Evaluating the effects of Brook Stickleback on native nongame fishes

In Wyoming Brook Stickleback Culaea inconstans co-occur with native non-game fishes including at least six species that are listed as Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN). Despite extensive overlap with SGCNs, there has been no research on potential interactions between these species. It is unclear what level of risk Brook Stickleback establishment and expansion poses to the Wyoming native nongame fish assemblages. We propose to address this knowledge gap.

Objectives: To evaluate the potential threat posed by Brook Stickleback to Wyoming native nongame fishes. Specifically we plan to:

1. Evaluate Brook Stickleback establishment and expansion in Wyoming;
2. Assess Brook Stickleback habitat use and diet; and
3. Determine which native nongame fishes may be at risk from Brook Stickleback expansion.

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Project Lead

Funding & Partners

Wyoming Game and Fish Department