Introduced Flathead Catfish in the Southeastern United States:
Biology, Ecology, and Human Dimensions

8-9 March 2000, Hickory Knob State Resort Park, McCormick, SC

Rationale

The flathead catfish, Pylodictis olivaris, has been introduced to Atlantic and Gulf slope rivers in the southeastern United States. Given its rapid dispersal, high growth rates, and carnivorous food habits, natural resource managers, aquatic researchers, and anglers are concerned with the impacts that introduced flathead catfish may exert upon native fish assemblages and fisheries. This conflict between native and introduced fishes creates a management dilemma that requires a sound understanding and quantitative information, upon which to base management strategies, but is not currently available.

Objectives

The objectives of this workshop are to compile and summarize existing knowledge on the biology, ecology, and social aspects of introduced flathead catfish populations and to develop a research agenda to guide future expansion and application of that knowledge. This workshop will serve as a means to exchange information and develop research strategies and goals with interaction among biologists from state and federal natural resource agencies, universities, and private organizations.

Specific objectives will be to

(1) compile a historical chronology of the introduction and dispersal of flathead catfish,

(2) summarize existing scientific knowledge, and

(3) develop a research agenda for the future.

The results of this exercise will be drafted as a workshop proceedings or an article to be submitted to an appropriate peer-reviewed, scientific journal.