Tracing the source: How did invasive northern pike arrive in the Columbia River Basin?

Abstract

Northern pike are among the most exciting freshwater fishes to land because they tend to put up quite a fight. This species is broadly distributed outside its native range due to human transport and subsequent expansion. Where pike have been introduced, native fish like bull trout, which are listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), are suffering dire consequences as this long-lived, generalist top predator is using native fish as a food source. A recent publication, “Mechanism of northern pike invasion in the Columbia River basin,” describes how a team of Tribal, State, and Federal biologists, led by Rocky Mountain Research Station Research Ecologist Dr. Kellie Carim, analyzed genetic information to explore the pathways that northern pike are taking to invade the upper Columbia River basin. The publication also discusses how the team is using this research to support pike control efforts.

Citation

Carim, Kellie. 2022. Tracing the source: How did invasive northern pike arrive in the Columbia River Basin? Science You Can Use (in 5 Minutes), November 2022. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 2 p.