Black Sea Silverside, Boyer’s sand smelt, Atherina mochon (Cuvier, 1829); Atherina hepsetus (Delaroche, 1809).

Nonindigenous Occurrences: Atherina boyeri occurs in isolated populations on the coasts of England (Fishbase). This species is found in Lake Trasimeno, Italy (Freyhof and Kottelat 2008), the coasts of the Netherlands (Den Hartog and Van der Velde 1987), Portugal (Fishbase), and Spain. Its occurrence has been recorded in Sapanca Lake (Geldiay and Balik 1996), Güzelhisar Stream, Köycegiz Lake (Balik 1979), Küçükçekmece Lake (Altun 1999), Lake Iznik (Özeren 2004), Homa Lagoon (Sezen 2005), Hirfanli Dam Lake, Beysehir Lake, and Mogan Lake (Innal and Erk’akan 2006), Turkey. It has been reported to occur in the Aral Sea (Freyhof and Kottelat 2008).

Atherina boyeria is carnivorous but its prey is primarily zooplankton and other small invertebrates due to its limited gape (Henderson and Bamber 1987). Atherina boyeri that inhabit coastal waters feed on zooplankton, while those that inhabit estuaries feed on benthic organisms (Kiener and Spillman 1969; Bartuloviç et al. 2004). This species is an opportunistic feeder and its diet changes with the seasons and prey availability (Bartuloviç et al. 2004). During the autumn, it feeds on fish larvae (Doulka et al. 2013). It has been suggested that this species plays an important role in estuarine food webs (Bartuloviç et al. 2004). Atherina boyeri is preyed on by carnivorous fish such as Sphyraena (Kalogirou et al. 2012).
Atherina boyeri exhibits a rapid growth rate, early maturity, and frequent spawning over a long breeding season (Fernández-Delgado et al. 1988). This species develops to its full external adult morphology within 2 months of hatching, and reach sexual maturity within their first year of life (Henderson and Bamber 1987). This species reproduces in the summer with an average fecundity is 110.4 per individual (Küçük et al. 2012). Adults remain in or near their spawning areas (Henderson and Bamber 1987).

Potential pathway(s) of introduction: Transoceanic shipping (ballast water); unauthorized intentional release.
 

Atherina boyeri does not currently occur near waters connected to the Great Lakes. There is no indication that this species is sold or stocked in North America. However, it occurs in ports that have direct connections with the Great Lakes (NBIC). 

Atherina boyeri has commercial value as a prey of highly-priced carnivorous fish such as sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax. This species is introduced into freshwater lakes and reservoirs in Europe to enhance stock (Economidis et al. 2000). In Turkey, it has been introduced to several lakes by local fishermen (Inaal and Erk’akan 2006). It can survive in hypersaline conditions up to 110% salinity and temperatures between 6-25°C (Henderson and Bamber 1987). It is likely that Atherina boyeri has the potential to survive ballast tank environments.

Atherina boyeri has a moderate probability of establishment if introduced to the Great Lakes (Confidence level: Moderate).
The native and introduced ranges of Atherina boyeri have similar climatic and abiotic conditions to that of the Great Lakes (EPA 2008; Reid and Orlova 2002; Grigorovich et al. 2003). If introduced, Atherina boyeri is likely to find a suitable habitat in the Great Lakes. Although it is commonly found in estuaries, it has no problem establishing in freshwater due to its ability to tolerate a broad range of salinities and adapt quickly (Henderson and Bamber, 1987; Leonardos and Sinis 2000). It is thermophilous, its ability to survive the winters of the Great Lakes is limited (Den Hartog and Van der Velde 1987; Henderson and Bamber 1987). Atherina boyeri exhibits a rapid growth rate, early maturity, and frequent spawning over a long breeding season (Fernández-Delgado et al. 1988). Its reproductive strategy may contribute to its establishment if introduced to the Great Lakes.
Atherina boyeri can adapt to new environments rapidly. It established as a nonnative fish in Lake Egirdir within 2 years of its introduction (Küçük et al. 2007). Atherina boyeri is capable of reaching high densities; it became a dominant fish in the community, comprising of nearly 50% of the ichthyofauna composition in the Mala Neretva estuary (Sršen 1995). The construction of levees in the Neretva River estuary changed the environment in a way that benefitted Atherina boyeri populations. Atherina boyeri is established in the Netherlands after intentional introduction, but its distribution is bound to waters that receive thermal discharge from the cooling systems of power plants (Den Hartog and Van der Velde 1987).

Summary of species impacts derived from literature review. Click on an icon to find out more...

Environmental	Socioeconomic

There is little or no evidence to support that Atherina boyeri has the potential for significant socio-economic impact if introduced to the Great Lakes.
It has not been reported that Atherina boyeri poses a threat to human health or water quality. There is no evidence that this species negatively impacts infrastructure, economic sectors, recreational activities and associated tourism, or the aesthetic appeal of the areas it inhabits.
 

Atherina boyeri has the potential for high beneficial effects if introduced to the Great Lakes.
Increased population size of Atherina boyeri in the Neretva River estuary enhanced the production of the local fishery and the stock of sea bass Dicentrarchu labrax (Küçük et al. 2007). In Greece, it is sold for about US $3 per kg and is edible (El-Sahn et al. 1990; Leonardos and Sinis 2000).
Introduction of Atherina boyeri may positively impact the populations of Great Lakes predatory fish and enhance recreational fishing. If Atherina boyeri were introduced, the parasitic trematode that it carries may infect invasive gobies of the Great Lakes and help decrease their populations.

Note: Check federal, state/provincial, and local regulations for the most up-to-date information.

Control
Biological
There are no known biological control methods for this species.
 

Physical
There are no known physical control methods for this species.

Chemical
There are no chemical control methods for this species. General piscicides (such as rotenone) may be used for control, but expect significant kill of non-target species.

Note: Check state/provincial and local regulations for the most up-to-date information regarding permits for control methods. Follow all label instructions.