An evaluation of electrofishing as a control measure for an invasive tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) population in northern Australia
P. A. Thuesen A B C G , D. J. Russell A B , F. E. Thomson A B , M. G. Pearce A , T. D. Vallance D E and A. E. Hogan D F
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Northern Fisheries Centre, Queensland Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, PO Box 5396, Cairns, Qld 4870, Australia.
B Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre, University of Canberra, ACT 2617, Australia.
C School of Marine and Tropical Biology, James Cook University, Cairns, Qld 4870, Australia.
D Walkamin Research Station, Queensland Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, 6302 Kennedy Highway, Walkamin, Qld 4872, Australia.
E Present address: Tropical River Consulting, 196 Winfield Road, Lake Eacham, Qld 4884, Australia.
F Present address: Alf Hogan and Associates, 65 Oleander Drive, Yungaburra, Qld 4884, Australia.
G Corresponding author. Email: paul.thuesen@gmail.com
Marine and Freshwater Research 62(2) 110-118 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF10057
Submitted: 2 March 2010 Accepted: 13 November 2010 Published: 24 February 2011
Abstract
Combating the spread of invasive fish is problematic, with eradication rarely possible and control options varying enormously in their effectiveness. In two small impoundments in north-eastern Australia, an electrofishing removal program was conducted to control an invasive tilapia population. We hypothesised that electrofishing would reduce the population density of Oreochromis mossambicus (Mozambique tilapia), to limit the risk of downstream spread into areas of high conservation value. We sampled by electrofishing monthly for 33 months. Over this period, there was an 87% decline in catch per unit effort (CPUE) of mature fish, coupled with a corresponding increase of 366% in the number of juveniles, suggesting a density-dependent response in the stock–recruitment relationship for the population. Temperature was inversely related to CPUE (r = 0.43, lag = 10 days), implying greater electrofishing efficiency in cooler months. The reduction in breeding stock is likely to reduce the risk of spread and render the population vulnerable to other control measures such as netting and/or biological control. Importantly, the current study suggests routine electrofishing may be a useful control tool for invasive fish in small impoundments when the use of more destructive techniques, such as piscicides, is untenable.
Additional keywords: alien species, introduced fish, non-native fish, population control, Wet Tropics.
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