The Bait Industry as a Potential Vector for Alien Crayfish Introductions: Problem Recognition by Fisheries Agencies and a Missouri Evaluation

Bait-bucket introductions related to the fishing bait industry are the suspected primary cause of alien (non-indigenous) crayfish introductions that have damaged North American aquatic ecosystems. Our 2008 survey of U. S. and Canadian fisheries agencies revealed that 49% of respondents reported aquatic resource problems that were believed to have been caused by bait-bucket introductions of alien crayfishes. Most respondents reported existing regulations designed to address those problems; however, only 4% prohibited the use of live crayfish bait. Our 2002-2007 examination of Missouri bait shops revealed sales of illegal and invasive alien crayfishes by bait shop proprietors who could not identify the species they were selling. Fisheries agencies should consider more effective bait regulations and education to prevent negative impacts to aquatic biodiversity, habitat, and fisheries that can result from alien crayfish introductions.