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Carbon Dioxide as an Invasive Carp Lethal Control

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By Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center January 16, 2020

Invasive Carp Control: Carbon Dioxide

Management agencies often rely on commercial harvest for invasive carp population control. Piscicides, or fish toxicants, are an alternative method that could supplement Integrated Pest Management plans to kill and remove large quantities of invasive carps in a relatively short period of time. This non-selective removal strategy could greatly improve removal efficiency, particularly where high abundances of invasive carps are present.

USGS scientist injecting a PIT tag into an Asian carp for identification during CO2 trials.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
USGS scientist injecting a PIT tag into an invasive carp for identification during CO2 trials.

The goal of this project is to determine the efficacy of carbon dioxide (CO2) as an under-ice lethal control. Ice cover provides a temporary boundary between water and the atmosphere which is beneficial to hold CO2 in solution and sustain a lethal exposure. Studies have been conducted in laboratory and pond settings to quantify lethal concentrations across species and life stages. Results are intended to inform natural resource management decisions regarding the potential utility of CO2 for invasive carp population control.

Liquid CO2 supply tanks for field testing.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Liquid CO2 supply tanks for field testing.
Injecting CO2 under ice to evaluate its use as a lethal control method.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Injecting CO2 under ice to evaluate its use as a lethal control method.
Using a Van Dorn sampler to collect eDNA water samples during a lethal control CO2 trial.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Using a Van Dorn sampler to collect eDNA water samples during a lethal control CO2 trial.

Links associated with this project.

https://www.asiancarp.us/Documents/2019ActionPlan.pdf

link
USGS scientist monitoring water quality during evaluation of CO2 on non-target fish during toxicity trials.

Registration of Carbon Dioxide–Carp

Invasive Carp Control: Carbon Dioxide Registration of new fishery chemicals is critical to facilitate field research and give resource managers the ability to incorporate chemical controls as part of their Integrated Pest Management plans. In April 2019, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) obtained a Section 3 registration from the U.S. Environmental...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Mississippi River
link

Registration of Carbon Dioxide–Carp

Invasive Carp Control: Carbon Dioxide Registration of new fishery chemicals is critical to facilitate field research and give resource managers the ability to incorporate chemical controls as part of their Integrated Pest Management plans. In April 2019, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) obtained a Section 3 registration from the U.S. Environmental...
Learn More
link
Plain pocketbook mussels being used to evaluate effects of CO2 on non-target species.

Effects of Carbon Dioxide on Non-Target Organisms

Invasive Carp Control: Carbon Dioxide Chemical controls are a vital component of many effective Integrated Pest Management plans. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is being evaluated as a new fishery chemical for invasive carps as a general toxicant or behavioral deterrent. Administration of non-selective chemicals, such as CO2, into public waters could pose a risk to non-target organisms (e.g. native mussels...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Mississippi River
link

Effects of Carbon Dioxide on Non-Target Organisms

Invasive Carp Control: Carbon Dioxide Chemical controls are a vital component of many effective Integrated Pest Management plans. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is being evaluated as a new fishery chemical for invasive carps as a general toxicant or behavioral deterrent. Administration of non-selective chemicals, such as CO2, into public waters could pose a risk to non-target organisms (e.g. native mussels...
Learn More
link
Rusty crayfish used in lab CO2 deterrent trials.

Carbon Dioxide for General Aquatic Invasive Species Control

Invasive Carp Control: Carbon Dioxide Carbon dioxide (CO2) is being evaluated as a new fishery chemical for general aquatic invasive species control. Most research has focused on its effectiveness as a behavioral deterrent and lethal control or invasive carps. However, because CO2 is generally non-selective, there is potential for this new control chemical to be applied across a wide range of...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Mississippi River
link

Carbon Dioxide for General Aquatic Invasive Species Control

Invasive Carp Control: Carbon Dioxide Carbon dioxide (CO2) is being evaluated as a new fishery chemical for general aquatic invasive species control. Most research has focused on its effectiveness as a behavioral deterrent and lethal control or invasive carps. However, because CO2 is generally non-selective, there is potential for this new control chemical to be applied across a wide range of...
Learn More
link
Carbon dioxide being delivered for field trials near Kaukauna, Wisconsin

