APPENDICES
Appendix A:
Members of the NC Aquatic Nuisance Species
Management Plan Steering CommitteeVernon Cox, NCDA&CS - Plant Industry DivisionRob Emens, NCDEQ - Division of Water ResourcesChris Goudreau, NCWRC – Habitat Conservation ProgramKevin Hart, NCDEQ - Division of Coastal ManagementEmily Wells, USFWS – Ecological ServicesKeith Larick, NCDA&CSBridget Lassiter, NCDA&CS - Plant Industry Division
Rob Richardson, North Carolina State University – Crop Science DepartmentLindsey Staszak, NCDEQ - Division of Marine FisheriesChristian T. Waters, NCWRC – Division of Inland FisheriesPhillip Wilson, NCDA&CS - Plant Industry Division
Planning assistance provided by:Judy Francis, AICP, NCDEQ - Office of Land & Water StewardshipLinda Rudd, NC Natural Heritage ProgramWill Summer, NCDEQ - Office of Land & Water Stewardship
Appendix B:
NCDA&CS Noxious Weed List (Aquatic)
Mosquito Fern Azolla pinnata
Caulerpa [Killer Algae (Mediterranean strain)] Caulerpa taxifolia
Rooted Water Hyacinth Eichhornia azurea
Hydrilla Hydrilla verticillata
Miramar Weed Hygrophila polysperma
Water Spinach Ipomoea aquatica
African Oxygen Weed; African Elodea Lagarosiphon major
Ambulia, Asian Marshweed Limnophila sessiliflora
Uruguay Waterprimrose Ludwigia hexapetala
Water Primrose Ludwigia uruguayensis
Purple Loosestrife Lythrum salicaria
Purple Loosestrife (any not native to NC) Lythrum spp.
Broadleaf Paper Bark Tree Melaleuca quinquenervia
Arrowleaf False Pickerelweed Monochoria hastata
Heartshape False Pickerelweed Monochoria vaginalis
Eurasian Watermilfoil Myriophyllum spicatum
Crested Floating Heart Nymphoides cristata
Water Snowflake Nymphoides indica
Yellow Floating Heart Nymphoides peltata
Duck Lettuce Ottelia alismoides
Arrowhead Sagittaria sagittifolia
Giant Salvinia Salvinia auriculata
Giant Salvinia Salvinia biloba
Giant Salvinia Salvinia herzogii
Giant Salvinia Salvinia molesta
Wetland Nightshade Solanum tampicense
Exotic Bur Reed Sparganium erectum
Scientific Name Common Name Taxa Group Habitat
Gracilaria vermiculophylla a red macroalga (seaweed) Algae Marine
Osteopilus septentrionalis Cuban Treefrog Amphibian Freshwater-Brackish
Diplosoma listerianum Lister’s Encrusting Tunicate Ascidian Marine
Styela canopus Rough Sea Squirt Ascidian Marine
Styela plicata Pleated Sea Squirt Ascidian Marine
Cygnus olor Mute Swan Bird Freshwater
Rangia cuneata Atlantic Rangia Bivalve Marine
Zoobotryon verticillatum Spaghetti Bryozoan Bryozoan Marine
Blackfordia virginica Black Sea Jellyfish Coelenterate Freshwater-Marine
Cordylophora caspia Freshwater Hydroid Coelenterate Freshwater-Marine
Craspedacusta sowerbyi Freshwater Jellyfish Coelenterate Freshwater
Drymonema dalmatinum Pink Meanie Coelenterate Marine
Garveia franciscana Rope Grass Coelenterate Freshwater-Marine
Haliplanella lineata Orange-striped Green Anemone Coelenterate Marine
Maeotias marginata Black Sea Jellyfish Coelenterate Freshwater-Marine
Moerisia lyonsi a hydroid Coelenterate Marine
Elaphoidella bidens bidens a copepod Copepod Freshwater
Callinectes bocourti Bocourt Swimming Crab; Red Blue Crab Crab Marine
Callinectes exasperatus Rugose Swimming Crab Crab Marine
Charybdis hellerii an Indo-Pacific crab Crab Marine
Astronotus ocellatus Oscar Fish Freshwater
Carassius auratus Goldfish Fish Freshwater
Chitala ornata Clown Knifefish Fish Freshwater
Ctenopharyngodon idella Grass Carp Fish Freshwater
Cyprinella lutrensis Red Shiner Fish Freshwater
Cyprinus carpio Common Carp Fish Freshwater
Dorosoma petenense Threadfin Shad Fish Freshwater-Marine
Ictiobus cyprinellus Bigmouth Buffalo Fish Freshwater
Lepomis cyanellus Green Sunfish Fish Freshwater
Morone americana x saxatilis Hybrid White Perch Fish Freshwater
Morone chrysops x saxatilis Hybrid Striped Bass Fish Freshwater-Marine
Pterygoplichthys pardalis Amazon Sailfin Catfish Fish Freshwater
Melanoides tuberculata Red-rim Melania Gastropod Freshwater
Ligia exotica Wharf Roach Isopod Marine
Arundo donax Giant Reed Plant Freshwater-Brackish
Azolla pinnata Mosquito Fern Plant Freshwater
Colocasia esculenta Wild Taro Plant Freshwater
Iris pseudacorus Pale Yellow Iris Plant Freshwater
Landoltia (Spirodela) punctata Dotted Duckweed Plant Freshwater
Marsilea minuta Dwarf Waterclover Plant Freshwater
Nelumbo nucifera Sacred Lotus Plant Freshwater
Nymphoides cristata Crested Floating Heart Plant Freshwater
Panicum repens Torpedo Grass Plant Freshwater
Sagittaria montevidensis Giant Arrowhead Plant Freshwater
Salvinia minima Common Salvinia; Water Spangles Plant Freshwater
Tamarix gallica French Tamarisk; Salt Cedar Plant Terrestrial
Haplosporidium nelsoni MSX (Oyster) Disease Protist Marine
Perkinsus marinus Dermo Disease Protist Marine
Pelodiscus sinensis Chinese Softshell Turtle Reptile Freshwater
Penaeus monodon Asian Tiger Shrimp Shrimp Marine
Largemouth bass virus
(a species in the Iridoviridae family)
Largemouth Bass Virus Virus Freshwater
Rhabdovirus carpio Spring Viraemia of Carp Virus Freshwater

44
Appendix C:
Federal Noxious Weed List (Aquatic)
Mosquito Fern Azolla pinnata
Caulerpa [Killer Algae (Mediterranean strain)] Caulerpa taxifolia
Rooted Water Hyacinth Eichhornia azurea
Hydrilla Hydrilla verticillata
Miramar Weed Hygrophila polysperma
Water Spinach Ipomoea aquatica
African Oxygen Weed; African Elodea Lagarosiphon major
Ambulia, Asian Marshweed Limnophila sessiliflora
Broadleaf Paper Bark Tree Melaleuca quinquenervia
Arrowleaf False Pickerelweed Monochoria hastate
Heartshape False Pickerelweed Monochoria vaginalis
Duck Lettuce Ottelia alismoides
Arrowhead Sagittaria sagittifolia
Giant Salvinia Salvinia auriculata
Giant Salvinia Salvinia biloba
Giant Salvinia Salvinia herzogii
Giant Salvinia Salvinia molesta
Wetland Nightshade Solanum tampicense
Exotic Bur Reed Sparganium erectum

Appendix D:
Species TablesTable 1. Invasive species currently found in North Carolina. Species in bold have commercial or recreational value in North Carolina.
Scientific Name Common Name Taxa Group Habitat
Gracilaria vermiculophylla a red macroalga (seaweed) Algae Marine
Osteopilus septentrionalis Cuban Treefrog Amphibian Freshwater-Brackish
Diplosoma listerianum Lister’s Encrusting Tunicate Ascidian Marine
Styela canopus Rough Sea Squirt Ascidian Marine
Styela plicata Pleated Sea Squirt Ascidian Marine
Cygnus olor Mute Swan Bird Freshwater
Rangia cuneata Atlantic Rangia Bivalve Marine
Zoobotryon verticillatum Spaghetti Bryozoan Bryozoan Marine
Blackfordia virginica Black Sea Jellyfish Coelenterate Freshwater-Marine
Cordylophora caspia Freshwater Hydroid Coelenterate Freshwater-Marine
Craspedacusta sowerbyi Freshwater Jellyfish Coelenterate Freshwater
Drymonema dalmatinum Pink Meanie Coelenterate Marine
Garveia franciscana Rope Grass Coelenterate Freshwater-Marine
Haliplanella lineata Orange-striped Green Anemone Coelenterate Marine
Maeotias marginata Black Sea Jellyfish Coelenterate Freshwater-Marine
Moerisia lyonsi a hydroid Coelenterate Marine
Elaphoidella bidens bidens a copepod Copepod Freshwater
Callinectes bocourti Bocourt Swimming Crab; Red Blue Crab Crab Marine
Callinectes exasperatus Rugose Swimming Crab Crab Marine
Charybdis hellerii an Indo-Pacific crab Crab Marine
Astronotus ocellatus Oscar Fish Freshwater
Carassius auratus Goldfish Fish Freshwater
Chitala ornata Clown Knifefish Fish Freshwater
Ctenopharyngodon idella Grass Carp Fish Freshwater
Cyprinella lutrensis Red Shiner Fish Freshwater
Cyprinus carpio Common Carp Fish Freshwater
Dorosoma petenense Threadfin Shad Fish Freshwater-Marine
Ictiobus cyprinellus Bigmouth Buffalo Fish Freshwater
Lepomis cyanellus Green Sunfish Fish Freshwater
Morone americana x saxatilis Hybrid White Perch Fish Freshwater
Morone chrysops x saxatilis Hybrid Striped Bass Fish Freshwater-Marine
Pterygoplichthys pardalis Amazon Sailfin Catfish Fish Freshwater
Melanoides tuberculata Red-rim Melania Gastropod Freshwater
Ligia exotica Wharf Roach Isopod Marine
Arundo donax Giant Reed Plant Freshwater-Brackish
Azolla pinnata Mosquito Fern Plant Freshwater
Colocasia esculenta Wild Taro Plant Freshwater
Iris pseudacorus Pale Yellow Iris Plant Freshwater
Landoltia (Spirodela) punctata Dotted Duckweed Plant Freshwater
Marsilea minuta Dwarf Waterclover Plant Freshwater
Nelumbo nucifera Sacred Lotus Plant Freshwater
Nymphoides cristata Crested Floating Heart Plant Freshwater
Panicum repens Torpedo Grass Plant Freshwater
Sagittaria montevidensis Giant Arrowhead Plant Freshwater
Salvinia minima Common Salvinia; Water Spangles Plant Freshwater
Tamarix gallica French Tamarisk; Salt Cedar Plant Terrestrial
Haplosporidium nelsoni MSX (Oyster) Disease Protist Marine
Perkinsus marinus Dermo Disease Protist Marine
Pelodiscus sinensis Chinese Softshell Turtle Reptile Freshwater
Penaeus monodon Asian Tiger Shrimp Shrimp Marine
Largemouth bass virus
(a species in the Iridoviridae family)
Largemouth Bass Virus Virus Freshwater
Rhabdovirus carpio Spring Viraemia of Carp Virus Freshwater

45
Scientific Name Common Name Taxa Group Habitat Gracilaria vermiculophylla a red macroalga (seaweed) Algae Marine Osteopilus septentrionalis Cuban Treefrog Amphibian Freshwater-Brackish Diplosoma listerianum Lister’s Encrusting Tunicate Ascidian Marine Styela canopus Rough Sea Squirt Ascidian Marine Styela plicata Pleated Sea Squirt Ascidian Marine Cygnus olor Mute Swan Bird Freshwater Rangia cuneata Atlantic Rangia Bivalve Marine Zoobotryon verticillatum Spaghetti Bryozoan Bryozoan Marine Blackfordia virginica Black Sea Jellyfish Coelenterate Freshwater-Marine Cordylophora caspia Freshwater Hydroid Coelenterate Freshwater-Marine Craspedacusta sowerbyi Freshwater Jellyfish Coelenterate Freshwater Drymonema dalmatinum Pink Meanie Coelenterate Marine Garveia franciscana Rope Grass Coelenterate Freshwater-Marine Haliplanella lineata Orange-striped Green Anemone Coelenterate Marine Maeotias marginata Black Sea Jellyfish Coelenterate Freshwater-Marine Moerisia lyonsi a hydroid Coelenterate Marine Elaphoidella bidens bidens a copepod Copepod Freshwater
Callinectes bocourti Bocourt Swimming Crab; Red Blue Crab Crab Marine
Callinectes exasperatus Rugose Swimming Crab Crab Marine
Charybdis hellerii an Indo-Pacific crab Crab Marine
Astronotus ocellatus Oscar Fish Freshwater
Carassius auratus Goldfish Fish Freshwater
Chitala ornata Clown Knifefish Fish Freshwater
Ctenopharyngodon idella Grass Carp Fish Freshwater
Cyprinella lutrensis Red Shiner Fish Freshwater
Cyprinus carpio Common Carp Fish Freshwater
Dorosoma petenense Threadfin Shad Fish Freshwater-Marine
Ictiobus cyprinellus Bigmouth Buffalo Fish Freshwater
Lepomis cyanellus Green Sunfish Fish Freshwater
Morone americana x saxatilis Hybrid White Perch Fish Freshwater
Morone chrysops x saxatilis Hybrid Striped Bass Fish Freshwater-Marine
Pterygoplichthys pardalis Amazon Sailfin Catfish Fish Freshwater
Melanoides tuberculata Red-rim Melania Gastropod Freshwater
Ligia exotica Wharf Roach Isopod Marine
Arundo donax Giant Reed Plant Freshwater-Brackish
Azolla pinnata Mosquito Fern Plant Freshwater
Colocasia esculenta Wild Taro Plant Freshwater
Iris pseudacorus Pale Yellow Iris Plant Freshwater
Landoltia (Spirodela) punctata Dotted Duckweed Plant Freshwater
Marsilea minuta Dwarf Waterclover Plant Freshwater
Nelumbo nucifera Sacred Lotus Plant Freshwater
Nymphoides cristata Crested Floating Heart Plant Freshwater
Panicum repens Torpedo Grass Plant Freshwater
Sagittaria montevidensis Giant Arrowhead Plant Freshwater
Salvinia minima Common Salvinia; Water Spangles Plant Freshwater
Tamarix gallica French Tamarisk; Salt Cedar Plant Terrestrial
Haplosporidium nelsoni MSX (Oyster) Disease Protist Marine
Perkinsus marinus Dermo Disease Protist Marine
Pelodiscus sinensis Chinese Softshell Turtle Reptile Freshwater
Penaeus monodon Asian Tiger Shrimp Shrimp Marine
Largemouth bass virus
(a species in the Iridoviridae family)
Largemouth Bass Virus Virus Freshwater
Rhabdovirus carpio Spring Viraemia of Carp Virus Freshwater

