Carbaryl, Carbofuran, and Methomyl - National Marine Fisheries ...

Alien Species
Plants and animals that are introduced into habitats in which they do not naturally occur
are called non-native species. They are also known as non-indigenous, exotic,
introduced, or invasive species, and have been known to affect ecosystems. Non-native
species are introduced through infested stock for aquaculture and fishery enhancement,
through ballast water discharge and from the pet and recreational fishing industries
(http://biology.usgs.gov/s+t/noframe/x191.htm.). The Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS)
Task Force suggests that it is inevitable that cultured species will eventually escape
confinement and enter U.S. waterways. Non-native species were cited as a contributing
cause in the extinction of 27 species and 13 subspecies of North American fishes over the
past 100 years (Miller, Williams et al. 1989). Wilcove, Rothstein et al. (1998) note that
25% of ESA listed fish are threatened by alien species. By competing with native species
for food and habitat as well as preying on them, non-native species can reduce or
eliminate populations of native species.
Surveys performed by CDFG state that at least 607 alien species are found in California
coastal waterways (Foss et al. 2007). The majority of these species are representatives of
four phyla: annelids (33%), arthropods (22%), chordates (13%), and mollusks (10%).
Non-native chordate species are primarily fish and tunicates which inhabit fresh and
brackish water habitats such as the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Foss, Ode et al.
2007). The California Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan (CAISMP) includes
goals and strategies for reducing the introduction rate of new invasive species as well as
removing those with established populations.
Atmospheric deposition
In 2002, chlopyrifos, diazinon, trifluralin, and other pesticides were detected in air
samples collected from Sacramento, California (Majewski and Baston 2002).
Pesticide Reduction Programs
There are several measures in place in California that may reduce the levels of pesticides
found in the aquatic environment beyond FIFRA label requirements. Monitoring of
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