Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Pond Boss Removing crayfish to reduce algae

Reported in today's news:

RENO, Nev. – The University of Nevada, Reno’s Sudeep Chandra, a leading Lake Tahoe scientist who has studied invasive species and limnology at the lake for 20 years, said issuing permits for commercial harvesting of crayfish at Lake Tahoe will help improve clarity at the pristine lake, as well as take away a food source for other invasive species that threaten lake clarity and ecosystems.

“The Nevada Division of Wildlife is taking an important step with the harvesting permits. We expect to see the first permits issued next week,” Chandra, a professor and researcher at the University’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, said. “Harvesting the invasive crayfish at Tahoe could have a positive impact on lake clarity, especially in the critical nearshore zone of the lake.”

The crayfish is thriving in this nearshore zone, and it’s in this area that a harvest will have a net positive impact.

“The crayfish stimulates algae growth by excreting nutrients and grazing on algal cells, some of which are dead, that open up room for more growth. Algae growth is a major factor in Tahoe's declining clarity. What we are finding is that the crayfish stimulate algae growth," Chandra said.

I think that is the first time I've read something about a link between algae growth and crayfish.

Oh and for those that don't know: Limnology is the study of how much lime to use during a tequila shooting rampage.

Crayfish are recycling the nutrients in the lower level of the food chain. The more grazers there are more manure that is produced. Manure has nutrients that stimulate plant growth. Tequila lowers productivity.

True but Tequila also increases creativity so I see it as a trade off that is sometimes necessary.

I agree with this statement as ever, Bill - unless one is referring to JHAP's "productivity" of teary eyed, semi-coherent, rambling after dinner speeches/diatribes launched at PB Conventions...

Aw, you know your toasts are the best...I just couldn't resist!

Don't get around Tequila, especially in Nevada.

It seems this "bounty like" approach to limiting species has a long list of failure. I have to wonder how effective it would be.

1-Why should you need a permit to catch crayfish ????
2-How does one know which crayfish they wish to have harvested exactly ??

In this case permits would be so they could monitor how many are havested - catch records will allow for better management. Crayfish are recognizable to species by external body features. They may want to harvest only select species that are causing the most impact on the ecosystem.

Hmmm....

Just tossed in some this weekend that came from the creek behind the house. I'm hoping the bass enjoyed the little buggers and they won't cause me any problems.