Scientific Name Common Name Taxa Group Habitat
Gracilaria vermiculophylla a red macroalga (seaweed) Algae Marine
Osteopilus septentrionalis Cuban Treefrog Amphibian Freshwater-Brackish
Diplosoma listerianum Lister’s Encrusting Tunicate Ascidian Marine
Styela canopus Rough Sea Squirt Ascidian Marine
Styela plicata Pleated Sea Squirt Ascidian Marine
Cygnus olor Mute Swan Bird Freshwater
Rangia cuneata Atlantic Rangia Bivalve Marine
Zoobotryon verticillatum Spaghetti Bryozoan Bryozoan Marine
Blackfordia virginica Black Sea Jellyfish Coelenterate Freshwater-Marine
Cordylophora caspia Freshwater Hydroid Coelenterate Freshwater-Marine
Craspedacusta sowerbyi Freshwater Jellyfish Coelenterate Freshwater
Drymonema dalmatinum Pink Meanie Coelenterate Marine
Garveia franciscana Rope Grass Coelenterate Freshwater-Marine
Haliplanella lineata Orange-striped Green Anemone Coelenterate Marine
Maeotias marginata Black Sea Jellyfish Coelenterate Freshwater-Marine
Moerisia lyonsi a hydroid Coelenterate Marine
Elaphoidella bidens bidens a copepod Copepod Freshwater
Callinectes bocourti Bocourt Swimming Crab; Red Blue Crab Crab Marine
Callinectes exasperatus Rugose Swimming Crab Crab Marine
Charybdis hellerii an Indo-Pacific crab Crab Marine
Astronotus ocellatus Oscar Fish Freshwater
Carassius auratus Goldfish Fish Freshwater
Chitala ornata Clown Knifefish Fish Freshwater
Ctenopharyngodon idella Grass Carp Fish Freshwater
Cyprinella lutrensis Red Shiner Fish Freshwater
Cyprinus carpio Common Carp Fish Freshwater
Dorosoma petenense Threadfin Shad Fish Freshwater-Marine
Ictiobus cyprinellus Bigmouth Buffalo Fish Freshwater
Lepomis cyanellus Green Sunfish Fish Freshwater
Morone americana x saxatilis Hybrid White Perch Fish Freshwater
Morone chrysops x saxatilis Hybrid Striped Bass Fish Freshwater-Marine
Pterygoplichthys pardalis Amazon Sailfin Catfish Fish Freshwater
Melanoides tuberculata Red-rim Melania Gastropod Freshwater
Ligia exotica Wharf Roach Isopod Marine
Arundo donax Giant Reed Plant Freshwater-Brackish
Azolla pinnata Mosquito Fern Plant Freshwater
Colocasia esculenta Wild Taro Plant Freshwater
Iris pseudacorus Pale Yellow Iris Plant Freshwater
Landoltia (Spirodela) punctata Dotted Duckweed Plant Freshwater
Marsilea minuta Dwarf Waterclover Plant Freshwater
Nelumbo nucifera Sacred Lotus Plant Freshwater
Nymphoides cristata Crested Floating Heart Plant Freshwater
Panicum repens Torpedo Grass Plant Freshwater
Sagittaria montevidensis Giant Arrowhead Plant Freshwater
Salvinia minima Common Salvinia; Water Spangles Plant Freshwater
Tamarix gallica French Tamarisk; Salt Cedar Plant Terrestrial
Haplosporidium nelsoni MSX (Oyster) Disease Protist Marine
Perkinsus marinus Dermo Disease Protist Marine
Pelodiscus sinensis Chinese Softshell Turtle Reptile Freshwater
Penaeus monodon Asian Tiger Shrimp Shrimp Marine
Largemouth bass virus
(a species in the Iridoviridae family)
Largemouth Bass Virus Virus Freshwater
Rhabdovirus carpio Spring Viraemia of Carp Virus Freshwater

Table 1. Invasive species currently found in North Carolina. Species in bold have commercial or recreational value in North Carolina. (continued)
46
Table 2. Nuisance species currently found within North Carolina. Species in bold have commercial or recreational value in North Carolina.
Scientific Name Common Name Taxa Group Habitat
Codium fragile tomentosoides Green Sea Fingers Algae Marine
Polysiphonia breviarticulata a red algae Algae Marine
Corbicula fluminea Asian Clam Bivalve Freshwater
Phyllorhiza punctata Australian Spotted Jellyfish Coelenterate Marine
Carcinus maenas European Green Crab Crab Marine
Orconectes rusticus Rusty Crayfish Crayfish Freshwater
Orconectes virilis Virile Crayfish Crayfish Freshwater
Procambarus clarkii Red Swamp Crawfish Crayfish Freshwater
Lyngbya wollei Giant Lyngbya Cyanobacterium Freshwater
Ictalurus furcatus Blue Catfish Fish Freshwater
Micropterus punctulatus Spotted Bass Fish Freshwater
Oreochromis aureus Blue Tilapia Fish Freshwater
Pterois miles Lionfish; Devil Firefish Fish Marine
Pterois volitans Red Lionfish Fish Marine
Tilapia zillii Redbelly Tilapia Fish Freshwater
Cipangopaludina chinensis malleata Chinese Mysterysnail Gastropod Freshwater
Cipangopaludina japonica Japanese Mysterysnail Gastropod Freshwater
Myocaster coypus Nutria Mammal Freshwater
Anguillicoloides crassus (= Anguillicola
crassus)
Eel Swimbladder Nematode Nematode NA
Alternanthera philoxeroides Alligatorweed Plant Freshwater
Egeria densa Brazilian Elodea Plant Freshwater
Eichhornia crassipes Water Hyacinth Plant Freshwater
Hydrilla verticillata Hydrilla Plant Freshwater
Ludwigia hexapetala (L. uruguayensis) Uruguay Waterprimrose Plant Freshwater
Ludwigia peploides montevidensis Creeping Water Primrose Plant Freshwater
Ludwigia peploides peploides Creeping Water Primrose Plant Freshwater
Lythrum salicaria Purple Loosestrife Plant Freshwater
Lythrum spp. Purple Loosestrife (any not native to NC) Plant Freshwater
Murdannia keisak Marsh Dewflower; Asian Spiderwort Plant Freshwater
Myriophyllum aquaticum Parrotfeather Plant Freshwater
Myriophyllum spicatum Eurasian Watermilfoil Plant Freshwater
Najas minor Brittle Naiad Plant Freshwater
Nasturtium officinale Watercress Plant Freshwater
Nymphoides peltata Yellow Floating Heart Plant Freshwater
Phragmites australis australis European Common Reed Plant Freshwater-Brackish
Pistia stratiotes Water Lettuce Plant Freshwater
Potamogeton crispus Curly Pondweed Plant Freshwater
Triadica sebifera Chinese Tallow Tree Plant Freshwater

47
Table 3. Species not currently found within North Carolina but considered a high risk of becoming a nuisance species. Species in bold have commercial or recreational value in North Carolina.
Scientific Name Common Name Taxa Group Habitat
Caulerpa taxifolia Caulerpa [Killer Algae (Mediterranean strain)] Algae Marine
Codium fragile scandinavicum Green Sea Fingers Algae Marine
Bufo marinus Cane Toad Amphibian Freshwater
Eleutherodactylus planirostris Greenhouse Frog Amphibian Terrestrial
Xenopus laevis African Clawed Frog Amphibian Freshwater
Renibacterium salmoninarum Bacterial Kidney Disease (BKD) Bacterium Freshwater
Crassostrea ariakensis Asian Oyster; Suminoe Oyster Bivalve Marine
Dreissena bugensis Quagga Mussel Bivalve Freshwater
Dreissena polymorpha Zebra Mussel Bivalve Freshwater
Dreissena spp. Dreissenid mussels Bivalve Freshwater
Musculista senhousia Asian Date Mussel Bivalve Marine
Mytella charruana Charrua Mussel Bivalve Marine
Mytilopsis sallei Black-striped Mussel Bivalve Marine
Mytilus galloprovincialis Mediterranean Mussel Bivalve Marine
Perna perna Brown Mussel Bivalve Marine
Perna viridis Green Mussel Bivalve Marine
Bythotrephes longimanus Spiny Waterflea Cladoceran Freshwater
Cercopagis pengoi Fishhook Waterflea Cladoceran Freshwater
Eurytemora affinis a copepod Copepod Freshwater-Marine
Eriocheir sinensis Chinese Mitten Crab Crab Marine
Eriocheir spp. Mitten Crab Crab Marine
Petrolisthes armatus Green Porcelain Crab Crab Marine
Orconectes palmeri creolanus Creole Painted Crayfish Crayfish Freshwater
Orconectes placidus Bigclaw Crayfish Crayfish Freshwater
Procambarus fallax virginalis Marbled Crayfish; Marmorkrebs Crayfish Freshwater
Cyanobacterium sp. Avian Vacuolar Myelopathy (AVM) Cyanobacterium Freshwater
Didymosphenia geminata Didymo Diatom Freshwater
Anguilla mossambica African Longfin Eel; Madagascar Eel Fish Freshwater-Marine
Channa argus Northern Snakehead Fish Freshwater
Channa maculata Blotched Snakehead Fish Freshwater
Channa spp. Snakehead Fish Freshwater
Channallabes spp. Walking Catfish Fish Freshwater
Clarias spp. Walking Catfish Fish Freshwater
Gymnallabes spp. Walking Catfish Fish Freshwater
Gymnocephalus cernuus Ruffe Fish Freshwater
Heterobranchus spp. Walking Catfish Fish Freshwater
Heteropneustea spp. Walking Catfish Fish Freshwater
Hypophthalmichthys molitrix Silver Carp Fish Freshwater
Hypophthalmichthys nobilis Bighead Carp Fish Freshwater
Mylopharyngodon piceus Black Carp Fish Freshwater
Neogobius melanostomus Round Goby Fish Freshwater
Oreochromis mossambicus Mozambique Tilapia Fish Freshwater-Brackish
Oreochromis niloticus Nile Tilapia Fish Freshwater
Parachanna spp. Snakehead Fish Freshwater
Proterorhinus marmoratus (= P.
semilunaris)
Tubenose Goby; Western Tubenose Goby Fish Freshwater
Pygocentrus spp. Piranha Fish Freshwater
Rooseveltiella spp. Piranha Fish Freshwater
Scardinius erythrophthalmus Rudd Fish Freshwater
Serrasalmus spp. Piranha Fish Freshwater
Microtralia ovula (= M. occidentalis) a pulmonate snail Gastropod Brackish-Marine
48
Scientific Name Common Name Taxa Group Habitat
Myosotella myosotis (= Ovatella
myosotis)
Mouse-ear Snail Gastropod Brackish-Marine
Pomacea canaliculata Channeled Applesnail Gastropod Freshwater
Pomacea maculata (= P. insularum) Giant Applesnail; Island Applesnail Gastropod Freshwater
Pomacea paludosa Florida Applesnail Gastropod Freshwater
Potamopyrgus antipodarum New Zealand Mudsnail Gastropod Freshwater
Rapana venosa Rapa Whelk Gastropod Marine
Viviparus georgianus Banded Mysterysnail Gastropod Freshwater
Viviparus subpurpureus Olive Mysterysnail Gastropod Freshwater
Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda Mangrove Horseshoe Crab Merostome Marine
Tachypleus gigas Indo-Pacific Horseshoe Crab Merostome Marine
Myxobolus cerebralis Whirling Disease Myxosporean Freshwater
Crassula helmsii Swamp Stonecrop Plant Freshwater
Eichhornia azurea Rooted Water Hyacinth Plant Freshwater
Hygrophila polysperma Miramar Weed Plant Freshwater
Ipomoea aquatica Water Spinach Plant Freshwater
Lagarosiphon major African Oxygen Weed; African Elodea Plant Freshwater
Lagarosiphon spp. African Elodea Plant Freshwater
Limnophila sessiliflora Ambulia; Asian Marshweed Plant Freshwater
Melaleuca quinquenervia Broadleaf Paperbark Tree Plant Freshwater
Monochoria hastata Arrowleaf False Pickerelweed Plant Freshwater
Monochoria vaginalis Heartshape False Pickerelweed Plant Freshwater
Nymphoides indica Water Snowflake Plant Freshwater
Ottelia alismoides Duck Lettuce Plant Freshwater
Sagittaria sagittifolia Arrowhead Plant Freshwater
Salvinia auriculata Eared Watermoss Plant Freshwater
Salvinia biloba Lobed Salvinia Plant Freshwater
Salvinia herzogii Giant Salvinia Plant Freshwater
Salvinia molesta Giant Salvinia Plant Freshwater
Salvinia spp. (all except S. rotundifolia) Water Fern Plant Freshwater
Solanum tampicense Wetland Nightshade Plant Freshwater
Sparganium erectum Branched Burreed Plant Freshwater
Stratiotes aloides Crabs Claw; Water Aloe Plant Freshwater
Trapa natans Water Chestnut Plant Freshwater
Trapa spp. Water Chestnut Plant Freshwater
Mikrocytos mackini Oyster Mikrocytosis Protist Marine
Perkinsus olseni Clam and Cockle Perkinsus Protist Marine
Infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus
(a species of Novirhabdovirus)
Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis (IHN) Virus Freshwater
Epizootic hematopoietic necrosis virus
(a species of Ranavirus)
Epizootic Hematopoietic Necrosis (EHN) Virus Freshwater
Viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus
(a species of Novirhabdovirus)
Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) Virus Freshwater-Marine
Infectious hypodermal and
hematopoietic necrosis virus
Shrimp parvovirus; IHHN Virus Marine

