Sponsor: Mississippi River Basin Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force
A day-long symposium was held on the theory and application of fish deterrent systems. Thirteen speakers from three countries came and presented 14 talks. Speakers reviewed how a variety of sensory stimuli (sound, light, water flow, pheromones, electricity) are being presently being tested or used to guide the behavior of about half a dozen fish species (carp, Sea Lamprey, salmon). The symposium was well attended and ended with a panel discussion that concluded: (1) behavioral deterrents have great promise, especially for invasive fishes where physical options do not exist or species-specificity is the aim; (2) there is a need to consider using multiple stimuli (ex. sound and light or odor); (3) fish behavior needs to be better understood; (4) although promising, this approach cannot be 100% effective and is best considered as part of an integrated program; managers need to be educated to this fact; (5) there is a need for future research; and (6) there is a desire to reassess advances in a few years. This symposium was funded by the Mississippi River Basin Panel of Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force. Read the abstracts.
—Peter W. Sorensen and Dan Zielinski