Effectiveness of stream sampling methods in capturing non-native Rusty Crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) in Ontario

Abstract

Habitat alteration and species introductions have contributed to the decline of native crayfish in Ontario. although lake populations of crayfish in Ontario are monitored, there is no corresponding program for streams. We used removal-based sampling to evaluate the efficacy of three sampling techniques (backpack electrofishing, hand capture, and seining) to characterize native and non-native crayfish populations in six streams in the Kawartha lakes region and five streams in the Muskoka/Haliburton lakes region. all types were effective at detecting non-native Rusty Crayfish (Orconectes rusticus). Rusty Crayfish were collected from 65% of samples, constituted 90% of the total catch, and were the only species present in 30% of streams. Compared with other methods, electrofishing was more likely to capture additional crayfish species. Removal-based sampling was not a reliable approach for estimating capture probability and population size. Failure of the removal model was due to increases in the number of crayfish captured after the first pass or too few individuals collected. Mean capture probabilities for electrofishing (0.30) and hand capture (0.31) did not result in reliable population estimates. Compared with seining, electrofishing and hand capture resulted in more sexually active males (fewer sexually inactive males) and more small (< 25 mm carapace length) individuals. For each method, there were differences in capture probability among length classes. a combination of electrofishing and seining (with multiple passes) would maximize species detection, permit sampling of a range of habitat types, and be easily integrated into existing stream fish surveys.