4.2 Aquatic Communities
releasing waters from the colder hypolimnion which causes downstream coldwater pol- lution (Sherman 2000; Preece and Jones 2002; Marshall et al. 2006) . Te biological impacts of coldwater pollution on warmwater fshes have been documented in a number of studies (Clarkson and Childs 2000; Todd et al, 2005; Sherman et al. 2007; Olden and Naiman 2010) and include impeded spawning, lower survival rates, retarded growth rates, and displacement of native species (Martinez et al. 1994; Clarkson and Childs 2000; Todd et al 2005; Sherman et al. 2007; Miles and West 2011) . Introduction of species native to the state into areas where they normally would not occur cre- ates competitive pressure on the native local populations. For example, the Piedmont Shiner, native to the Broad River, and Yellowfn Shiner, native to the Savannah River Basin, have been introduced to the Little Tennessee River Basin where they compete with native species for food, spawning, and cover resources. Teir range could expand into other coldwater systems with warming water temperatures associated with discharges or changes to riparian bufers. 4.2.13.6 Recommendations Section 4.2.2 provides recommendations appropriate for all aquatic communities, state- wide. Recommendations specifc to the river basins that contain reservoirs and impound- ments are provided in Section 4.5. Surveys . Distributional and status surveys are needed for aquatic snails, crayfsh, mussels, and fsh (in order of general need).
• Determine the status and distribution of reservoir-associated birds (e.g., ospreys, herons, swallows, possibly rails) and help identify threats to populations.
• Survey for shorebird migration activity on large reservoirs (e.g., Falls Lake, Kerr Lake) in spring, summer and fall. • Conduct frog call surveys and support the volunteer and citizen science programs that participate in these surveys. Monitoring. Monitoring aquatic taxa is critical for 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 monitoring 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.
• Continue monitoring Bald Eagle breeding activity.
• Conduct monitoring for waterbirds and rails to help determine population trends.
• Monitor Pond Turtles and Common Ribbonsnakes to track population trends.
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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