Table 3. Species not currently found within North Carolina but considered a high risk of becoming a nuisance species. Species in bold have commercial or recreational value in North Carolina. (continued)
49
Table 4. Species not currently found within North Carolina but considered a lower risk of becoming a nuisance species.
Scientific Name Common Name Taxa Group Habitat
Caprella scaura a caprellid amphipod Amphipod Marine
Stenothoe gallensis an amphipod Amphipod Marine
Bothriocephalus opsarichthydis Great Asian Tapeworm Cestode Freshwater
Cardisoma guanhumi Blue Land Crab Crab Brackish-Marine
Cambarus cumberlandensis Cumberland Crayfish Crayfish Freshwater
Cherax quadricarinatus Australian Redclaw Crayfish Crayfish Freshwater
Cherax spp. "giant" crayfish Crayfish Freshwater
Astyanax mexicanus Mexican Banded Tetra Fish Freshwater
Colossoma macropomum Tambaqui (Pacu) Fish Freshwater
Colossoma spp. Pacu Fish Freshwater
Culaea inconstans Brook Stickleback Fish Freshwater
Electrophorus electricus Freshwater Electric Eel Fish Freshwater
Esox lucius Northern Pike Fish Freshwater
Jordanella floridae Flagfish Fish Freshwater
Leuciscus idus Ide Fish Freshwater
Monopterus albus Asian Swamp Eel Fish Freshwater
Morone mississippiensis Yellow Bass Fish Freshwater
Osmerus mordax Rainbow Smelt Fish Freshwater-Marine
Piaractus brachypomus Red-bellied Pacu Fish Freshwater
Piaractus spp. Pacu Fish Freshwater
Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus Vermiculated Sailfin Catfish Fish Freshwater
Salmo salar Atlantic Salmon Fish Freshwater-Marine
Tinca tinca Tench Fish Freshwater
Vandellia cirrhosa Carnero; Candiru Catfish Fish Freshwater
Creedonia succinea a pulmonate snail Gastropod Brackish-Marine
Sphaeroma terebrans an isopod Isopod Brackish-Marine
Synidotea laticauda an isopod Isopod Brackish-Marine
Urochloa (Brachiaria) mutica Para Grass Plant Freshwater
Ficopomatus miamiensis a tube-building worm Polychaete Marine
Hydroides elegans a tubeworm Polychaete Marine
Litopenaeus stylirostris Blue Shrimp Shrimp Marine
Litopenaeus vannamei Pacific White Shrimp; Whiteleg Shrimp Shrimp Marine
Macrobrachium olfersii Bristled River Shrimp Shrimp Freshwater-Marine
Sinelobus stanfordi a tanaid Tanaid Marine
Table 5. Nonnative species currently found within North Carolina, but that pose low risk. Species in bold have commercial or recreational value in North Carolina.
Scientific Name Common Name Taxa Group Habitat
Daphnia lumholtzi a waterflea Cladoceran Freshwater
Lepomis microlophus Redear Sunfish Fish Freshwater
Lucania goodei Bluefin Killifish Fish Freshwater
Misgurnus anguillicaudatus Oriental Weatherfish Fish Freshwater
Oncorhynchus mykiss Rainbow Trout Fish Freshwater-Marine
Oncorhynchus nerka Sockeye Salmon (Kokanee) Fish Freshwater-Marine
Pimephales promelas Fathead Minnow Fish Freshwater
Salmo trutta Brown Trout Fish Freshwater-Marine
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis Amphibian Chytrid Fungus Fungus Freshwater
Oryza sativa Rice Plant Freshwater
Apalone ferox Florida Softshell Turtle Reptile Freshwater
Trachemys scripta elegans Red-eared Slider Reptile Freshwater

50
Table 6. Species native to a portion of North Carolina that may be invasive outside their native range. Species in bold have commercial or recreational value in North Carolina.
Scientific Name Common Name Taxa Group Habitat
Morone chrysops White Bass Fish Freshwater-Marine
Cabomba pulcherrima Purple Cabomba Plant Freshwater
Phalaris arundinacea Reed Canarygrass Plant Freshwater

Table 7. Species native to a portion of North Carolina that are a nuisance outside their native range. Species in bold have commercial or recreational value in North Carolina.
Scientific Name Common Name Taxa Group Habitat
Alosa aestivalis Blueback Herring Fish Freshwater-Marine
Alosa pseudoharengus Alewife Fish Freshwater-Marine
Ictiobus bubalus Smallmouth Buffalo Fish Freshwater
Morone americana White Perch Fish Freshwater
Pylodictis olivaris Flathead Catfish Fish Freshwater
Procambarus acutus White River Crawfish Crayfish Freshwater
Table 8. Species with one or more questions as to native range (cryptogenic), presence in North Carolina or degree of threat (i.e., invasive or nuisance).
Cryptogenic species
Scientific Name Common Name Taxa Group Habitat Other Question
Lyngbya spp. Blue-green Algae; Black Mat Algae Cyanobacterium Freshwater-Marine
Salmincola edwardsii gill lice Copepod Freshwater Degree of threat
Molgula manhattensis a sea grape Ascidian Marine
Nematostella vectensis Starlet Sea Anemone Coelenterate Marine
Gyrodactylus anguillae gill worm fluke on eels Fluke Freshwater-Marine
Fabricia stellaris a polychaete worm Polychaete Marine Present in NC?
Baculovirus penaei Baculovirus of Shrimp Virus Marine Present in NC?
Coronoviridae Yellow Head Virus (of shrimp) Virus Marine Present in NC?
Picornaviridae Taura Syndrome Virus (of shrimp) Virus Marine Present in NC?
Whispovirus White Spot Disease (of shrimp) Virus Marine Present in NC?
Species presence in NC is unknown
Scientific Name Common Name Taxa Group Habitat Other Question
Paradella dianae an isopod Isopod Marine Degree of threat
Pseudodactylogyrus anguillae gill worm fluke on eels Fluke Freshwater-Marine
Pseudodactylogyrus bini gill worm fluke on eels Fluke Freshwater-Marine
Species present in NC but degree of threat is unknown
Scientific Name Common Name Taxa Group Habitat Other Question
Amphibalanus amphitrite Striped Barnacle;
Purple Acorn Barnacle
Barnacle Marine
Balanus trigonus Purple Striped Barnacle Barnacle Marine
Loxothylacus panopaei a parasitic barnacle Barnacle Marine
Megabalanus coccopoma Titan Acorn Barnacle Barnacle Brackish-Marine
Megabalanus tintinnabulum
(= M. antillensis)
Giant Purple Barnacle Barnacle Marine
Teredo navalis Naval Shipworm Bivalve Marine
Lernaea cyprinacea Anchor Worm Copepod Freshwater
Skistodiaptomus pallidus a copepod Copepod Freshwater
Hemigrapsus sanguineus Asian Shore Crab Crab Marine
Synidotea laevidorsalis an isopod Isopod Marine
Ficopomatus enigmaticus Australian Tubeworm Polychaete Marine Present in NC?

51
Appendix E:
Summary of North Carolina State Laws, Programs and
Regulations Relevant to Aquatic Invasive Species
Statute Agency Summary
§106-761 Aquaculture facility
registration and licensing.
NCDA&CS Registration and licensing of freshwater aquaculture
facilities. The NCDA&CS have the ability to license facility if
a species is on the Clean list. If the species are not on the
list they must get prior approval from the NCWRC.
§106-762 Fish disease
management
NCDA&CS Development of a fish disease management plan with
assistance from the NCWRC. Makes it unlawful to willfully
release domestically raised fish into waters of the State,
other than in private ponds without written permission
from the NCWRC or NCDMF.
§106 article 36 Plant pests NCDA&CS NC Plant Pest Law to prevent the spread of nonnative plants
from the noxious weed list. This law prohibits
transportation of noxious weeds into NC and within the
state.
§113-274 NCWRC Regulates and permits the transportation, purchase,
possession, sale or stocking of wildlife species within
NCWRC jurisdiction.
§113-292 Authority of the
Wildlife Resources Commission in
regulation of inland fishing and
the introduction of exotic species
NCWRC Authorize, license, regulate, prohibit, prescribe, or restrict
all fishing in inland fishing waters and the introduction of
exotic species.
15A NCAC 10C .0209
Transportation of live fish
NCWRC Illegal to transport freshwater non-game fishes or live game
fishes in excess of possession limits. Makes it unlawful to
stock any life stage of any species of fish in inland fishing
waters without a stocking permit from the NCWCRC.
15A NCAC 10C .0211 Possession
of certain fishes
NCWRC Prohibits the possession of exotic species found on
the NCWRC prohibited list.
§113-132 Jurisdiction of fisheries
agencies
NCWRC
NCDMF
Gives the MFC jurisdiction over the conservation marine
and estuarine resources and NCWRC jurisdiction of the
conservation of wildlife including the hunting of invasive
species. Statute also divides the state’s waters into NCMFC
and NCWRC jurisdiction based on the fishes present.
15A NCAC 03O .0501 NCDMF Marine and estuarine aquaculture operation permit and
regulatory authority.
15A NCAC 03I .0104 Introduce,
transfer or hold imported marine
estuarine organisms
NCDMF Illegal to introduce living marine or estuarine nonnatives
into North Carolina waters without a permit from NCDMF.
113 Article 15 Aquatic Weed
Control Act
NCDEQ Aquatic Weed Control Act gives NCDEQ the authority to
designate and control aquatic noxious weeds. This also
gives the Commissioner of Agriculture the ability to regulate
the importation, sale, use, culture, collection,
transportation, and distribution of noxious weeds.
NCG560000 NCDWR Pesticide National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
General Permit to use pesticides for mosquito and other
flying insect pest control, aquatic weed and algae control,
aquatic animal pest control, forest canopy pest control and
intrusive vegetation control.
52
Appendix F:
Summary of Federal and International Laws and
Treaties Relevant to Aquatic Invasive Species
Statute Agency Summary
16 USC 4702 Aquatic nuisance
species prevention and control
USFWS Gives the USFWS Invasive Species Branch the authority to
manage the ANSTF and Aquatic Nuisance Species Program.
Executive Order 13112 Federal
Agencies
Coordinated federal agency responses to address terrestrial
and aquatic invasive species and created the National
Invasive Species Council. The Order also directed federal
agencies to not authorize, fund, or carry out actions that
would promote the introduction or spread of invasive
species in the United States.
18 USC 42-43 DOI Lacey Act. The Act gave the Secretary of the Interior
authority to regulate the importation and transport of
species including offspring and eggs that are injurious.
16 USC 3371-3378 DOI Secretary of the Interior authority to regulate the
importation and transport of species including offspring and
eggs that are injurious.
33CFR 151.2025
Ballast Water Management
Requirements
USCG Ballast Water Discharge requirements to respond to
concerns that invasive species found in ballast water could
have ecological, economic, or potential health threats.
7 USC 7701
Plant Protection
USDA Secretary of Agriculture the authority to prohibit or restrict
the importation, entry, exportation or movement of in
interstate commerce of any plant, plant product, biological
control organism, noxious weed, article or means of
conveyance if the Secretary determines that the prohibition
or restriction is necessary to prevent the introduction of a
plant pest or noxious weed into the United States.
7 USC 2801 USDA Secretary of Agriculture the ability to designate federally
listed noxious weeds.

