4.2 Aquatic Communities
Surveys. Distributional and status surveys are needed for aquatic snails, crayfsh, mussels, and fsh (in order of general need). • Conduct baseline surveys to determine current distributions for the several SGCN associated with stream habitats in western North Carolina that are known in only a few localities, and/or are considered rare or declining (e.g., Water Shrew, Hellbender, Junaluska and Longtail Salamanders, Mudpuppy, Eastern Spiny Softshell, and Loggerhead Musk Turtles).
• Gather better information about the status and distribution of more common species associated with stream habitats (e.g., Shovel-nosed and Tree-lined Salamanders).
• Investigate population status of native Brook Trout.
Monitoring. Monitoring of aquatic taxa is critical to assessing species and ecosystem health and gauging the resilience of organisms to a changing climate. Tese monitoring eforts will inform future decisions on how to manage aquatic species. Long-term moni- toring is needed to identify population trends and to assess performance of conservation actions. Monitoring plans should be coordinated with other existing monitoring programs where feasible. Research. Research topics that facilitate appropriate conservation actions includes habitat use and preferences, reproductive behavior, fecundity, population dynamics and genetics, feeding, competition, and food web dynamics. Research must also be conducted to deter- mine vulnerability of priority species to specifc threats and studies and should provide recommendations for mitigation and restoration. Aquatic species propagation is an area of current and ongoing research. Developing techniques for propagation of aquatic species is critical for preserving those species and their genetic stock, particularly those that are rare, at high risk of extinction or extirpation, and difcult to propagate in a laboratory setting. • Determine specifc fow regimes necessary to support microhabitat for particular spe- cies (e.g., Junaluska Salamander). • Determine the efect that Beaver ponds have on downstream movement of toxins and sediment. • Gather better information regarding the inputs and infuence of groundwater sources to accurately predict the infuence of climate change on coldwater systems. • Conduct genetic research to resolve taxonomic issues for aquatic species, such as the ‘Acuminate Crayfsh’ complex ( Cambarus sp. C) and a Lake Waccamaw Lampsilis mussel complex.
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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