Evaluation of dissolved carbon dioxide to stimulate emergence of red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii (Decapoda: Cambaridae) from infested ponds

Abstract

Invasive crayfish have adverse effects on habitats and native species. Control of invasive crayfish populations is a major challenge facing natural resource managers. This study evaluated the effectiveness and optimal conditions for the control agent carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), which can be diffused into water to facilitate capture of red swamp crayfish ( Procambarus clarkii ; RSC). The efficacy of CO 2 shows promise in its use for a variety of invasive aquatic species. Here, we evaluate CO 2 ’s ability to stimulate movements towards the shoreline and/or induce complete terrestrial emergence from outdoor ponds. Twelve pond trials were conducted using three, 0.02-ha experimental ponds at Auburn University, Alabama, USA. Silt fencing was installed on dry land around the perimeter of each pond with the lower 0.3 m of fencing accordion-folded to provide shelter and a collection point for emerging crayfish. Each pond was stocked with 100 RSC before testing. Experimental treatment ponds were then injected with gaseous CO 2 using porous air diffusers, whereas control ponds (C ponds) received no CO 2 . Multiple water quality parameters were monitored hourly. Three independent treatment scenarios with CO 2 diffusion were crayfish captured at the end of trial only (F: final), crayfish captured hourly (H: hourly), and incorporation of continuous inflow of fresh water at a flow rate of 0.2 L/s into the central catch basin to serve as a refuge with crayfish captured hourly (R: refuge). In control ponds, crayfish were captured at the end of trial only. In F ponds, CO 2 diffusion for approximately five hours caused a mean of 12% of total crayfish to emerge from the water. However, capture efficiency was increased to a mean of 45% of total crayfish by increasing collection frequency to every hour and netting submerged crayfish near the water edge in addition to capturing terrestrially emerged crayfish. Presence of a freshwater inflow reduced capture efficiency in R ponds relative to H ponds. Odds of capturing crayfish increased with increasing water temperature, CO 2 concentration, crayfish mass, and with decreasing pH. Based on results, we provide a set of predictive equations as well as interactive calculators to help natural resource managers explore several environmental and treatment-related scenarios that predict changes in capture probability in small research ponds. Carbon dioxide shows promises as a tool to increase capture rate of RSC. It is not likely to be 100% effective by itself, but could be a useful component of an integrated management strategy.