Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program: Pennsylvania
Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources

The goal of this project is to estimate the relative abundance and age and growth characteristics of invasive Flathead Catfish in three reaches of the mainstem Susquehanna River with different degrees of population establishment. By examining river reaches with different degrees of population establishment, data collected during this study will serve to help understand current distribution and population characteristics (e.g., size distribution, growth rates). In addition, we will develop models (based on population vital rates and habitat use) to predict future changes in establishing populations as well as to evaluate potential impacts to areas where Flathead Catfish have not yet invaded. These models can be used to help inform management of Flathead Catfish and native species throughout the Susquehanna River Basin.