53
Appendix G:
Public Comments Received and ResponsesThe draft North Carolina Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan was available for comment by the general public from May 1-31, 2015 on a specially-created webpage. Visitors to the site were able to submit comments online through the webpage or send comments to a staff member whose contact information was provided on the webpage. Notification of the public comment period was posted in the North Carolina Register. Additionally, an announcement of the public comment period was posted on department webpages with links to the comment webpage and information about the plan and the comment period was circulated on various social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, and posted on relevant list serves. Various formatting and technical writing corrections were made after a thorough professional editing review.The ANSMP Committee reviewed the comments and incorporated a number of changes based on the information they received. Here is a list of summarized comments from the general public and the responses from the committee:Based on my experience in research involving aquatic nuisance species, I think these species categorizations seem reasonable. I believe Red Shiner should be included, and also Redbelly Tilapia.
Red Shiner is included in Appendix D, Table 1 as an invasive
species. Redbelly Tilapia?Very pleased to see this plan. Please make this correction in the Chowan case study: the exact size of the new infested area is still undetermined.
Text clarified to indicate that the size of the area is
undetermined and is not being treated at this time.This plan needs to include small ponds and lakes in the county where I live. Many of them have too many weeds for fishing.
The plan recognizes the need for a more comprehensive
inventory of the current locations where aquatic nuisance
species occur. The plan (Section VI, Objective 2) recommends
that a database for professionals and the public be established
to centralize information about the whereabouts of ANS
throughout the state. Please correct photo credit of golf course.
Correction made to credit Steve Hoyle from NCSU. Salvinia is misspelled in various sections of the plan.
Spelling corrections made.Letter from the North Carolina Chapter of the American Fisheries Society supports the draft plan and offered 2 suggestions: include New Zealand Mud Snail Potamopyrgus antipodarum as a high risk species due to its established populations in other states transported by anglers, and include Smallmouth Buffalo Ictiobus bubalus which is already established in NC piedmont rivers and is known to dominate the biomass of fishes in those areas.
New Zealand Mudsnail is included on Appendix D, Table 3 as
a High Risk Species. Added Smallmouth Buffalo to Appendix D,
Table 7.
54
Appendix H:
Aquatic Nuisance Species of Concern Information Sheets
5516
Freshwater Plants:
Alligatorweed
(Alternanthera philoxeroides)
Taxa Group: Plant
Size: Stems 6-10 inches long. Leaves 1-3 inches long.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics: A perennial that
forms large dense mats and is invasive to many
agricultural and aquatic communities.
Habitat: Generalist, preferring full sun; grows
rampantly in canals, ditches, wetlands, and slow
moving streams and rivers.
Native Range: South America.
NC History: Management since 1980s.
Current NC Distribution: Coastal Plain and into the
Piedmont.
Pathway of Introduction: Fragmentation, and
possibly seed distribution.
Management and Control: Primarily herbicides.
Limited biological control using the Aligatorweed
flea beetle (Argasicles hygrophila). In NC, the flea
beetle cannot survive winter temperatures, and
populations will only persist in extreme
southeastern counties.
Introduced Distribution of Alligatorweed (EDDMapS,
2015)
Alligatorweed clogging a drainage canal.
(©Bridget Lassiter)
Impacts and Uses of Alligatorweed in NC
Ecological: Creates dense floating mats which shade
out submersed vegetation.
Economic: Alligatorweed has proved to be
problematic in drainage ditches and canals, used in
Eastern NC to drain agricultural and urban areas
following heavy rains. It impacts recreational activities
such as swimming, wading, paddling, and fishing.
Sources:
Aulback-Smith, C.A. and S. de Kozlowski. 1999. Aquatic and
Wetland Plants of South Carolina. SC Dept. of Nat. Resources
Buckingham, G. R. Alligatorweed. In: Van Driesche, R., et al.,
2002, Biological Control of Invasive Plants in the Eastern
United States, USDA Forest Service Publication FHTET-2002-
04, 413 p. Available : (https://dnr.state.il.us/Stewardship/
cd/biocontrol/1Alligato rweed.html)
Lassiter, B., R. Richardson, and G. Wilkerson. 2008. Aquatic
Weeds: A Pocket Identification Guide for the Carolinas, NC
Cooperative Extension.
EDDMapS. 2015. Early Detection & Distribution Mapping
System. The University of Georgia Center for Invasive Species
and Ecosystem Health. http:www.eddmaps.org/distribution/
usstate.cfm?sub=2779. Acc. 9-19-15.
5617
Freshwater Plants:
Brazilian Elodea
(Egeria densa)
Taxa Group: Plant
Size: Stems 1/15th inch in diameter, but can grow to
lengths of 6 feet. Leaves 1-1.25 inches long.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics: A branched,
submersed, dioecious perennial found rooted or
free-floating in water. Can be double-noded. Roots
can form at any branching point. White flowers;
somewhat showy and occurring in spring and early
summer.
Habitat: Thrives in ponds, lakes, streams and rivers.
Native Range: South America
NC History: Management from mid 1990s.
Current NC Distribution: Scattered counties across
the Coastal Plain and some Piedmont counties.
Pathway of Introduction: Fragmentation. A popular
aquarium plant typically sold under the name
“Anacharis.”
Management and Control: Herbicide use and
triploid grass carp.
Introduced Distribution of Brazilian Elodea
(EDDMapS, 2015)
Brazilian Elodea leaves and flower. (©Bridget Lassiter)
Impacts and Uses of Brazilian Elodea in NC
Ecological: Alters habitat by forming dense canopies
which displaces and/or suppresses native submersed
aquatic plants.
Economic: Restricts water movement and has
potential to clog intakes. It affects recreational
activities such as swimming, wading, paddling, and
fishing.
Human Health or Human use: Creates stagnant water
which increases mosquito breeding habitat
Sources:
Aulback-Smith, C. A. and S. J. de Kozlowski. Aquatic
and Wetland Plants of South Carolina. 1996. SC DNR
and SCAPMS.
Lassiter, B., R. Richardson, and G. Wilkerson. 2008.
Aquatic Weeds: A Pocket Identification Guide for the
Carolinas, NC Cooperative Extension.
EDDMapS. 2015. Early Detection & Distribution
Mapping System. The University of Georgia Center for
Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health.
http:www.eddmaps.org/distribution/uscounty.cfm?
sub=3019. Acc. 9-19-15.
5718
Freshwater Plants:
Brittle Naiad
(Najas minor)
Taxa Group: Plant
Size: Grows in masses that can be 4 feet+ tall.
Leaves are ~1 inch long.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics: An annual
aquatic plant with brittle shoots. Parts of the plant
readily fragment, which facilitates its spread. Leaves
are linear and opposite. Bright green or reddish with
rough serrations on margins. Always submersed, and
typically stacked with shorter internodes at stem
tips.
Habitat: Rarely occurs as a monoculture, often
associated with other aquatic weeds such as hydrilla.
Native Range: Europe.
NC History: State-agency-level management began
in 1989, however limited to few sites. Since then
State-agency level management projects occur
infrequently and are relatively small scale (<5 acre).
Current NC Distribution: Piedmont. Insufficient
monitoring data for Coastal Plain and Mountains to
determine distribution.
Pathway of Introduction: Reproduces by seed and
fragmentation. Seed dispersal by water flow and
wildlife. Recreationists serve as a hitchhiker vector
for both seed and fragments.
Introduced Distribution of Brittle Naiad. (EDDMapS,
2015)
Brittle Naiad. (© Bridget Lassiter)
Brittle Naiad growing on surface of water, Burlington,
NC, 2005. (© Rob Emens)
Management and Control: Herbicides and triploid
grass carp.
Impacts and Uses of Brittle Naiad in NC
Ecological: Alters habitat. Out-competes native
submersed vegetation.
Economic: Impedes navigation in waterways, impacts
recreation activities, and fouls water intakes.
Human health or Human Use: Creates stagnant water
which increases mosquito breeding habitat.
Sources: Aulback-Smith, C. A. and S. J. de Kozlowski.
Aquatic and Wetland Plants of South Carolina. 1996. SC
DNR and SCAPMS.
Lassiter, B., R. Richardson, and G. Wilkerson. 2008.
Aquatic Weeds: A Pocket Identification Guide for the
Carolinas, NC Cooperative Extension.
EDDMapS. 2015. Early Detection & Distribution Mapping
System. The University of Georgia Center for Invasive
Species and Ecosystem Health.
http:www.eddmaps.org/distribution/usstate.cfm?
sub=3056. Acc. 9-19-15.
57
5819
Freshwater Plants:
Curly Pondweed
(Potamogeton crispus)
Taxa Group: Plant
Size: 1 foot to 12 feet long.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics: A perennial that
can grow in water as deep as 15 ft. The plants are
highly branched, with zigzag brittle stems. All leaves
are submerged.
Habitat: Can form large, dense infestations,
especially in cool climate zones. Tolerant of brackish
water environments.
Native Range: Europe.
NC History: Unknown.
Current NC Distribution: Statewide.
Pathway of Introduction: Propagates via seed and
turions.
Management and Control: Herbicide
Introduced Distribution of Curly Pondweed.
(EDDMapS, 2015)
Curly Pondweed Infestation, (EDDMapS, 2015)
Impacts and Uses of Curly Pondweed in NC
Ecological: Can form large, dense populations that
severely impair recreation and other water activities.
Economic: Severely impairs waterways, impacts
recreation activities and fouls water intakes.
Human Health or Human use: None known.
Close-up image of Curly
Pondweed, (EDDMapS,
2015)
Aulback-Smith, C. A. and S. J. de Kozlowski. Aquatic and
Wetland Plants of South Carolina. 1996. SC DNR and SCAPMS.
EDDMapS. 2015. Early Detection & Distribution Mapping
System. The University of Georgia Center for Invasive Species
and Ecosystem Health. http:www.eddmaps.org/distribution/
usstate.cfm?sub=6219. Acc. 9-19-15.
Sources:
5920
Freshwater Plants:
Eurasian Watermilfoil
(Myriophyllum spicatum)
Taxa Group: Plant
Size: Stems can be 4 feet+ long. Leaves are ~1 inch.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics: Completely
submerged except for the floral spike. Leaves are
whorled and finely divided resembling a bird’s
feather. Leaves are flimsy and collapse when
removed from the water. Flowers are tiny,
inconspicuous, and borne in the leaf axils of
emergent spikes.
Habitat: Thrives in cool water. Will “top out” during
peak growth periods with majority of biomass
concentrated near the water surface. Forms dense,
impenetrable mats.
Native Range: Europe, Asia, N. Africa.
NC History: Extensively infested the Currituck Sound
during the mid-20th century.
Current NC Distribution: Widespread throughout
the Albemarle Sound and Currituck Sound and
Roanoke Rapids Lake. Insufficient data for Piedmont
& Mountains to determine distribution.
Pathway of Introduction: Recreationists serving as a
hitchhiker vector.
Management and Control: Herbicide.
Introduced Distribution of Eurasian Watermilfoil.
(USDA Plants Database, 2015)
Eurasian Watermilfoil.
© Bridget Lassiter
Impacts and Uses of Eurasian Watermilfoil in NC
Ecological: An introduced species with enormous potential for
invasiveness. Alters habitat and water quality.
Economic: Hydroelectric operations, irrigation and municipal
water intakes, clogs trash racks and impedes recreational
activities.
Human Health or Human use: Creates stagnant water which
increases mosquito habitat and leads to increased frequency
of mosquito-borne illness.
Eurasian Watermilfoil collecting on a boat ramp, Kitty Hawk
Bay, NC, 2007. (© Rob Emens)
Aulback-Smith, C. A. and S. J. de Kozlowski. Aquatic and Wetland
Plants of South Carolina. 1996. SC DNR and SCAPMS.
USDA Plants Database Citation: http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?
symbol=MYSP2. Acc. 9-18-15.
Sources:
6021
European Common
Reed (Phragmites australis ssp.
australis)
Taxa Group: Plant
Size: Can grow to 12 feet+ tall.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics: A stout
perennial grass with creeping rhizomes and stolons.
Nonnative biotypes are highly invasive due to prolific
growth habits and difficulty in management. Stem is
round and hollow. The seedhead is a terminal
panicle, plumelike and brown to purple in color.
Length ranges from 6 to 16 inches. The roots are
stout and very difficult to pull out of the ground.
Habitat: Forms dense homogeneous stands in fresh
or brackish marshy areas.
Native Range: Europe.
NC History: Has largely gone unmanaged.
Current NC Distribution: Coastal Plain. Large areas
in the lower Cape Fear Basin.
Pathway of Introduction: Spreads by runners and
seed. Phragmites is likely to invade and colonize
disturbed areas if seed is present. Contaminated
equipment, like heavy machinery, is a likely vector.
Distribution of invasive strain of phragmites. (USDA,
PLANTS Database, 2015)
European Common Reed seedhead. (© Bridget Lassiter)
Management and Control: Cutting and mowing
regularly provides some control. Herbicides are often
used. Phragmites is difficult to control.
Impacts and Uses of European Common Reed in NC
Ecological: Reduces biodiversity by forming mono-
culture.
Economic: Reduces aesthetic value of waterfront
properties.
Human Health or Human use: Native strain was used
by American Indians to make arrows. No known
human health concerns.
European Common Reed, Alligator River, 2009 (© Rob
Emens)
Freshwater Plants:
Sources:
Aulback-Smith, C. A. and S. J. de Kozlowski. Aquatic and
Wetland Plants of South Carolina. 1996. SC DNR and
SCAPMS.
USDA Plants Database Citation: http plants.usda.gov/core/
profile?symbol=PHAUA7. Acc. 9-18-15.
6122
Freshwater Plants:
Hydrilla
(Hydrilla verticillata)
Taxa Group: Plant
Size: Depending on depth and water quality (a few
inches to 8 feet+). Up to 20 feet in some reservoirs.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics: A submersed,
rooted perennial with a very fast growth rate. Plants
persist through the winter as subterranean tubers
which sprout in the spring. Shoots grow laterally
and vertically, often reaching the surface by late
summer. Hydrilla is one of the most invasive plants
found in NC. Leaves are oblong, sessile and whorled
in groups of 4-8 around the stem. Leaf margins are
serrated. Flowers are small, delicate and
inconspicuous, often forming in late summer or
autumn.
Habitat: Freshwater areas around the state,
including rivers, lakes, and ponds.
Native Range: Asia
NC History: First discovered in 1980 in Wake
County. From mid 1980s to late 1990s it spread to
many Piedmont reservoirs where management was
primarily done with triploid grass carp. Only
recently has it become widespread in many of the
water systems of the state.
Current NC Distribution: Statewide, from Mountains
to Coastal Plain.
Introduced Distribution of Hydrilla. (EDDMapS,
2015)
Hydrilla. (©Bridget Lassiter)
Pathway of Introduction: Boaters and other
recreationists and waterfowl/wildlife.
Management and Control: Herbicides and biological
control with triploid grass carp.
Impacts and Uses of Hydrilla in NC
Ecological: Alters habitat by forming dense colonies
which displaces and/or suppresses native submersed
aquatic plants. Decrease in water flow contributes to
sediment buildup. Extensive growth provides
substrate for the causative agent of Avian vacuolar
myelinopathy (AVM) that kills waterfowl and bald
eagles.
Economic: Impedes navigation in waterways, impacts
recreation activities and fouls water intakes and
hydroelectric dams.
Human Health or Human use: Limited distribution as
a nutritional supplement. Creates stagnant water
which increases mosquito breeding habitat.
Tar River Reservoir, NC. 2006.
(©Rob Emens)
Sources:
Aulback-Smith, C. A. and S. J. de Kozlowski. Aquatic and
Wetland Plants of South Carolina. 1996. SC DNR and
SCAPMS.
Lassiter, B., R. Richardson, and G. Wilkerson. 2008. Aquatic
Weeds: A Pocket Identification Guide for the Carolinas, NC
Cooperative Extension.
EDDMapS. 2015. Early Detection & Distribution Mapping
System. The University of Georgia Center for Invasive
Species and Ecosystem Health. http:www.eddmaps.org/
distribution/usstate.cfm?sub=3028. Acc. 9-19-15.
6223
Freshwater Plants:

Marsh Dayflower
(Murdannia kiesak )
Taxa Group: Plant
Size: Grows in mats with stems that are 12-30
inches long. Leaves are ~3 inches long.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics: A perennial
plant with prostrate stems and bluish-purple or pink
flowers. Leaves are alternate and lance shaped.
Habitat: Grows in dense mats along edges of
freshwater structures and marshes. Often grows
immersed.
Native Range: Temperate and tropical Asia.
NC History: Unknown.
Current NC Distribution: Statewide.
Pathway of Introduction: Rice seed.
Management and Control: Herbicide.
Introduced Distribution of Marsh Dayflower.
(EDDMapS, 2015)

