5.10 Invasive and Other Problematic Species and Genes
measures, and often require long-term funding commitments to control sources and new occurrences (Richardson 2008) .
A partnership of state and federal agencies has developed the North Carolina Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan (NCANSMP), which includes an aquatic nuisance spe- cies list and policy recommendations. Te list includes invasive, nuisance, and nonnative species currently known from North Carolina and those considered at risk of becoming a nuisance though they are not currently known to be in the state, including species that have commercial or recreational value in North Carolina. Management of invasive aquatic species also needs to include outreach to the public as a means of reducing anthropogenic-related sources (e.g., bait bucket dumps, aquaria and aquaculture releases, hitchhikers on boats and trailers) and involving stakeholders in mon- itoring and remediation programs. A detailed risk assessment and studies on distribution, ecology, and genetics of known potential invaders can be used to develop prevention and management programs for aquatic invasive species (Reynolds and Souty-Grosset 2012) . Native species introduced into areas where they would not normally be found can create competitive pressures for food and habitat use. Blueback Herring introduced to mountain reservoirs have caused the collapse of walleye populations that now must be maintained by stocking. Te Crayfsh Taxa Team identifed fve crayfsh species considered invasive and of concern in North Carolina. In the Mountain ecoregion, the Kentucky River Crayfsh has been found in large creeks and small river systems and the Coosa River Spiny Crayfsh has been found in the New and Little Tennessee river basins. In the Piedmont ecoregion, Rusty Crayfsh and Virile Crayfsh have been found in headwater streams, small and large creeks, small and medium rivers, and reservoirs and impoundments. Te Red Swamp Crawfsh has the most widespread distribution and is found in all freshwater systems throughout the state. Crayfshes that are spread to habitats outside their natural range can afect the distribution of native species as well as the dynamics and biodiversity of the community (Reynolds and Souty-Grosset 2012) . Te most commonly occurring groups of freshwater algae are diatoms, green algae, and blue-green algae, which are more correctly known as cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria refer to a group of microorganisms that possess characteristics of algae (chlorophyll-a and oxy- genic photosynthesis). Tey are found in fresh, estuarine, and marine waters in the United States and cyanobacterial blooms can produce highly potent cyanotoxins (EPA 2014) . In North Carolina, two cyanobacteria—Blue-green and Black Mat Algae ( Lyngbya spp.)—are of particular concern because they produce neurotoxins and paralytic shellfsh-poisoning toxins (EPA 2014) .
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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