Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2013 - 53

American Shad

photo-Art Michaels

Eastern elliptio, found in the Susquehanna River Basin

photo-Geoff Smith

PFBC website: www.fishandboat.com

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater • September/October 2013

photo-Keith Edwards

because they often have limited tolerances for changes in
As in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Pennsylvania
environmental conditions such as the temperature regime,
has once again become a well-known source for energy.
thermal extremes, the hydrologic cycle (e.g., drought and
In addition to established forms (e.g., coal, hydropower)
flooding) and loss of important habitats. At-risk species,
emerging sources include wind, natural gas, biomass and
such as some reptiles and amphibians, may have specific
solar. There are many social and economic benefits from
habitat requirements or a limited capacity to move to more
these energy sources, yet each source can contribute to
suitable conditions. Fishes with narrow thermal tolerances
habitat fragmentation, runoff of nutrients and sediments
may be impeded from finding optimal conditions by dams
and provide pathways for invasive species, all of which pose
and other factors. Regardless of the causes of climate change,
a threat to the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission’s trust
altered meteorological patterns are likely to contribute to
species. Although the source of the threat may differ from
changes in habitats and place increased burdens directly on
those of over a century ago, the potential impacts on aquatic
the survival of species.
resources are similar.
Many of the threats discussed here are quite large.
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are an increasing threat
However, there are conservation actions or adaptation
to the biodiversity of Pennsylvania’s native aquatic species
measures for many of them that can be implemented to
and habitats. Due to the extensive number of aquatic
assist species at-risk. In a future issue of the Pennsylvania
invasive species in Pennsylvania, only a basic overview
Angler & Boater, we will explore conservation actions to cope
of this threat can be discussed in this article. Examples of
with some of these threats. In a dynamic world, we must be
types of AIS currently found in Pennsylvania include fishes
prepared to address these challenges if we are to ensure the
(e.g., round goby, snakehead), aquatic vascular plants
rich natural heritage of Pennsylvania for future generations.
(e.g., water chestnut and Hydrilla), algae (Didymosphenia
Find out more about the current State Wildlife Action
geminata, also called Didymo), reptiles (e.g., red-eared
Plan at www.fishandboat.com, click on “Grants” and “State
slider) and pathogens (e.g., Viral Hemorrhagic
Wildlife Grant (SWG) Program.”
Septicemia-VHS). For a more complete list of AIS in
Pennsylvania and an associated field
guide, visit www.anstaskforce.gov/
Documents/AIS_Field_Guide_
Finalweb.pdf. As a threat to native
species, AIS are particularly difficult
to address. Not only the diversity
of AIS, but also the mechanisms
by which AIS are transported
further complicate prevention and
control measures. Commercial
transportation (e.g., cargo ships
on the Great Lakes), release of
unwanted pets, and movement by
anglers and boaters are among the
many vectors by which AIS may be
distributed across the state.
Finally, a changing climate poses a
serious threat to the aquatic resources
The round goby, classified as an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS), is a recognized threat to the
of Pennsylvania. Many of the at-risk
biodiversity of Pennsylvania’s native aquatic species and habitats.
species are characterized as such,

http://www.fishandboat.com http://www.anstaskforce.gov/Documents/AIS_Field_Guide_Finalweb.pdf http://www.anstaskforce.gov/Documents/AIS_Field_Guide_Finalweb.pdf http://www.anstaskforce.gov/Documents/AIS_Field_Guide_Finalweb.pdf http://www.fishandboat.com

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2013

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