Marsh Dayflower. (©invasive.org)
Impacts and Uses of Marsh Dayflower in NC
Ecological: Alters native habitat by outcompeting
native emerged vegetation.
Economic: Can inhibit shoreline access for recreation,
and impede water intakes. Impedes navigation in
waterw ays; impacts recreational activities and fouls
water intakes .
Human Health or Human use: None known.
M38ars h Dayflower growing near surface of wat
(© oak.ppws.vt.edu)
Marsh Dayflower growing near surface of water,
(© oak.ppws.vt.edu)
Sources:
Aulback-Smith, C. A. and S. J. de Kozlowski. Aquatic and
Wetland Plants of South Carolina. 1996. SC DNR and
SCAPMS.
Laassiter, B., R. Richardson, and G. Wilkerson. 2008.
Aquatic Weeds: A Pocket Identification Guide for the
Carolinas. NC Cooperative Extension.
EDDMapS. 2015. Early Detection & Distribution Mapping
System. The University of Georgia Center for Invasive
Species and Ecosystem Health. http:www.eddmaps.org/
distribution/usstate.cfm?sub=3053. Acc. 9-19-15.
6324
Freshwater Plants:
39
Parrotfeather
(Myriophyllum aquaticum)
Taxa Group: Plant
Size: Stems are 4– 6 inches long. Leaves are 0.5 to 2
inches long.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics: As a member of
the milfoil family this plant roots into the bottom
has a floral spike which emerges from the water.
Leaves are whorled and grey-green in color. This
plant derives its common name from the featherlike
leaves. The stems are elongated and strong. The
floral spikes will die back to the surface of the water
during winter, but submersed parts continue winter
growth in moderate climates. Reproduction is
through fragmentation.
Habitat: Generalist, preferring full sun; can tolerate
a wide variety of conditions (lakes, ponds, wetlands,
streams, and river margins).
Native Range: South America.
NC History: Few and isolated historical incidents
where this plant required large-scale management.
Lookout Shoals reservoir became heavily infested
circa 2000. High stocking rates of triploid grass carp
effectively controlled the growth of this noxious
weed at that site.
Current NC Distribution: Statewide.
Pathway of Introduction: Water garden trade and
recreationists serving as a hitchhiker vector.
Introduced Distribution of Parrotfeather.
(EDDMapS, 2015)
Parrotfeather. (© Rob Emens)
Management and Control: Physical removal possible
for relatively small and confined sites (<0.25 acre).
Herbicide applications to larger sites. Triploid grass
carp at high stocking rates.
Impacts and Uses of Parrotfeather in NC
Ecological: Alters habitat by forming dense canopies
which displaces and/or suppresses native submersed
aquatic plants.
Economic: Impedes recreation activities (swimming,
boating and fishing).
Human Health or Human use: Creates stagnant water
which increases mosquito breeding habitat.
Parrotfeather infesting a Raleigh Parks and Recreation
pond. 2002. (© NC Aquatic Weed Program)
Parrotfeather infesting a Raleigh Parks and Recreation pond.
2002 (© NC Aquatic Weed Program)
Sources:
Aulback-Smith, C. A. and S. J. de Kozlowski. Aquatic and Wetland
Plants of South Carolina. 1996. SC DNR and SCAPMS.
Laassiter, B., R. Richardson, and G. Wilkerson. 2008. Aquatic
Weeds: A Pocket Identification Guide for the Carolinas. NC
Cooperative Extension.
EDDMapS. 2015. Early Detection & Distribution Mapping
System. The University of Georgia Center for Invasive Species
and Ecosystem Health. http:www.eddmaps.org/distribution/
usstate.cfm?sub=3054. Acc. 9-19-15.
6425
Freshwater Plants:
Purple Loosestrife
(Lythrum salicaria)
Taxa Group: Plant
Size: Grows in dense stands with stalks up to 6 feet
tall leaves are 1.5-4 inches long.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics: Emergent
perennial with pink, purple, magenta, or white
flower spikes and square purple stems that arise
from a common root mass. Leaves are opposite or
whorled and lance-shaped.
Habitat: Grows in a variety of habitats ranging from
moist soil to shallow water. It prefers freshwater
wetlands but can also thrive in brackish waters.
Native Range: Europe, Asia.
NC History: First found in NC in late 1980’s
Current NC Distribution: Infrequent, but scattered
across 15 counties in NC from Dare County on the
east to Henderson County on the west.
Pathway of Introduction: Intentionally introduced in
early 1800s for ornamental and medicinal purposes.
Spreads through nursery trade and dispersal of
seeds through water and mud.
Management and Control: Herbicides, mechanical
removal/disruption and biocontrol.
Introduced Distribution of Purple Loosestrife.
(EDDMapS, 2015)
Purple Loosestrife © John D. Byrd, Mississippi State
University, Bugwood.org
Impacts and Uses of Purple Loosestife in NC
Ecological: Supresses native plant species, decreases
biodiversity, alters water chemistry and hydrological
functioning.
Economic: Invades irrigation systems, wetlands, and
agricultural crop stand such as wild rice; impedes
recreation activities.
Human Health or Human use: Used as ornamental
plant and by beekeepers.
Purple Loosestrife Infestation. © Linda Haugen, USDA
Forest Service, Bugwood.org
Sources:
Gettys, Lyn A., William T. Haller, and David G. Petty. Biology
And Control Of Aquatic Plants: A Best Management Practices
Handbook. 3rd ed. Marietta, Georgia: Aquatic Ecosystem
Restoration Foundation, 2014. Web. 6 Feb. 2015.
EDDMapS. 2015. Early Detection & Distribution Mapping
System. The University of Georgia Center for Invasive Species
and Ecosystem Health. http:www.eddmaps.org/distribution/
usstate.cfm?sub=3047. Acc. 9-19-15.
6526
Freshwater Plants:
Watercress
(Nasturtium officinale)
Taxa Group: Plant
Size: Grows in masses several feet in length. Flowers
are ~0.2 inches. Fruit range from 0.4-0.6 inches.
Leaves are 2-6 inches long.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics: A nonnative,
invasive aquatic species with oval shape leaflets.
Stems will float on the water surface and root freely
from the nodes. Older leaflets are compound, with
wavy-edged oval leaflets growing from a central
stalk.
Habitat: Lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, moist soil.
Gnetly flowing, shallow freshwater.
Native Range: Europe.
NC History: First known introduction in the late
1960s.
Current NC Distribution: Statewide.
Pathway of Introduction: Propagates via seed and
adventitious rooting from stem nodes.
Management and Control: Herbicide.
Introduced Distribution of watercress. (EDDMapS,
2015)
Watercress growing on pond surface, (©sewisc.org)
E cological: Can outcompete native aquatic species.
Economic: Impedes waterways, impacts recreation
activities and fouls water intakes.
Human Health or Human use: No human risks known;
can be eaten for food or medicine.
Watercress flowering, ©plants.usda.gov
Impacts of Uses of Watercress in NC
Sources:
Aulback-Smith, C. A. and S. J. de Kozlowski. Aquatic and
Wetland Plants of South Carolina. 1996. SC DNR and
SCAPMS.
EDDMapS. 2015. Early Detection & Distribution Mapping
System. The University of Georgia Center for Invasive
Species and Ecosystem Health. http:www.eddmaps.org/
distribution/usstate.cfm?sub=14217. Acc. 9-19-15.
6627
Freshwater Plants:
Water Hyacinth
(Eichhornia crassipes)
Taxa Group: Plant
Size: Stems are up to 3 feet long. Leaves can be 4-7
inches across.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics: A floating
perennial with attractive purple flowers. Leaves are
waxy, rounded and elevated by long, inflated,
spongy petioles. The flowers are showy (purple with
yellow spots) and borne upon a spike with 5 to 20
individual flowers. Roots are fibrous and black to
purplish in color. Roots form a dense feather mat
beneath the plant.
Habitat: Spreads rapidly in slow-moving waters.
May overwinter in USDA hardiness zone 7b or
warmer climates.
Native Range: Brazil.
NC History: Isolated and relatively small-scale
incidents have occurred where control efforts were
needed. NCDENR listed this species as a noxious
aquatic weed in 2006, however it is not a regulated
species.
Current NC Distribution: Populations outside of
cultivation have been observed to persist only in the
Coastal Plain.
Pathway of Introduction: Water garden trade.
Management and Control: Physical or mechanical
removal. Herbicide applications.
Introduced Distribution of Water Hyacinth.
(EDDMapS, 2015)
Water Hyacinth leaves and flowers. (©Bridget Lassiter)
Impacts of Water Hyacinth in NC
Ecological: Alters habitat by forming dense colonies
which displace and/or suppress native submersed
aquatic plants.
Economic: Rapid growth and reproductive ability.
Forms dense growth. This plant poses a serious
economic threat to waterways in the Southeastern
U.S. In 1902, the U.S. Congress amended the Rivers
and Harbors Act, allowing for the ‘extermination’ of
water hyacinth by any means (U. of FL. IFAS).
Human Health or Human use: A popular specimen in
the water garden trade. Considered as a means of
removing nutrients from water. Creates stagnant
water which increases mosquito breeding habitat.
Dense mat of Water Hyacinth. (©Bridget Lassiter)
Sources:
“A Brief History of Aquatic Herbicide Use.” Plant
Management in Florida Waters. University of Florida IFAS,
28 November 2011. WEB. 29 January 2015.
Aulback-Smith, C. A. and S. J. de Kozlowski. Aquatic and
Wetland Plants of South Carolina. 1996. SC DNR and
SCAPMS.
Lassiter, B., R. Richardson, and G. Wilkerson. 2008.
Aquatic Weeds: A Pocket Identification Guide for the
Carolinas. NC Cooperative Extension.
EDDMapS. 2015. Early Detection & Distribution Mapping
System. The University of Georgia Center for Invasive
Species and Ecosystem Health. http:www.eddmaps.org/
distribution/usstate.cfm?sub=3020. Acc. 9-19-15.
6728
Freshwater Plants:
Water Primrose
(Ludwigia grandiflora)
Taxa Group: Plant
Size: Stems 10-15 inches long. Leaves 2-3 inches
long.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics: A perennial that
forms large dense mats and is invasive to many
agricultural and aquatic communities.
Habitat: Grows rampantly in quiescent waters
(canals, ditches, reservoirs, rivers, etc.) and
wetlands.
Native Range: Native to the coast of South America,
from Venezuela to Buenos Aires. Reported in the
Amazon River basin. Naturalized to the
Southeastern U.S.
NC History: Listed as a Noxious Aquatic Weed. State
agency began managing sites (<5 acres) in 1990s.
Agency began managing larger sites (<30 acres)
which appeared in 2000s.
Current NC Distribution: Coastal Plain and into the
Piedmont.
Pathway of Introduction: Seed dispersal. Boaters
and other recreationists and wildlife sometimes
transport pleant fragments.
Management and Control: Physical removal
possible for relatively small and confined sites (<0.25
acre). Herbicide applications to larger sites.
Introduced Distribution of Water Primrose.
(USDA Plants Database, 2015)
Water Primrose. (©Rob Emens)
Impacts and Uses of Water Primrose in NC
Ecological: Alters habitat by forming dense colonies
which displaces and/or suppresses native submersed
aquatic plants. Deoxygenation of water can suppress
fish populations.
Economic: Impedes recreation activities (swimming,
boating and fishing).
Human Health or Human use: None known.
Water Primrose in Foreground. Greensboro, NC. 2006.
(©Rob Emens)
Sources:
Aulback-Smith, C. A. and S. J. de Kozlowski. Aquatic and
Wetland Plants of South Carolina. 1996. SC DNR and
SCAPMS.
USDA Plants Database Citation: http plants.usda.gov/
core/profile?symbol=LUGR9. Acc. 9-18-15.
6829
Freshwater Plants:
Water Lettuce
(Pistia stratiotes)
Taxa Group: Plant
Size: Rosettes are 6 to 8 inches long.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics: A floating
stoloniferous plant usually found en masse. The
rosettes are made up of pale green fan-shaped
leaves. The leaves are sessile, and the leaf blades
are simple, ribbed, and covered in many short hairs.
The roots make up a fibrous mat beneath the
rosette.
Habitat: Tends to form floating mats that clog
waterways. Prefers shallow, protected waterways.
Unlikely to overwinter in climates colder than USDA
hardiness zone 8a.
Native Range: Uncertain; Africa or South America.
NC History: No persistent infestations are known.
No agency-level management projects have
occurred.
Current NC Distribution: Coastal Plain.
Pathway of Introduction: Water garden and
aquarium trade. Potential spread by hitchhiking on
boats, trailers, or livewells.
Management and Control: Mechanical harvestors
and chopping machines. Insect biocontrols and
herbicides.
Introduced Distribution of Water Lettuce.
(EDDMapS, 2015)
Water Lettuce. © Bridget Lassiter
Impacts and Uses of Water Lettuce in NC
Ecological: Mats can prevent atmospheric oxygen
from entering water. Competition with native plants
reduces biodiversity.
Economic: Impact recreation activities (wading,
fishing, swimming, boating, etc.) and aesthetics.
Human Health or Human use: Creates stagnant water
which increases mosquito breeding habitat.
Water Lettuce. © Bridget Lassiter
Sources:
Aulback-Smith, C. A. and S. J. de Kozlowski. Aquatic and Wetland
Plants of South Carolina. 1996. SC DNR and SCAPMS.
Lassiter, B., R. Richardson, and G. Wilkerson. 2008. Aquatic Weeds:
A Pocket Identification Guide for the Carolinas. NC Cooperative
Extension.
EDDMapS. 2015. Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System.
The University of Georgia Center for Invasive Species and
Ecosystem Health. http:www.eddmaps.org/distribution/
usstate.cfm?sub=3064. Acc. 9-19-15.
6930
Freshwater Plants:
Yellow and Crested Floating Heart
(Nymphoides peltata & N. cristata)
Taxa Group: Plant
Size: Leaves 4-6 inches long.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics: Perennial
aquatic plants with rhizomes and leaves attached to
a long, petiole-like stem. Leaves are heart shaped
and attached by a short petiole to a long stem.
Undersides are smooth (no raised veins). The fruit is
an oblong capsule that contains rounded and
smooth seeds. The flowers are white or yellow with
wide margins. Petals are ruffled on the edges, and
there is a crest on the flower. Blooms from summer
to fall.
Habitat: A blackwater species found in canals, lakes
and ponds.
Native Range: Asia.
NC History: First discovered in June 2014 in the NC
Piedmont.
Current NC Distribution: Mountains, Piedmont and
Coastal Plain.
Pathway of Introduction: Nursery and water garden
industry; Propagates via fragmentation and seed.
Management and Control: Herbicide
Yellow Floating Heart. © Bridget Lassiter
Crested Floating Heart. © www.aquarius-systems.com
Introduced Distribution of Crested (Left) and Yellow
(Above) Floating Heart. (EDDMapS, 2015)
Sources:
Aulback-Smith, C. A. and S. J. de Kozlowski. Aquatic and
Wetland Plants of South Carolina. 1996. SC DNR and SCAPMS.
Lassiter, B., R. Richardson, and G. Wilkerson. 2008. Aquatic
Weeds: A Pocket Identification Guide for the Carolinas. NC
Cooperative Extension.
EDDMapS. 2015. Early Detection & Distribution Mapping
System. The University of Georgia Center for Invasive Species
and Ecosystem Health. http:www.eddmaps.org/distribution/
usstate.cfm?sub=11616 and 12805. Acc. 9-19-15.
7031
Freshwater Animals:

Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus)
Blueback Herring (Alosa aestivalis)
When Introduced into Reservoirs
Taxa Group: Fish
Size: In reservoirs, up to 10 inches.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics: Both species are
small herring with a dark dorsal side, bluish to greenish,
and light sides with horizontal darker stripes. They are
distinguished from other inland shad by the lack of an
elongated posterior dorsal ray.
Habitat: Collectively referred to as “river herring,” both
species have anadromous spawning runs in coastal
rivers and streams. Reservoir populations also use
tributary streams for spawning. Both species prefer
cooler water in summer in reservoirs.
Native Range: Atlantic coastal rivers and streams.
NC History: Native anadromous runs in coastal rivers;
landlocked populations introduced in various reservoirs
1970-present.
Current NC Distribution: Widespread in impoundments
of Atlantic Slope rivers throughout North Carolina.
Blueback Herring have also been introduced in all major
impoundments of the Hiwassee River and in Glenville
Reservoir on the West Fork Tuckasegee River.
Native and Introduced Ranges of Alewife and Blueback
Herring (U.S. Geological Survey)
Top – Alewife (Illustration by Duane Raver)
Bottom – Blueback Herring (Illustration by Duane Raver)
Pathway of Introduction: Bait bucket/live well transfer;
some populations established by stocking.
Management and Control: None, once established;
public education and signage have been used to
discourage further introductions in reservoirs.
Impacts and Uses of Alewife and Blueback Herring
Ecological: Establishment of reservoir populations of
river herring has been linked to recruitment failure of
river-spawning sport fish, particularly Walleye.
Economic: River herring are an important fishery in
their native range. In reservoirs they provide forage for
larger fish and bait for anglers. However, they have a
costly impact on Walleye fisheries that must be
supported by hatchery culture and stocking once river
herring become established.
Human Health or Human use: Native coastal river runs
are harvested as food fish; in reservoirs, river herring
are highly prized as bait fish for Striped Bass and other
sport fish.
Sources:
Fuller, P., E. Maynard, D. Raikow, J. Larson, A. Fusaro, and M.
Neilson. 2015. Alosa pseudoharengus. USGS Nonindigenous
Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL.
http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=49
0 Revision Date: 10/17/2012.
Fuller, P., G. Jacobs, J. Larson, A. Fusaro, and M. Neilson.
2015. Alosa aestivalis. USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species
Database, Gainesville, FL.
http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=48
8 Revision Date: 6/14/2013.
7132
Freshwater Animals:
Asian clam
(Corbicula fluminea)
Taxa Group: Mollusk - Bivalve
Size: Juveniles are only 1 mm long when released from adult.
At maturity (~4 yrs), they are about 1 cm long. Adults can
reach a length of ~ 5 cm.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics: Small, light-colored with
shell ornamented by distinct, concentric ridges, anterior and
posterior lateral teeth with many fine serrations. Dark shell
morphs exist but are limited to the southwestern United
States. The light-colored shell morph has a yellow-green to
light brown periostracum and white to light blue or light
purple nacre while the darker shell morph has a dark olive
green to black periostracum and deep royal blue nacre.
Habitat: Aquatic. Rivers and streams.
Native Range: Temperate to tropical southern Asia west to
the eastern Mediterranean; Africa, except in the Sahara
desert; southeast Asian islands south into central and eastern
Australia.
NC History: The first collection of Asian clams in the United
States occurred in 1938 along the banks of the Columbia
River near Knappton, Washington, and was first documented
in North Carolina in 1970.
Current NC Distribution: Ubiquitous in most streams and
rivers throughout NC.
Pathway of Introduction: Thought to have entered the
United States as a food item used by Chinese immigrants or
with the importation of the Giant Pacific oyster from Asia.
Current methods of introduction include bait bucket
introductions, accidental introductions associated with
imported aquaculture species, and intentional introductions
by people who buy them as a food item in markets.
Management and Control: Eradication of Asian clams from
infested open waters is unlikely – emphasis is generally on
preventing further spread.
Corbicula midden (© michelgeven.zenfolio.com)
Corbicula fluminea (© 2014 Wikipedia)
Impacts and Uses of Asian clams
Ecological: The most prevalent environmental effect of the
introduction of the Asian clam into the United States has
been alteration of benthic substrates and competition with
native species for limited resources. Asian clams are
consumed mainly by fish and crayfish.
Economic: In the United States, Asian Clams have caused
millions of dollars worth of damage to intake pipes used in
the power and water industries. Large numbers, either dead
or alive, clog water intake pipes and the cost of removing
them is estimated at over a billion U.S. dollars each year.
Juveniles get carried by water currents into condensers of
electrical generating facilities where they attach themselves
to the walls via byssus threads, growing and ultimately
obstructing the flow of water. Several nuclear reactors have
had to be closed down temporarily in the U.S. for the removal
of Corbicula from the cooling systems.
Human Health or Human Use: Food item.
Sources:
U.S. Geological Survey. 2014. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species
Database. Gainesville, Florida,
http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=92.
Accessed 12/23/2014.
7233
Freshwater Animals:
Blue Catfish (Ictalurus furcatus)
Taxa Group: Fish
Size: Commonly reaches 36 inches and 20 pounds and
the world record Blue Catfish, caught in 2011 from Kerr
Reservoir on the NC/VA border, was 57 inches and 143
pounds.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics: Blue Catfish have a
deeply forked tail and typically has a bluish-gray body
above, fading to white on its sides and belly. Small Blue
Catfish are sometimes mistaken for Channel Catfish, but
Blue Catfish do not have spots. The anal fin of a Blue
Catfish has a straight outer edge and 30–36 rays,
whereas the anal fin of a Channel Catfish is rounded
with 24–29 rays.
Habitat: Deep channels and pools in large rivers. Often
prefers areas with swift current. Also thrives in
reservoirs and can occur in estuaries up to 11.4 ppt
salinity.
Native Range: Mississippi River basin and Gulf slope.
NC History: Blue Catfish were introduced in North
Carolina reservoirs in the mid-1960s through NCWRC
stocking efforts.
Current NC Distribution: Present in nearly all major
river basins in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain.
Pathway of Introduction: Intentional stocking by
resource agencies and suspected angler relocations.
Management and Control: Blue Catfish are considered
nongame fish by NCWRC and NCDMF. There are
currently no limits on recreational and commercial
harvest, except for the one-fish daily creel limit for Blue
Catfish greater than 32 inches on Badin Lake and Lake
Norman and the six-fish daily creel limit on forked tail
catfishes in ponds managed under NCWRC game lands
and Community Fishing Program regulations.
Native and Introduced Range of Blue Catfish (U.S.
Geological Survey)
Blue Catfish (Illustration by Duane Raver)
Impacts and Uses of Blue Catfish
Ecological: Problems could arise due to competition
with game fish species, such as striped bass, for shad
and other prey species. Blue Catfish may potentially
displace native catfishes.
Economic: Popular recreational and commercial
fisheries have developed for Blue Catfish. In a 2011
survey of recreational anglers, Blue Catfish were the
second most popular ictalurid species targeted by
catfish anglers.
Sources:
Fuller, P. and M. Neilson. 2015. Ictalurus furcatus. USGS
Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL.
http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID
=740 Revision Date: 1/15/2014.
Jenkins, R.E., and N.M. Burkhead. 1993. Freshwater
fishes of Virginia. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda,
Maryland.
Duda, M.D. 2012. North Carolina catfish anglers'
participation in catfishing and their opinions on
management of catfish. Responsive Management Final
Report. Harrisonburg, VA.
NCWRC biologists with a large Blue Catfish collected
from the Roanoke River in 2014. (Bennett Wynne)
Human Health or Human Use: Biomagnification of
methylmercury presents concerns with human
consuption and consumption advisories are often
necessary with this species.
7334
Freshwater Animals:
Blue Tilapia (Oreochromis aureus)
Redbelly Tilapia (Tilapia zillii)
Taxa Group: Fish
Size: Blue tilapia have maximum length of 20 inches
and average weight of 2–4 pounds. Redbelly tilapia
have a maximum size of 11 inches.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics: Color of adult blue
tilapia is blue-gray with white belly, borders of dorsal
and caudal fins with red to pink borders. Redbelly tilapia
are dark to light olive with 6 to 7 poorly defined vertical
bars. During spawning condition fish have a red throat
and belly.
Habitat: Reservoirs and warmwater streams. Both
species can be tolerant of saltwater. Both species feed
on plankton, detritus and aquatic macrophytes.
Native Range: Tropical and subtropical Africa, and
Middle East.
Current NC Distribution: Established populations of
Blue Tilapia occur in Hyco Reservoir (Person Co.) and
Lake Julian (Buncombe Co.). Redbelly Tilapia are also
established in Hyco Reservoir.These species are
essentially limited to waters receiving heated
discharges.
Introduced Range of Blue and Redbelly Tilapia (U.S.
Geological Survey)
Top – Blue tilapia (Univ. of Florida Aquaculture Dept.)
Bottom – Redbelly tilapia (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
Pathway of Introduction: Blue tilapia were introduced
into Lake Julian in the mid-1960s to control vegetation.
Both species were introduced into Hyco Reservoir in
1984.
Management and Control: No effective management or
control strategies are known.
Impacts and Uses of Blue and Redbelly Tilapia
Ecological: Tilapia are considered a competitor with
native species for spawning areas, food, and space. Fish
community structure has been known to change due to
tilapia introductions. Aquatic macrophyte abundance
declines when tilapia are introduced.
Economic: Economic impacts in NC due to Tilapia
introductions are not known. Tilapia are produced by
private aquaculture facilities in NC mainly for food
production, but also stocking for vegetation control.
Sources:
Nico, L., M. Neilson, and P. Fuller. 2015. Oreochromis aureus.
USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville,
FL.
http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=463
Revision Date: 6/9/2013.
Nico, L., M. Neilson, and B. Loftus. 2015. Tilapia zillii. USGS
Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL.
http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=485
Revision Date: 2/27/2013.
7435
Freshwater Animals:
Chinese Mysterysnail
(Cipangopaludina chinensis malleata)
Japanese Mysterysnail
(Cipangopaludina japonica)
Taxa Group: Snails
Size: About 2 inches.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics: Chinese – Light
coloration as a juvenile and olive green, greenish
brown, brown or reddish brown as an adult. Japanese –
Light colored as a juvenile and dark brown as an adult.
Japanese is more elongate than Chinese.
Habitat: Lakes and reservoirs with silt, sand, and mud
substrate, although it can survive in slower regions of
streams as well.
Native Range: Chinese – Southeast Asia to Russia.
Japanese – Japan, Korea, Taiwan.
NC History: Introduced to U.S. in late 1800s. Collected
in northeastern states in 1910s through 1940s.
Current NC Distribution: Lakes Gaston, Hickory, Jordan,
Norman, and Wylie. Neuse, Yadkin, and Pee Dee rivers.
Pathway of Introduction: Likely introduced as a source
for Asian food markets.
Management and Control: Specific control methods for
mystery snails have yet to be developed. Copper
compounds are sold as mollascides but they are usually
not selective in the snails they kill. With mystery snails
possessing the ability to “close up,” more damage
would probably occur to native snails in the treatment
area than to the target pest.
Left – Chinese Mysterysnail (Amy Benson, USGS)
Right – Japanese Mysterysnail (Amy Benson, USGS)
Impacts and Uses of Mystery Snails
Ecological: To date, these species have exerted no recorded
impacts in the Great Lakes and are considered relatively
“benign” with respect to their potential to greatly change or
influence ecosystems and native species. Negative
interactions with native gastropods are also possible.
Economic: Known to clog screens of water intake pipes and
heat exchangers in power plants. Large numbers known to
affect commercial fishing in Lake Erie by clogging seine hauls.
Human Health or Human Use: Have the potential to be
vectors for the transmission of parasites and diseases. Used
as food source by Asian peoples.
Sources:
Kipp, R.M., A.J. Benson, J. Larson, and A. Fusaro. 2014.
Cipangopaludina chinensis malleata. USGS
Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL.
http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID
=1045 Revision Date: 6/26/2014.
Kipp, R.M., A.J. Benson, J. Larson, and A. Fusaro. 2014.
Cipangopaludina japonica. USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic
Species Database, Gainesville, FL.
http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID
=1046 Revision Date: 6/5/2012.
7536
Freshwater Animals:
Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris)
Taxa Group: Fish
Size: Up to 61 inches, 123 pounds.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics: Wide, flat head;
projecting lower jaw. Slender, compressed body.
Nonforked caudal fin. 14-17 anal fin rays.
Habitat: Pools with logs and other debris in low- to
moderate-gradient, small to large rivers; lakes and
reservoirs. Can tolerate elevated salinity levels.
Native Range: Native to lower Great Lakes and
Mississippi River basins from western Pennsylvania to
White-Little Missouri River system in North Dakota,
and south to Louisiana in the USA; Gulf Slope from
Mobile Bay drainage in Georgia and Alabama, USA to
Mexico. Introduced elsewhere.
NC History: NC Museum specimens archived from
Tennessee River basin (Nolichucky River) in 1968.
Current NC Distribution: Little Tennessee (native
range) and outside its native range in the Cape Fear,
Tar, Neuse, Catawba, and Yadkin river basins and
associated reservoirs; Roanoke River basin above
Roanoke Rapids Dam; Sutton Lake, Lake Waccamaw
Pathway of Introduction: Intentional stocking of 11
Flathead Catfish in the Cape Fear River basin in 1966;
unauthorized stockings by private individuals.
Management and Control: Flathead Catfish are
considered nongame fish by NCWRC and NCDMF.
There are currently no limits on recreational and
commercial harvest.
Native and Introduced Range of Flathead Catfish (U.S.
Geological Survey)
Flathead Catfish (Illustration by Duane Raver)
Impacts and Uses of Flathead Catfish
Ecological: Flathead Catfish are primarily obligate
piscivores and an apex predator in any aquatic
ecosystem. Flathead Catfish are known to influence
sunfish and bullhead populations as well as prey upon
resident and diadromous fishes within occupied
range.
Economic: Recreational and tournament anglers
across North Carolina spend copious amounts of
money fishing for Flathead Catfish due to their strong
fight and palatability. In a 2003-2004 creel survey on
the Cape Fear River, catfish anglers spent an
estimated $118,428; 30% of total estimated
expenditures for that creel survey where catfish were
the most targeted species by Cape Fear River anglers.
Human Health or Human Use: Biomagnification of
methylmercury presents concerns with human
consumption and consumption advisories are often
necessary with this species.
Sources:
Ashley, K. W., and R. T. Rachels. 2005. Cape Fear River
Basin Recreational Creel Survey, 2003-2004.North Carolina
Wildlife Resources Commission, Federal Aid in Sport Fish
Restoration, Final Report, Raleigh.
Guier, C. R., L. E. Nichols, and R. T. Rachels. 1984. Biological
investigations of flathead catfish in the Cape Fear River.
Proceedings of the Southeastern Association of Fish and
Wildlife Agencies 35(1981):607-621.
Page, L.M., and B.M. Burr. 2011. A field guide to freshwater
fishes of North America north of Mexico. Houghton Mifflin
Harcourt Company, New York. 637 p.
U.S. Geological Survey. 2015. Nonindigenous Aquatic
Species Database. Gainesville, Florida. Accessed
[1/6/2015].
nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=750
7637
Freshwater Animals:
Nutria
(Myocastor coypus)
Taxa Group: Mammal
Size: Adults are typically 10–20 pounds in weight, and
16–24 inches in body length. Tail is 12–18 inches.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics: Large rodent,
resembling beavers and muskrats. The Nutria has a
long, thin round tail which distinguishes it from the
beaver which has a flat tail and the muskrat which has a
laterally flattened tail. They have coarse, darkish brown
outer fur with soft dense grey under fur, also called the
nutria. Orange-yellow incisors are also distinctive.
Habitat: Semi-aquatic. Rivers, streams and wetlands.
Native Range: South America
NC History: Nutria were originally introduced into the
U.S. in Louisiana for fur farming in the 1938. They were
stocked in other states and had become established in
North Carolina by the 1970s.
Current NC Distribution: Known populations in Bertie,
Dare, Hyde, and Washington counties. Likely also
occurs in many other coastal counties.
Pathway of Introduction: Human introduction and
natural expansion.
Management and Control: In addition to education and
awareness programs to reduce their spread, Nutria are
controlled by hunting and trapping. Nutria may be
hunted year-round with a hunting license. Nutria may
be trapped year-round East of I-77 with a trapping
license. In both cases there is no closed season and no
bag limit. Nutria may also be taken with a depredation
permit.
Nutria (© 2014 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc)
Impacts and Uses of Nutria
Ecological: Nutria are opportunistic feeders and eat
approximately 25% of their body weight daily. Most
damage is from feeding or burrowing. At high densities
and under certain conditions, foraging Nutria can
significantly impact natural plant communities. They
compete with native muskrats.
Economic: Nutria sometimes burrow into the
styrofoam flotation under boat docks and wharves,
causing these structures to lean and sink. They may
burrow under buildings, which may lead to uneven
settling or failure of the foundations. Burrows can
weaken roadbeds, stream banks, dams, and dikes,
which may collapse.
Human Health and Human Use: Mainly fur pelts,
although the use of nutria meat is being promoted.
Sources:
http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesI
D=1089
www.ces.ncsu.edu/nreos/wild/pdf/wildlife/nutria.pdf
http://www.basic.ncsu.edu/ncgap/sppreport/amafk010
10.html
Nutria showing white
muzzle and orange
incisors. (©Moment
in der Natur;
www.vorbusch.de)
7738
Freshwater Animals:
Red swamp crawfish (Procambarus clarkii)
Taxa Group: Crayfish
Size: Up to 5 inches long.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics: Juveniles are
usually striped or plain; adults are dark red (nearly
black) and conspicuously granular (rough), have narrow,
long pincers, and a black wedge-stripe on underside.
Habitat: Prefers flowing to nonflowing water streams
and ditches with mud or sand bottoms and plenty of
organic debris. Vegetation not a necessity.
Native Range: Gulf coastal plain from the Florida
panhandle to Mexico; southern Mississippi River
drainage to Illinois.
Current NC Distribution: Widely introduced species
occurs in Piedmont and coastal plain systems in the
Broad, lower Cape Fear, Catawba, French Broad,
Lumber, Neuse, Pasquotank, Tar-Pamlico, and Yadkin-
Pee Dee basins.
Pathway of Introduction: Probable aquaculture
introduction.
Management and Control: Trapping can reduce
crayfish numbers but is not likely to eradicate them
No chemicals are registered for crayfish control.
Red Sawmp Crawfish (Photo taken by Mike Murphy,
Wikipedia 2006)
Red Swamp Crawfish
(©fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utilisateur:Duloup)
Impacts and Uses of Red Swamp Crawfish
Ecological: The burrowing activities of the red swamp
crawfish can lead to damage to water courses and to
crops, particularly rice, and its feeding can disrupt
native ecosystems. It may displace native crayfish
species, and is a vector for the crayfish plague fungus
Aphanomyces astaci, for crayfish virus vibriosis, and a
number of worms that are parasitic on vertebrates.
Human Health or Human use: An important
aquaculture species.
Sources:
Missouri Dept of Conservation. 2015. Field Guide.
http://mdc.mo.gov/node/6366. Accessed 1/7/2015.
U.S. Geological Survey. 2014. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species
Database. Gainesville, Florida,
http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=21
7. Accessed 12/23/2014.
787839
Freshwater Animals:
Rusty Crayfish (Orconectes rusticus)
Virile Crayfish (Orconectes virilis)
Taxa Group: Crayfish
Size: Rusty – up to 4 inches; Virile – up to 5 inches.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics: Rusty – Reddish
patch on side and black tips on claws. Virile -
Reddish-brown or green color without prominent
markings. Pincers are green with orange tips and in
adults are conspicuously studded with whitish knobs.
Habitat: Streams, lakes, and ponds with varying
substrates from silt to rock and plenty of debris for
cover.
Native Range: Rusty – Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky. Virile
– Canada, northern U.S.
NC History: Rusty – First collected in 1999. Virile – First
collected in 1993. Original source of both species is
unknown.
Current NC Distribution: Rusty – Broad River
(Rutherford Co.), Catawba and North Fork Catawba
rivers (McDowell Co.). Virile – Linville River and White
Cr. (Burke Co.), Beaverdam Cr. (Gaston Co.), Catawba
River (McDowell Co.), Kerr Reservoir (Granville and
Vance Co.), Gaston Reservoir (Northampton and
Warren Co.), Grassy Cr. (Granville Co.), Castle Cr. and
Mayo Cr. (Person Co.).
Pathway of Introduction: Most likely bait bucket. The
