3.4 Crayfshes
Center website (http://f.biology.usgs.gov/afs_crayfsh/index.html). Tis website provides lists of crayfshes by freshwater ecoregion, state, or province boundary, and plot distribu- tions of crayfshes by ecoregions or political boundaries. Information is provided for both native and introduced species. Te International Association of Astacology (IAA) is dedicated to the study, conservation, and wise utilization of freshwater crayfsh. Te IAA publishes a peer-reviewed scientifc journal ( Freshwater Crayfsh ) to distribute information on aquaculture, life history, conser- vation, ecology, and research topics. Te NCWRC webpage (http://www.ncwildlife.org/Learning/Species. aspx#5528114-crustaceans) provides detailed species information, photographs, and distri- bution maps for crayfshes found in the state. 3.4.8 Recommendations In general, protection and restoration of natural community composition and function and protection of surrounding natural areas under current conditions are the best ways to ensure suitable habitats are available for crayfsh species. Measures that protect a large and diverse pool of populations are the best way to ensure that species are able to survive future stresses and adapt to changing climate conditions. Surveys. Distributional and status surveys need to focus on species believed to be declin- ing or mainly dependent on at-risk or sensitive natural communities. • Conduct status assessments for the Coastal Plain, Greensboro Burrowing, Needlenose, Pamlico, Red Burrowing, Santee, Tornytail, Tuckasegee Stream, Valley River, and Waccamaw crayfshes. • Conduct surveys prior to dam removal projects to detect presence of nonnative species; barrier removal may facilitate upstream movement of introduced crayfsh (Lieb et al. 2011) . Monitoring. Long-term monitoring is critical to assessing species and ecosystem health over time and gauging the resilience of organisms to a changing climate. Studies should include identifcation of population trends, as well as assessment of impacts from conser- vation or development activities. Tese eforts will inform species and habitat management decisions. Long-term monitoring sites need to be identifed and monitoring protocols developed for all priority species. Monitoring plans should be coordinated with other exist- ing monitoring programs where feasible.
• Establish long-term monitoring for Broad River Spiny, Broad River Stream, French Broad River, Grandfather Mountain, and Hiwassee Headwater crayfshes.
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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