Mechanical suppression of invasive Northern Pike in Box Canyon Reservoir, Washington

Abstract

ObjectiveNorthern Pike Esox lucius recently invaded Box Canyon Reservoir, Washington, expanding to over 10,000 individuals by 2011. To limit further impacts, a significant reduction in population abundance was required. Project objectives were to reduce relative abundance (catch per unit effort [CPUE]) to less than 1.7 Northern Pike/net (87% reduction) in the core area and to less than 0.5 Northern Pike/net in the northern reservoir section within 3 years and then maintain those abundance targets thereafter.MethodsUsing gill nets, we conducted intensive annual (2012–2018) suppression each spring, focusing on spawning aggregations in shallow (<2‐m), flooded habitats. To evaluate CPUE, a standardized spring pike index netting (SPIN) survey was conducted annually in May and compared to suppression netting CPUE.ResultIn total, 17,464 Northern Pike were removed in 4868 net sets, with 92.9% captured in the first 3 years, limiting future recruitment. Mean SPIN CPUE in the core area declined from a presuppression (2011) high of 13.2 Northern Pike/net to less than 1.0 Northern Pike/net by 2014. Effort was reduced by up to 80% as the project transitioned from the initial suppression phase (2012–2014) to a control phase (2015–2018), which explored the minimum effort required to maintain abundance targets. A significant rebound in CPUE occurred from 2017 to 2018, indicating that over 267 net sets annually may be required for long‐term control. Although the mean CPUE (±95% confidence interval) increased slightly in 2018 (0.6 ± 0.5 Northern Pike/net), the target abundance in the core area was achieved annually from 2013 to 2018. Changes in suppression CPUE reflected those observed in SPIN surveys, further validating the survey and corroborating abundance trends.ConclusionResults demonstrate that the suppression of Northern Pike in large, complex waters is feasible but requires a substantial long‐term commitment. We expect the suppression of this invasive species to become standard practice outside of its native range. The methodology and equipment described here could be applied directly or modified by others to suppress Northern Pike.