Decline of Rusty Crayfish Detects in Northern Wisconsin that Can Benefit Fish, Water Plants, 33-Year Study Reveals

A decline in rusty crayfish was discovered in Northern Wisconsin. It showed that invasive species can also disappear naturally, according to 33-year-old research.

The emergence of invasive species has concerned environmental managers, scientists and conservationists.

Moreover, the impact of invasive species can harm native species populations and habitats.

As a result, the immediate control and management of invasive species have been essential to prevent long-term environmental consequences.

The decline of rusty crayfish

(Photo : by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images )
Singapore Chinatown Complex Wet Market on February 21, 2013 in Singapore. Decline of Rusty Crayfish Detects in Northern Wisconsin, 33-Year Study Reveals

The 33-year Study has examined the emergence and existence of invasive species in oceans and lakes, including the rusty crayfish.

The University of Illinois conducted the research. The findings were published in Ecological Applications.

Furthermore, the research explained that the emergence of rusty crayfish has a long-term impact on the habitat they invaded.

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Since the 1970s, researchers have investigated the impact of rusty crayfish on the freshwaters in the country.

According to the (USDA) National Invasive Species Information Center, rusty crayfish has the scientific name Orconectes rusticus.

The report explained that the crayfish population was found in parts of Wisconsin in the 1960s. The invasive species has reached the Great Lakes Region, Eastern United States and New England.

Furthermore, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources noted that the crayfish is also in Kentucky, Illinois, Tennessee and Indiana.

Meanwhile, the National Park Service said that rusty freshwater crayfish is native to parts of the Southern United States.

The researchers found the following based on their research and observations.

• The emergence of crayfish in lakes has long-term impacts, from fish harvests population of water plants and nails, especially in Midwestern Lakes.
• The crayfish can destroy the habitat of fish, where they lay eggs and find food.
• Study's author Danny Szydlowski explained that about four lakes showed a decline in the crayfish population.
• The researchers added that the decline and natural disappearance of crayfish had beneficial effects on lakes.
• The study found abundant essential plants for snails and fish, showing a beneficial recovery of fish harvests.

In conclusion, the rapid decline in crayfish populations means the growth and recovery of fish populations in affected lakes.

Did you know? More facts about Rusty Crayfish

According to National Park Service (NPS), the rusty crayfish adapted to lakes despite challenging and extreme conditions.

Crayfish consume plants and aquatic animals. NPS added that the disappearance of water plants could affect the marine food webs in freshwaters and lakes.

The report in Wisconsin said it recorded the most number rusty crayfish population.

Meanwhile, the University of Minnesota Extension explained that they are dark-brown-looking and with powerful claws.

In addition, rusty crayfish can live up to four years. Like other aquatic species, the crayfish species can lay numerous eggs, reaching up to 500 eggs!

If the freshwater or lakes have sufficient temperatures, the crayfish's eggs can hatch in up to six weeks.

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