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| From the
1999 Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society Midyear Meeting held in
Chattanooga, Tennessee. |
Introductions of Exotic Species:
The Economic Costs
Christopher J. O’Bara, Center for the Management,
Utilization and Protection of Water Resources, Tennessee Technological University, P.O.
Box 5033, Cookeville, Tennessee 38505; Voice 931-372-3753;
FAX 931-372-6346; E-Mail cobara@tntech.edu
Douglas Peterson, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency,
6032 Andrew Johnson Highway, Talbott, Tennessee 37877; Voice 432-587-7037;
FAX 432-587-7057; E-Mail dpeterson@mail.state.tn.usa
Michael Smith, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency,
Eagle Bend Hatchery, 1201 Charles Seviers Blvd, Clinton, Tennessee 37716;
Voice 432-457-5135
Keywords: walleye, alewife, economic impact
In southeastern United States reservoirs, alewife Alosa
pseudoharengus were first introduced into several system to provide a stable forage
base. A stable forage have enhanced some reservoir fisheries, but the loss of successful
reproduction and recruitment of walleye Stizostedion vitreum has also occurred.
Accidental introductions of alewife or range expansion have also occurred. One accidental
introduction has lead to the recruitment failure of walleye in Norris Reservoir,
Tennessee. The concern of losing the fishery resulted in the development of a walleye
stocking model, which includes the economic benefits and costs of varying scenarios. No
action by the state agency would cost the local economy over one million dollars in lost
revenue annually. The stocking of 250,000 fingerlings would cost the agency $ 50,000
annually, but would result in a benefit:cost of $ 6.50:1.00. Increased stocking of walleye
to 500,000 annually would result in a benefit:cost ratio of $ 8.75:1.00. The replacement
of walleye natural reproduction would require the stocking of 1.2 million fingerling
annually at a cost of $ 180,000. Consequently, the accidental introduction of alewife into
Norris Reservoir will cost anglers both in loss of fishing opportunities and financially.
Input to the local economy may also be affected, thus potentially influencing both
employment and tax revenue.
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