Affiliation:
1. Missouri Department of Conservation, Science Branch Conservation Science Center 3500 East Gans Road Columbia MO 65201
2. Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology Ohio State University Columbus OH
3. Missouri Department of Conservation, Science Branch Conservation Science Center Columbia MO
Abstract
The increasing worldwide popularity of the aquatic pet trade causes widespread transport and introduction of alien species, including crayfish (Astacidea), into fisheries. Thirty crayfish species have invaded North America, affecting native species and changing ecosystems. Growing numbers of crayfish introductions are linked to the pet trade, and this pathway increasingly requires attention from natural resource managers. The Missouri Department of Conservation implemented regulations in 2014 to restrict pet store crayfish sales. We surveyed all Missouri pet stores in 2019 to estimate regulation compliance. Undercover enforcement agents visited stores and assessed crayfish sales by inspecting livestock and interviewing owners/employees. Simultaneously, we conducted a comparative survey of Ohio stores, where minimal regulations exist. Crayfish, including three alien species, were illegally sold at 15.5% of Missouri stores. In Ohio, 63% of stores sold crayfish, including three alien species. The Missouri regulations appear effective for managing and reducing pet store sales of potentially invasive crayfish.
Subject
Nature and Landscape Conservation,Aquatic Science