4.5 River Basins
4.5.17.4 Aquatic Species Tere are 21 SGCN in the basin: 1 crayfsh species, 11 freshwater or anadromous fshes, and 9 mussel species. Appendix G provides a list of SGCN and other priority species for which there are knowledge gaps or management concerns. Appendix H identifes SGCN associ- ated with aquatic communities found in this river basin. Table 4.83 identifes the SGCN found in the Tar–Pamlico River Basin. In general, our knowledge of aquatic species distributions in the basin has improved through implementation of the priorities outlined in the 2005 WAP, which called for status, distribution, and life history surveys and population monitoring to be conducted in the basin. Tis knowledge has been critical in developing management strategies for these populations. 4.5.17.5 Threats Affecting Aquatic Species Invasive species (e.g., Red Swamp Crawfsh, Green Sunfsh, Redear Sunfsh, Channel and Flathead Catfsh, Asian Clam) have become established in the basin and continue to nega- tively impact native species populations (Fuller et al. 1999; Cooper 2005) . Nutrient enrichment of the waterbodies within this basin continues to be the main water quality issue and the focus of regulatory- and strategy-related activities. Overall water quality in the Fishing Creek watershed is considered excellent; however, nutrient data analysis conducted by NCDWR indicates an increase in nitrogen concentrations since 1991. Tis watershed is a NCDWR priority for aquatic threatened and endangered species protection. Water quality standards have not been met in the Pamlico River Estuary even though the NSW strategy has been implemented by wastewater treatment plant discharg- ers, municipal stormwater programs, and agricultural programs. Te trend analyses point toward a rise in organic nitrogen. Tis warrants identifying sources and reducing inputs of organic nitrogen throughout the basin. Potential sources that need more research include groundwater and atmospheric deposition (NCDWR 2014) . Tere are 131 permitted CAFOs for cattle, poultry, and swine production in the Tar– Pamlico River Basin with 272 waste lagoons associated with the facilities. Waste from these sites contains high levels of nutrients (e.g., nitrogen and phosphorus) in addition to fecal coliform bacteria and any chemical compounds, such as antibiotics or hormone products used in commercial feeding operations (NCDWR 2015b) . Animal-waste lagoons and spray felds that discharge near or into aquatic environments are a source of contamination from runof, percolation into groundwater, and volatilization of ammonia and the release of bac- terial contamination. Tese sources can signifcantly degrade water quality and endanger human and animal health (Mallin 2003; Mallin and Cahoon 2003) .
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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