Ammonia as a Tool for Removal of Invasive Crayfish in Aquatic Ecosystems

Watch a 58-minute presentation exploring the potential use of ammonia as a chemical control method for invasive crayfish species in the southwestern United States. Learn how Northern Crayfish and Red Swamp Crayfish populations have negatively impacted native aquatic ecosystems through their opportunistic feeding habits and ability to spread between water systems. Discover the results of laboratory experiments testing lethal ammonia concentrations using a specific formulation of ammonium sulfate, sodium carbonate, and sodium sulfite, which achieved high mortality rates in controlled settings. Follow along as Fish Biologist Susan Wood from Grand Canyon National Park discusses field trial outcomes and outlines future research needs, including understanding species-specific responses, evaluating effectiveness across different field conditions, and developing protocols for safely restoring treated areas for native species reintroduction.