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

Biological invasions have the potential to significantly alter the structure and function of aquatic communities. Invasive predatory fish species are known to restructure food webs – since predatory fishes have a dominant influence on community structure in freshwater systems. This research is focusing on understanding the food web changes to invasive Flathead Catfish Pylodictis olivaris along an invasion gradient in the Susquehanna River Basin, PA. This research is collaboration with state and federal partners, including the PA Fish & Boat Commission and the US Geological Survey. Information on the food web consequences of invasion can help inform formal decision-making processes, and thus this research will help reduce an important uncertainty related to the management of invasive Flathead Catfish.