Could Black Carp Successfully Control Zebra Mussels? A. P. Wywialowski, Planning and Risk Assessment Systems, Policy and Program Development, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U S. Department of Agriculture, 6505 Belcrest Road, Hyattsville, MD 20782; and J. D. Williams and L. Nico, National Biological Survey, U.S. Department of Interior, 7920 N. W. 71st Street, Gainesville, FL 32606
The Risk Analysis and Management (RAM) Committee of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force has recently developed an aquatic nonindigenous species risk assessment process. This process was designed to meet the following three basic needs of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990: 1) Evaluate unintentionally-introduced, recently-established, non-indigenous aquatic organisms; 2) evaluate non-indigenous organisms proposed for deliberate introduction; and 3) evaluate the risk associated with individual pathways. The RAM committee has agreed to test the process by evaluating the risk associated with the introduction of black carp (Mylopharyngodon picens), a native of China and Southeast Asia, from aquacultural activities and as a possible biological control for zebra mussels (Dreissena polymopha). The assessment will be accomplished by completing an extensive literature review and consulting with aquatic scientists and interested parties associated with the black carp issue. The risk assessment will include elements on the potential ability of the black carp controlling zebra mussels, the likelihood of the black carp accidentally establishing and spreading in North American waters, and the environmental, economic, and social benefits and costs predicted if the black carp became established. The black carp may also pose a risk to native mollusks in locations where it is introduced. The risk assessment will be conducted under the auspices of the Risk Assessment and Management Committee and should be completed before the end of this year. We will discuss the risk assessment process as well as the findings of the risk assessment.