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Global Status of Non-Native Largemouth Bass ( Micropterus Salmoides , Centrachidae) and Smallmouth Bass ( Micropterus Dolomieu , Centrarchidae): Disparate Views as Beloved Sportfish and Feared Invader

2023; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 32; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/23308249.2023.2244078

2330-8257

James M. Long, Lauren Seguy,

Fish Biology and Ecology Studies

AbstractLargemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides, LMB) and Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu, SMB) are among the most highly invasive species across the globe, but are simultaneously among the most highly sought-after game fish. To explain these disparate views, data on invasive status and angling participation of these two species were compiled at the country level. Largemouth Bass were found established in 62 countries on five continents, whereas SMB were found established in only nine countries on the same five continents. Invasive risk assessments were disparate between the species, with more for SMB (N = 29) than LMB (N = 27). In every instance save one (Finland), SMB were considered "invasive" compared to LMB, which were "invasive" in only 74% of assessments. Twenty-eight countries with non-native black bass have groups that participate in high-profile fishing tournament such the Black Bass World Championship, BASS (Bass Anglers Sportsmans Society) Nation, and Major League Fishing. Most countries with fishing tournaments occur in countries with established LMB populations than in countries with established SMB populations, suggesting a greater economic importance on LMB fishing. The struggle between conserving biodiversity and relying upon economic benefits from fishing for introduced species is a wicked problem likely to continue into the future.Keywords: Black bassCentrarchidaefisheries managementfishing tournamentswicked problem AcknowledgmentsWe thank the editorial team and peer reviewers for their constructive comments that improved this paper. The Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit is supported by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Oklahoma State University, U.S. Geological Survey, the Wildlife Management Institute, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. The authors report there are no competing interests to declare.Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).