4.2 Aquatic Communities
• Utilize environmental DNA (eDNA) and other emerging genetic techniques to better understand aquatic species.
• Use propagation techniques to grow new populations of priority and declining aquatic populations.
• Examine stream temperature and associated microclimatic responses to a range of shading variables from riparian vegetation.
• Work with partners and support development of regulations for control of aquatic nui- sance species. • Study the extent and impact of exotic species introductions, as well as efective control measures for the most problematic exotics.
• Gain information regarding the specifc microhabitat needs of priority species to develop long term conservation strategies.
• Conduct research to determine the best way to use a habitat guild approach in devel- oping habitat suitability criteria in a stream system. Tis research will have benefts for studies melding hydrodynamic models to habitat needs for fsh assemblages and the best approach to including rare species into habitat guilds (Persinger et al . 2011) . • Assess guild structures and their associated criteria in other rivers and test the transfer- ability of guilds between river systems (Persinger et al . 2011) . Management Practices. Management practices that reduce impacts and work synergis- tically with other conservation actions are needed to enhance the resilience of natural resources. Particular needs include preserving biodiversity, protecting native populations and their habitats, and improving degraded habitats. • Expand hatchery facilities to increase capacity for propagation of priority and nongame species. • Ensure that management of riverine habitats promotes the natural evolution and move- ment of woody and rocky structures and natural processes like bank dynamics, chan- nel meanders, and food regimes. • Implement and support use of agriculture and forestry Best Management Practices (BMPs) to control stormwater runof. Structures such as bioretention cells (i.e., rain gar- dens), cisterns, permeable pavement, runnels, vegetated swales, and flter strips can be used in various ways as stormwater BMPs.
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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