Click on the map for
an enlarged view
|
Distribution:
In Nebraska: See map below
In the U.S.: From Newfoundland to Northern South Carolina
Origin: Eastern Coast of the U.S.
Characteristics:
Silver in color with a black spot behind gills
Large eyes
Spawn in spring then migrate to deep water for fall and winter
Impacts:
Lower Zooplankton population
Eat eggs of other fish
Cause decline in native species
Have mass die offs that cause bad odors
Control Methods:
Can be controlled by stocking brown trout
Netting them
Use chemicals to kill all fish in water body and start over
This species was probably native to Lake Ontario and spread through
the Great Lakes via the Welland Canal. The alewife was intentionally stocked
in inland waters. Alewives are known to reduce zooplankton populations
and prey on salmonids.
For More Information on Alewives:
Virginia
Institute of Marine Science
Vermont
Dept of Water Quality
USDA
on invasive species
|