introduction of one female carrying viable sperm
could start a new population.
Management and Control: Trapping can reduce
crayfish numbers but is not likely to eradicate them.
No chemicals are registered for crayfish control.
Top – Rusty Crayfish (Brian Roth)
Bottom – Virile Crayfish (Chris Lukhaup)
Impacts and Uses of Rusty and Virile Crayfish
Ecological: Displace native crayfish; destruction of plant
bed abundance and diversity.
Human health or Human use: May be used as bait in
some areas.
Sources:
http://www.seagrant.umn.edu/ais/rustycrayfish_invader
Amy Benson. 2014. Orconectes virilis. USGS Nonindigenous
Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL.
http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID
=215 Revision Date: 8/23/2011.
7940
Freshwater Animals:
Spotted Bass
(Micropterus punctulatus)
Taxa Group: Fish
Size: Up to 24 inches.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics: Lower portion of its
body usually has dark blotching (spots). Has a
rectangular, sandpaper-like tooth patch on the tongue.
Rear of the jaw does not extend behind the eye.
Juveniles have a series of dark blotches along sides.
Species is often confused with Largemouth Bass.
Habitat: Slow moving portions of streams and rivers.
Common in reservoirs.
Native Range: Illinois, Missouri and Ohio, southward to
eastern Texas and the Gulf, covering major drainages of
the Mississippi River.
Current NC Distribution: Spotted Bass have been
documented in the following river basins: Yadkin,
Catawba, Little Tennessee, Hiwassee, French Broad,
Broad, Cape Fear, Lumber, Tar, and Watauga.
Pathway of Introduction: Human introduction and
natural expansion.
Management and Control: Game fish size and creel
limits. Public education has been used to discourage
further introductions.
Native and Introduced Range of Spotted Bass (U.S.
Geological Survey)
Spotted Bass (Illustration by Duane Raver)
Impacts and Uses of Spotted Bass
Ecological: Competition and hybridization with other
black basses. Of particular concern is genetic
introgression with current Largemouth and Smallmouth
Bass populations.
Human Health and Human Use: Recreational fishing
and food.
Sources:
Etnier, D., and W. Starnes. The Fishes of Tennessee. 1993.
The University of Tennessee Press, Knoxville.
Fuller, P., M. Cannister, and M. Neilson. 2015. Micropterus
punctulatus. USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database,
Gainesville, FL.
http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=397
Revision Date: 11/05/2012.
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Spotted Bass.
Sport Fish Profiles.
http://www.ncwildlife.org/Portals/0/Fishing/documents/Spot
ted_Bass_profile.pdf Revision Date: 05/2010.
8041
Freshwater Animals:
White Perch (Morone americana)
When Introduced into Reservoirs
Taxa Group: Fish
Size: Up to 20–24 inches.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics: A thin, deep-bodied
fish with sides that are predominantly silver, but
sometimes golden or olive colored. White perch do not
have dark lines running the length of the body or a
tooth patch. Both occur in other moronids such as white
bass and striped bass.
Habitat: Prefer low-salinity estuaries but frequently
inhabit coastal rivers and lakes. They are also found in
reservoirs where they have been introduced. Foods
include eggs of other fish, aquatic macroinvertebrates,
zooplankton, worms, and fish.
Native Range: Atlantic slope drainages from St.
Lawrence River, Canada to the Pee Dee River, South
Carolina.
NC History: White Perch are native to the coastal rivers
of NC. Introductions of white perch to Piedmont and
mountain reservoirs have occurred.
Pathway of Introduction: Fish have been introduced to
reservoirs via angler introductions.
Management and Control: Biological, chemical, and
physical control have been tried for White Perch with
limited success. The only management
recommendation is unlimited harvest of White Perch.
Native and Introduced Range of White Perch (U.S.
Geological Survey)
White Perch (Illustration by Duane Raver)
Impacts and Uses of White Perch
Ecological: Fish eggs are an important component of
the diet of White Perch especially during spring
spawning activities. White Perch have been known to
prey on eggs of walleye, white bass and other game
species. The collapse of the walleye fishery in the Bay of
Quinte coincided with the increase in the white perch
population. (Schaeffer and Margraf 1987). The Lake
James (NC) walleye population decline may be
attributed to the introduction of White Perch.
Human Use: When they reach harvestable size , White
Perch are a popular food source for anglers. They are
also used for bait by some anglers.
Sources:
Fuller, P.F., E. Maynard, D. Raikow, J. Larson, A. Fusaro, and
M. Neilson. 2015. Morone americana. USGS Nonindigenous
Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL.
http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=777
Revision Date: 6/23/2014.
N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. 2015.
http://www.ncwildlife.org/Portals/0/Fishing/documents/Whi
te_perch_profile.pdf. North Carolina Sport Fish Profiles:
White Perch. Revision Date: May 2010.
Schaeffer, J.S., and F.J. Margraf. 1987. Predation on fish eggs
by white perch, Morone americana, in western Lake Erie.
Environmental Biology of Fishes 18(1):77–80.
8142
Marine/Estuarine Species:
Australian Spotted Jellyfish
(Phyllorhiza punctata)
Taxa Group: Coelenterate
Size: 18–20 inches (45-50 cm in bell diameter)
Distinctive Physical Characteristics: Round and
flattened bell which appears clear or light brown in
color and contains refractive spots. Eight oral arms
protrude from the mouth area with brown
nematocysts (stinging cells) attached to the ends.
Habitat: Prefers the warm, temperate waters in
estuaries and the open sea and is not extremely
tolerant of low salinity conditions.
Native Range: Australia and South Pacific and Indian
Ocean.
NC History: First known records in NC were from
Bogue Sound in 2006.
Current NC Distribution: Unknown.
Pathway of Introduction: Possible hitchhiker, as
polyps, on the hull of a ship.
Control: Early detection is key to preventing the
spread and establishment of this species and
regional/local monitoring or surveillance is essential.
Australian Spotted Jellyfish (Phullorhiza punctata)
Photo credit: Micha L. Rieser, Berlin Zoo
Australian Spotted Jellyfish (Phyllorhiza punctata)
Photo credit: Monterey Bay Aquarium,
2006. Wikimedia Commons.
Impacts and Uses of the Australian Spotted Jellyfish
in NC
Ecological: Australian Spotted Jellyfish consume
plankton and the eggs and larvae of important species
(e.g. fish, crabs, and shrimp), ingesting the plankton
that native species need.
Economic: Studies have found that jellyfish are
opportunists, moving in and taking over regions of the
sea that humans overfish. This could pose an issue in
NC if fishing pressure and stock abundances are not
maintained properly.
Human Health or Human use: Only mildly venomous
and do not pose a threat to humans.
Sources:
J.Masterson. 2014. Phyllorhiza punctate. Smithsonian
Marine Station.
http://www.sms.si.edu/IRLSpec/Phyllorhiza_punctata.htm.
Revision Date: 6/13/2007.
8243
Marine/Estuarine Species:
Eel Swimbladder Nematode
(Anguillicoloides crassus or Anguillicola crassus)
Taxa Group: Nematode
Size: Males measure 20-60mm while females measure
47-71.5 mm
Distinctive Physical Characteristics: The adult nematode
is covered by a soft wrinkled outer cuticle. The mouth
has a circular opening surrounded by 4 cephalic papillae
and 2 lateral amphids. Males have 6 pairs of caudal
papillae. Females possess white housing copious
numbers of eggs.
Habitat: The Nematode can remain viable in seawater
at the adult and egg stage, but hatching is reduced from
increased salinity. This Nematode has the highest rate
of survival in freshwater environments and higher
temperatures. Studies have shown significant decline in
growth rate of larvae and increase mortality of adult
worms in colder water.
Native Range: Southeast Asia.
Current NC Distribution: The majority of NC river basins
have this nematode present.
Pathway of Introduction: Introduction into the United
States is thought to have come in the form of a live eel
shipment to a Texas aquaculture facility from Japan and
has since spread up the eastern Atlantic Coast into
Canada affecting the American Eel (Anguilla rostrata).
Direct introduction into North Carolina is not known,
but suspected to be through eel importation or infected
eels making their way from an infected South Carolina
river.
Management and Control: The main vector of dispersal
has been identified as humans. It is important to
monitor and quarantine eel farms to prevent further
spread of this nematode. Providing information and
awareness is the only current method of management.
If an infection is suspected it is important to notify local
authorities and prevent uncontrolled migration when
possible.
Anguillicoloides crassus. © Senckenberg. http://www.
senckenberg.de/root/index.php?
page_id=5206&year=2015&kid=2&id=3490. Acc. 9/28/15.
Impacts and Uses of the Eel Swimbladder Nematode
Ecological: The American Eel (Anguilla rostrate), a
Federal Species of Concern, can be infected with A.
crassu as early as the glass eel stage, resulting in acute
inflammatory reactions. Scar tissue build up causes
constriction of the intestine and can lead to rupture of
the swimbladder and bacterial infection, resulting in
increased mortality rate. With the American eel
population already declining, the introduction of this
nematode may have a large negative impact on the
survival of this species. Reduced swimming ability from
infection may render the eel vulnerable to predators.
Human use: American Eel aquaculture facilities may
suffer losses if largely infected by the nematode.
Moralities have been reported in eel farms in addition
to reduced growth rate, which has a large impact on
economic output of the eel farm.
Sources:
Invasive Species Compendium. Anguillicoloides crassus
datasheet. Mod. 1-5-12. www.cabi.org/isc/
datasheet/93709#20023079170. Acc. 5-12-15.
Moser ML, Patrick WS, Crutchfield JU Jr, 2001. Infection of
American eels, Anguilla rostrata, by an introduced nematode
parasite, Anguillicola crassus, in North Carolina. Copeia,
No.3:848-853.
Texas Invasive Species Institute. 2014. Eel Swimbladder
nematode. www.stoppinginvasives.org/home/database/
anguillicola-crassus. Acc. 5-11-15.
tsusinvasives.org/database/eel-swimbladder-
namatode.html#sthash.80YrLOUs.dpuf.
8344
Lionfish
(Pterois miles and Pterois volitans)
Taxa Group: Fish
Size: 18–20 inches (45-50 cm in diameter).
Distinctive Physical Characteristics: Lionfish have a
white or cream colored body with red/brownish
vertical stripes and elongated dorsal fin spines.
Habitat: A reef dwelling fish, found to inhibit areas
between 10 – 175 meters.
Native Range: P. volitans – Pacific Ocean, P. miles –
Indian Ocean and Red Sea.
NC History: First known records were reported in
two different shipwrecks off the coast of North
Carolina in early 2000.
Current NC Distribution: Along the entire coastline,
in offshore shelf habitats.
Pathway of Introduction: Possible aquarium
releases.
Management and Control: Sport fishing.
Map of native range of P. volitans (green) and P. miles
(blue), nonnative range (red). Red hatched area is
predicted future distribution; red star shows migration
through the Suez Canal. Lionfish World Distribution.
USGS. Mod. 6-14-13. Acc. 4-22-15. http://
nas.er.usgs.gov/taxgroup/fish/maps/lionfishr
angemap.gif.
Impacts and Uses of Lionfish in NC
Ecological: Lionfish have few natural enemies and have
the potential to outcompete and prey upon native
species. Lionfish have also been found to reduce the
recruitment of native reef fish larvae.
Economic: Impacts include potential loss in economic
returns for commercial fisheries, as well as recreational
divers and snorkelers.
Human Health or Human use: Lionfish possess
venomous spines which are intended to discourage
predators. The spines will injure humans, causing very
painful puncture wounds. Symptoms of the sting may
include extreme pain, swelling, nausea, and many
other symptoms.
Sources:
Schofield, PJ, JA Morris, JN Langston, and PL Fuller.
2012. Pterois volitans/miles. USGS Nonindigenous
Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL.
http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/factSheet.aspx?speciesI
D=963. Revision Date: 9/18/2012. Accessed April 22,
2015.
Lionfish (Pterois volitans) Photo credit: Don DeMaria,
http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?species
ID=963
Marine/Estuarine Species:
8445
High Risk Species Not Currently in NC:
Apple Snail (Pomacea insularum and
Pomacea canaliculata)
Taxa Group: Gastropod
Distinctive Physical Characteristics: Apple snails are
round and much larger than any snail native to North
Carolina. Adults commonly reach over 3 inches in
width. Apple snails have large pink egg masses.
Native Range: Freshwater wetlands of South America.
Introduced populations occur throughout the
Southeastern United States from South Carolina to
Texas. No documented occurrences of Apple Snails in
North Carolina have been recorded.
Pathway of Introduction: Introductions likely occurred
through the aquarium trade. Once established the
apple snail reproduces rapidly and matures quickly
allowing for rapid establishment and expansion.
Management and Control: Currently apple snails can be
controlled using chemical applications of copper sulfate
and chelated copper. Egg removal and spraying eggs
with oil are also methods for control. A commercial
snail trap is also available but is likely more useful for
measuring abundance than for control.
Apple Snails and Two Egg Masses (Ben Ricks)
Impacts and Uses of Apple Snails
Ecological: Once apple snails become established
detrimental effects to natural resources include heavy
predation on native aquatic macrophytes, aquatic
habitat degradation, and direct competition with native
species. Furthermore, once apple snails become
established in an area dispersal along North Carolina’s
waterways would easily enable expansion. There are no
known native predators of apple snails in North
Carolina.
Economic: In some countries apple snails have been
introduced as a food source. However in the United
States no known benefits of apple snails have been
identified.
Human Health or Human Use: Apple snails can serve as
disease vectors as they can harbor potentially harmful
nematodes and trematodes that have potential to pose
human health risks. The primary health risks are
Angiostongylus cantonensis (rat ringworm),
Echinostoma ilocanum (intestinal fluke), and
Eosinophilic meningoencephalitis (infections caused by
human endoparasite rat lungworm).
Sources:
Burlakova, L. E. et. al. 2008. Wetland restoration and invasive
species: Apple snail (Pomacea insularum) feeding on native
and invasive aquatic plants. Restoration Ecology 1-8.
Joshi, R. C. 2005. The golden apple snail: Raiders of the rice
fields. Outlooks on Pest Management. 23-26.
Ramakrishnan, V. 2007. Salinity, pH, temperature,
desiccation and hypoxia tolerance in the invasive freshwater
apple snail, Pomacea insularum. Ph.D. Dissertation.
University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas. 245pp.
8546
High Risk Species Not Currently in NC:
Giant Salvinia
(Salvinia molesta)
Taxa Group: Plant
Size: 2-3 inches long.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics: Floating fern. An
identifying feature on the leaves is the presence of
egg-beater shaped leaf hairs on the upper surface of
each leaf. Located beneath the green floating leaves
are dark brown feathery appendages resembling
roots that are actually modified leaves.
Habitat: Found in still water (drainage ditches, canals,
ponds and lakes).
Native Range: Brazil and Argentina.
NC History: Introduced circa 1998 as a contaminant in
a water garden plant shipment. Eradicated from the
state in 2009.
Current NC Distribution: None known.
Pathway of Introduction: Water garden trade.
Management and Control: Herbicides.
Golf Course Pond Covered in Giant Salvinia, New
Hanover county, NC. Circa 2000. (Steve Hoyle)
Giant Salvinia. (© Bridget Lassiter)
Impacts and Uses of Giant Salvinia in NC
Ecological: An extremely invasive plant and Federally
Listed as a "noxious aquatic weed." Alters habitat. A
free-floating fern, giant salvinia can double its biomass
in �10 days and can form thick (>3feet) floating mats.
Prevents atmospheric oxygen from entering water.
Economic: Impedes boat navigation and recreation
activities. Blocks movement of water which may
lead to flooding.
Human Health or Human Use: Leads to stagnant
water and increased mosquito breeding area.
Egg-beater Shaped Hairs on Leaves of Giant Salvinia.
(© Bridget Lassiter)
8647
High Risk Species Not Currently in NC:
Marbled Crayfish, Marmokrebs
(Procambarus fallax virginalis)
Taxa Group: Crayfish
Size: Up to 3 inches.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics: Brownish
appearance with darker brown mottling. The color can
change depending on diet, occasionally showing slight
blues or greens.
Habitat: Freshwater streams and lakes.
Native Range: None. This is not a naturally occurring
species, but a parthenogenetic crayfish that was
discovered in the pet trade in Germany in the 1990s. It
is closely related to the Slough Crayfish (Procambarus
fallax) which is native to Georgia and Florida. No
natural populations of Marbled Crayfish are known.
Current NC Distribution: Not currently known to occur
in NC. Populations have become established across
Europe, with isolated populations in Japan and
Madagascar.
Pathway of Introduction: Aquarium releases.
Management and Control: They should not be used for
bait or released from aquaria. Missouri has added
Marbled Crayfish to its list of prohibited species.
Marbled Crayfish
Impacts and Uses of Marbled Crayfish
Ecological: Unknown. They have recently been shown
to be carriers of crayfish plague.
Human Health or Human use: Available via aquarium
trade from numerous sources. Since this species
reproduces by cloning, there is some use of it in various
research circles.
Sources:
http://faculty.utpa.edu/zfaulkes/marmorkrebs/
8748
High Risk Species Not Currently in NC:
Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)
Bighead Carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis)
Taxa Group: Fish
Size: Adults are 10-20 pounds, but can exceed 60
pounds.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics: Both species have
deep bodies and are laterally compressed with eyes
low on the head. Adult Silver Carp is olive green on the
back and silver sides, while juveniles are completely
silver. The Bighead Carp is darker and covered with
many dark gray to black blotches.
Habitat: Large rivers, reservoirs.
Native Range: Asia.
Current NC Distribution: Neither species is believed to
be extant in North Carolina waters, although there is a
2011 record of bighead carp in Chowan River.
Pathway of Introduction: Introduced in the 1970s in
Arkansas aquaculture to control algae, they spread
throughout the Mississippi and Upper Tennessee River
drainages.
Management and Control: Management is difficult
because their filter-feeding habits do not make them
vulnerable to some harvest methods.
Top – Silver Carp (Great Lakes Fishery Commission)
Bottom – Bighead Carp
Impacts and Uses of Silver and Bighead Carp
Ecological: In large numbers, these species have the
potential to cause enormous damage to native species
because they feed on plankton required by larval fish,
native mussels and some adult fish. Asian carps have
been shown to affect zooplankton communities and can
alter fish community structure.
Economic: In locations where they have become
abundant, these species can affect gillnet fisheries and
recreation. These species have been declared injurious
species under the Lacey Act.
Human Health or Human Use: When frightened by
motorboats Silver Carp are known to jump out of the
water and injure people.
Sources:
Ross, S.z. 2001. The Inland Fishes of Mississippi.
Leo Nico and Pam Fuller. 2014. Hypophthalmichthys molitrix.
USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville,
FL.
http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=54
9 Revision Date: 4/26/2013
Leo Nico and Pam Fuller. 2014. Hypophthalmichthys nobilis.
USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville,
FL.
http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=55
1 Revision Date: 4/26/2013
8849
High Risk Species Not Currently in NC:
Snakeheads
(Channa spp.)
Taxa Group: Fish. Species include Northern (C. argus),
Blotched (C. maculata), Bullseye (C. marulius) and Giant
(C. micropeltes).
Size: Up to 33-36 inches.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics: Similar to the native
Bowfin. Snakeheads can be distinguished from Bowfin
by the position of pelvic fins (directly behind pectoral
fins in snakeheads, farther back on body in Bowfin) and
the size of the anal fin (elongate and similar in size to
dorsal fin in snakeheads, short and much smaller than
dorsal fin in Bowfin).
Habitat: Prefers stagnant shallow ponds, swamps and
slow streams with mud or vegetated substrate.
Snakeheads are highly piscivorous, with fishes
comprising >97% of its diet.
Native Range: Asia.
NC History: Two Northern Snakeheads were reportedly
caught by anglers in 2002 from Lake Wylie. In 2007, a
large adult was caught by a fisherman in Lake Wylie but
subsequent sampling has not captured any other
specimens. A specimen collected from Lake Wylie in
2009 was originally identified as Northern Snakehead,
but later genetic work combined with a closer
morphological analysis determined the specimen to be
Blotched Snakehead.
Current NC Distribution: Not considered established.
Pathway of Introduction: These fish are popular in the
Asian food market and most introductions were likely
released for this purpose.
Management and Control: New introductions may be
eradicated using rotenone or electrofishing.
Top – Northern Snakehead
Bottom – Blotched Snakehead
Impacts and Uses of Snakeheads
Ecological: These predatory fishes may compete with
native species, including Largemouth Bass, for food and
habitat. Juveniles eat zooplankton, insect larvae, small
crustaceans, and the fry of other fish.
Human Health or Human Use: Popular food fish in
Asian communities. Not common in aquarium trade.
Sources:
Fuller, P.F., A.J. Benson, and M.E. Neilson. 2014. Channa
argus. USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database,
Gainesville, FL.
http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=22
65 Revision Date: 5/2/2013
8950
High Risk Species Not Currently in NC:

