Live-bait industry as a pathway for movement of nonnative and invasive species: Implications for conservation of native Texas fishes

ObjectiveLive-bait species are widely used in recreational fishing throughout the United States. However, the use of invasive fish species as live bait has been identified as a common pathway for their introduction into aquatic ecosystems. We assessed the role that the live-bait industry has in facilitating the introduction of nonnative and invasive species into Texas rivers. We focused on two invasive cyprinodontid species, the Sheepshead Minnow Cyprinodon variegatus and Gulf Killifish Fundulus grandis, which are believed to have been introduced into inland Texas rivers via bait-bucket releases by anglers.MethodsWe conducted telephone and in-person surveys of live-bait shops in Texas on a seasonal basis (summer, fall, winter, spring) for 1 year. Locally owned bait shops and regional aquaculture facilities and hatcheries were included in the surveys.ResultSurveys did not reveal the presence of these invasive cyprinodontids in inland bait shops but did reveal the sale of nonnative Goldfish Carassius auratus and their black color morph, the black salty goldfish. Surveys conducted among inland and coastal live bait shops confirmed the sale of only one nonnative bait fish and six bait items native only to certain regions of Texas. Telephone surveys with aquaculture industry experts revealed that the aquaculture industry was also facilitating the movement of nonnative game and nongame fish species throughout the state.ConclusionGiven the potential for nonnative and invasive species to negatively affect recipient aquatic ecosystems, the continued distribution of such species within the aquaculture industry represents a potential threat in Texas. Our findings highlight the need for close monitoring of the live-bait industry in the state to prevent further introductions into inland waters and reduce potential ecological risks to native fish populations and overall ecosystem functions and services. The use of live bait in recreational fishing has been identified as a pathway for introduction of invasive species because they are often unknowingly transported and sold by retail bait shops and introduced bait-bucket releases. Surveys on inland and coastal live-bait shops in Texas were conducted over 1 year to learn about potential pathways of introduction of invasive coastal fishes (i.e., cyprinodontids) on to inland waters. While invasive cyprinodontids were not being sold as a live bait, other nonnative species were sold and being moved across the state. These results can be utilized by natural resource agencies to continue monitoring the live-bait industry in the state to prevent further introductions into inland waters and reduce the potential ecological risks to native fish populations.Impact statement