4.5 River Basins
fow regimes, and often reduce DO levels. Water withdrawals for irrigation and similar uses further change fow patterns and reduce the quality and quantity of habitat available for aquatic species (NCDWQ 2012e) . Invasive species (e.g., Flathead Catfsh and Red Swamp Crayfsh) are established in the White Oak River Basin and continue to negatively impact native species populations (Fuller et al. 1999; Cooper 2005) via predation and competition. 4.5.19.5 Recommendations Conservation priorities that apply statewide to all river basins are presented in Section 4.5.3.3. Priorities identifed in the White Oak River Basin are shown in Figure 4.38 and a list of the priority 12-digit HUCs is included in Appendix J.
Basin Specifc Recommendations
Surveys. Priorities for distribution and status surveys should focus on aquatic SGCN believed to be declining or dependent on at-risk or sensitive communities (see Table 4.89).
• Basin-specifc priorities include the Ironcolor Shiner and the Banded Sunfsh.
Monitoring. Long-term monitoring is critical to assessing species and ecosystem health over time and gauging the resilience of organisms to continued impacts to state waters. Studies include identifcation of population trends, as well as assessment of conservation or development activities. Tese eforts will inform species and habitat management deci- sions. Monitor the presence and distribution of exotic species in the basin. Research. Research topics that facilitate appropriate conservation actions include habitat use and preferences, reproductive behavior, fecundity, population dynamics and genetics, feeding, competition, and food web dynamics. Increased understanding of life histories and status helps determine the vulnerability of priority species to further imperilment, in addition to identifying possibilities for improved management and conservation. Studies should provide recommendations for mitigation and restoration. Formal descriptions for known or putative undescribed species and investigations aimed at resolving taxonomic status are needed. • Determine vulnerability of species across all taxa groups to emerging threats such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and other compounds that are present, as well as the prevalence of these compounds in this unique watershed, in the waterways of the White Oak River Basin.
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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