A survey of Pennsylvania reservoirs for aquatic invasive species at risk of spread by boating activities

Abstract Once established, controlling populations of aquatic invasive species (AIS) can take substantial resources and may not always be feasible. Therefore, prevention efforts such as public education and regulatory efforts are key to prevent spread. Data on the presence/absence of AIS in waterbodies are key to informing prevention efforts; however, no broad survey of AIS present in Pennsylvania reservoirs appears to have been published. Fourteen reservoirs managed by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission in three major Pennsylvania watersheds (Allegheny/Ohio, Susquehanna, and Delaware River Basins) were surveyed for the presence of AIS that may be spread by hitchhiking on boats and boat trailers, such as submerged aquatic plants and freshwater mollusks. AIS found among reservoirs included Cipangopaludina chinensis, Corbicula fluminea, Hydrilla verticillata, Myriophyllum spicatum, and Potamogeton crispus. While many of these species are considered to be widespread in Pennsylvania, this project identified 14 novel records for AIS, including six new county records. It is also notable that other AIS of major concern for spread by boating vectors in Pennsylvania waters (e.g., Dreissena polymorpha and Potamopyrgus antipodarum) were not observed during surveys. These results suggest that continued focus on efforts to prevent the spread of AIS in Pennsylvania reservoirs is warranted.