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. By altering energy transfer through the food web, invasive species also have the potential to affect the accumulation of contaminants in other food fish species. This study seeks to understand the effects of an invasive catfish (the flathead catfish; Pylodictis olivaris) on a riverine food web and resulting changes in the trophodynamics of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS have the potential to be harmful to aquatic organisms and the accumulation of PFAS in fish species targeted by recreational anglers raises concerns for human health through consumption. This project is a collaboration between the U.S. Geological Survey, The Pennsylvania State University, and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC). The results of this study will provide important information on the food web consequences of flathead catfish invasion and PFAS trophodynamics that will help fisheries management and risk assessments of invasive flathead catfish.