Mollusks and Crustaceans
KLWA supported a brief study of crayfish in Kezar Lake in August-September 2008. The study was conducted by Dr. Karen Wilson at the University of Southern Maine. The study found three native species and caught a total of 29 crayfish, which were mostly found around rocky islands. The spatial and temporal sample size were too small to gain any significant conclusions on population size, species composition, or size trends. No evidence of invasive crayfish was found. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the crayfish population has declined in Kezar Lake. The CCO supports a new, more comprehensive, crayfish study in the future.
Invasive aquatic mollusks and crustaceans on Maine’s watch list include some that have already invaded Maine’s waters like the Chinese mystery snail, as well as others that are poised to invade in the future, such as the spiny water flea, zebra and quagga mussels, Asian clam, rusty crayfish, and the Chinese mitten crab.