Rusty Crayfish and Smallmouth Bass in the Susquehanna River: Who’s eating Whom?

Invasive aquatic species abound in the Susquehanna River (Mangan 2002). The distribution and relative abundance of one of these invasives, the Rusty Crayfish (Orconectes rusticus), has been defined and delineated by Mangan.  Rusty Crayfish have been reported to significantly alter the ecology of water bodies.  Smallmouth Bass abundance, growth, and nesting success have been linked to many environmental variables, including the presence and abundance of invasive crayfish.  The objectives of this study are to 1) determine the diet of Rusty Crayfish in the Susquehanna River, 2) determine if Rusty Crayfish are affecting nesting success of Smallmouth Bass in the river, and 3) develop a method or protocol for measuring crayfish density in the river.