3.5 Freshwater Fish
absorbed these contaminants. Smallmouth Bass can be an environmental indicator and long-term monitoring of populations can identify where there are problems with heavy metals in fsh tissue or the presence of EDCs (Brewer and Orth 2015) . Immune suppression can be detected through presence of fn and skin erosions, lesions, and partial fsh kills (Ripley et al. 2008; Blazer et al. 2010; Brewer and Orth 2015) . Aquatic weeds and invasive species are serious problems in many freshwater systems, especially reservoirs and lakes. Nuisance species such as Hydrilla and Water Milfoil can be transferred between aquatic habitats when water craft (boats, jetskis), trailers, and gear (rods, tackle) are not washed after being used in a location with these species.
3.5.7 Additional Information Te Robust Redhorse Project is part of a col- laborative sampling efort with the Robust Redhorse Conservation Committee (www. robustredhorse.com), which collected individuals for use in the captive breeding program that has successfully stocked thou- sands of young fsh in the Pee Dee River Basin downstream of Blewett Falls Dam. Spawning areas have been documented in the Pee Dee River and adjacent lands are protected by the NCWRC and Duke Energy. Participation and commitment of the
Tangerine Darter (TR Russ, NCWRC)
Robust Redhorse Conservation Committee partners has resulted in conservation success and mitigated the need to list the species as endangered or threatened under the ESA.
3.5.8 Recommendations Protection and restoration of natural community composition and function and protec- tion of surrounding natural areas under current conditions generally are the best ways to ensure suitable habitats are available for freshwater fshes. Measures that protect a large and diverse pool of populations are the best ways 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. Distribution surveys are needed for all SGCN and other priority species.
100
2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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