Zebra Mussel (Dreisenna polymorpha)
Taxa Group: Mollusk - Bivalve
Size: < 50mm.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics: Small freshwater
bivalve mollusk that exhibits many different morphs
Habitat: Freshwater rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
Native Range: Zebra Mussels are native to the Black,
Caspian, and Azov Seas.
NC History: Zebra Mussels were first discovered in
North America in 1988 in the Great Lakes. The first
account of an established population came from
Canadian waters of Lake St. Clair.
Current NC Distribution: Not present.
Pathway of Introduction: Introduction into the Great
Lakes appears to be the result of ballast water discharge
from transoceanic ships that were carrying veligers,
juveniles, or adult mussels. Rapid dispersal throughout
the Great Lakes and major river systems is due to the
passive drifting of the larval stage (the free-floating or
“pelagic” veliger), and the ability of the mussels to
attach to boats navigating these lakes and rivers.
Management and Control: Total eradication of
widespread populations is considered impossible with
current technologies. No control methods are currently
available for open water applications. Control efforts
focus primarily on protection of human infrastructure
(such as water intakes) and along vectors of spread
(such as boats, trailers, gear, etc).
Zebra Mussels (©U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

Impacts and Uses of Zebra Mussels
Ecological: Zebra Mussels can have profound effects on
the ecosystems they invade by removing substantial
amounts of phytoplankton, zooplankton and suspended
particulates from the water, altering the system’s food
web. Impacts associated with the filtration of water
include increases in water transparency, decreases in
chlorophyll concentrations, and accumulation of
pseudofeces. Water clarity increases light penetration
causing a proliferation of aquatic plants that can change
species dominance and alter the entire ecosystem. The
pseudofeces create a foul environment. As the waste
particles decompose, oxygen is used up, the pH lowers
and toxic byproducts are produced. The mussels
accumulate organic pollutants within their tissues,
increasing wildlife exposure to organic pollutants
through the food chain. Effects may continue through
the food web to fish. Reductions in zooplankton
biomass may cause increased competition, decreased
survival and decreased biomass of planktivorous fish, as
well as behavioral shifts from pelagic to benthic-
feeding.
Economic: The ability of Zebra Mussels to rapidly
colonize hard surfaces such as boats, docks and
bulkheads causes serious economic problems. These
organisms can also clog water intake structures, such as
pipes and screens, therefore reducing pumping
capabilities for power and water treatment plants,
costing industries, companies, and communities.
Sources:
U.S. Geological Survey. 2014. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species
Database. Gainesville, Florida,
http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=5;
http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=95.
Accessed 12/23/2014.
Zebra Mussel Infestation of Native Freshwater Mussel
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