Chapter 3 North Carolina Species
2023) . Emerging concerns have been linked to the presence of microplastic contamination in freshwater habitats, particularly concerning their ubiquitous persistence in aquatic habitats. Bioaccumulation is a concern because it happens at different trophic levels and impacts various organisms, including freshwater fish (Scott et al. 2021) . Both humans and wildlife are likely to be impacted by consumption of contaminated fish. Research by the EPA (Melnyk et al. 2023) reports high concentrations of microplastic contaminants in Striped Bass, American Shad, and Sea Lamprey that could have impacts on wildlife that consume these fish. Research needs to include understanding how the bioaccumulation of microplastics impact higher trophic species when they ingest prey species with bioaccumulation of microplastics (Au et al. 2017) . Aquatic weeds and invasive species are serious problems in many freshwater systems, especially reservoirs and lakes. Nuisance species such as Hydrilla and Water Milfoil can be transferred between aquatic habitats when watercraft (boats, jetskis), trailers, and gear (rods, tackle) are not washed after being used in a location with these species. 3.5.7 Additional Information The Robust Redhorse Project is part of a collaborative sampling effort with the Robust Redhorse Conservation Committee (http://www.robustredhorse.com), which collected individuals for use in the captive breeding program that has successfully translocated thousands of young fish in the Pee Dee River Basin downstream of Blewett Falls Dam. 3.5.8 Recommendations Protection and restoration of natural community composition and function and protection of surrounding natural areas under current conditions generally are the best ways to ensure suitable habitats are available for freshwater fish. Measures that protect a large and diverse pool of populations are the best ways to ensure that species are able to survive future stresses and adapt to changing climate conditions.
Implement conservation measures and recommendations in protected species conservation plans.
• State protected species conservation plans are available online https://www.ncwildlife.gov/wildlife-habitat/species-conservation-plans.
• Federal protected species recovery plans are available online https://www.fws.gov/program/recovery/recovery-plans.
Implementation of recommendations for surveys, monitoring, and research should follow best practices and protocols established by recognized authorities (see Chapter 7 for a list of protocols). The following recommendations should be considered appropriate to implement for freshwater fish species.
2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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