Engineering and Testing of Carbon Dioxide Infusion Systems

Invasive Carp Control: Carbon Dioxide Management agencies have identified key pinch-points where there is a need to block invasive carp passage. Recent studies have shown that carbon dioxide (CO2) can be an effective behavioral deterrent for invasive carps and could be used independently or in combination with other deterrents to reduce the risk of migration into new areas. Installation of a...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Mississippi River
link

Engineering and Testing of Carbon Dioxide Infusion Systems

Invasive Carp Control: Carbon Dioxide Management agencies have identified key pinch-points where there is a need to block invasive carp passage. Recent studies have shown that carbon dioxide (CO2) can be an effective behavioral deterrent for invasive carps and could be used independently or in combination with other deterrents to reduce the risk of migration into new areas. Installation of a...
Learn More
link
USGS and USFWS personnel preparing to electro fish for common carp near Kaukauna, WI.

Carbon Dioxide as an Invasive Carp Behavioral Deterrent

Invasive Carp Control: Carbon Dioxide Introduction of invasive carps into public waters of the United States has resulted in a large effort to limit dispersal beyond the Mississippi River watershed. Navigational structures positioned throughout most major rivers are potential pinch-points to block further range expansion into new areas. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is being evaluated as fish deterrent to...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Mississippi River
link

Carbon Dioxide as an Invasive Carp Behavioral Deterrent

Invasive Carp Control: Carbon Dioxide Introduction of invasive carps into public waters of the United States has resulted in a large effort to limit dispersal beyond the Mississippi River watershed. Navigational structures positioned throughout most major rivers are potential pinch-points to block further range expansion into new areas. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is being evaluated as fish deterrent to...
Learn More

Below are publications associated with this project.

Assessment of carbon dioxide piscicide treatments

Few chemicals are approved to control or eradicate nuisance fish populations in the United States. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is currently being developed and studied as a new piscicide option for nonselective population control. This study evaluated dry ice (solid state CO2) as a simple CO2 delivery method during winter piscicide applications. Nonnative Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Bighead
Authors
Aaron R. Cupp, Justin Smerud, John Tix, Jose Rivera, Stacie A. Kageyama, Christopher M. Merkes, Richard A. Erickson, Jon Amberg, Mark P. Gaikowski
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Carbon dioxide as an under-ice lethal control for invasive fishes

Resource managers need effective tools to control invasive fish populations. In this study, we tested under-ice carbon dioxide (CO2) injection as a novel piscicide method for non-native Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), Bighead Carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) and native Bigmouth Buffalo (Ictiobus cyprinellus). Fish wer
Authors
Aaron R. Cupp, Zebadiah Woiak, Richard A. Erickson, Jon Amberg, Mark P. Gaikowski
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Below are partners associated with this project.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Invasive Carp Control: Carbon Dioxide

Management agencies often rely on commercial harvest for invasive carp population control. Piscicides, or fish toxicants, are an alternative method that could supplement Integrated Pest Management plans to kill and remove large quantities of invasive carps in a relatively short period of time. This non-selective removal strategy could greatly improve removal efficiency, particularly where high abundances of invasive carps are present.

USGS scientist injecting a PIT tag into an Asian carp for identification during CO2 trials.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
USGS scientist injecting a PIT tag into an invasive carp for identification during CO2 trials.

The goal of this project is to determine the efficacy of carbon dioxide (CO2) as an under-ice lethal control. Ice cover provides a temporary boundary between water and the atmosphere which is beneficial to hold CO2 in solution and sustain a lethal exposure. Studies have been conducted in laboratory and pond settings to quantify lethal concentrations across species and life stages. Results are intended to inform natural resource management decisions regarding the potential utility of CO2 for invasive carp population control.

Liquid CO2 supply tanks for field testing.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Liquid CO2 supply tanks for field testing.
Injecting CO2 under ice to evaluate its use as a lethal control method.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Injecting CO2 under ice to evaluate its use as a lethal control method.
Using a Van Dorn sampler to collect eDNA water samples during a lethal control CO2 trial.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Using a Van Dorn sampler to collect eDNA water samples during a lethal control CO2 trial.

Links associated with this project.

https://www.asiancarp.us/Documents/2019ActionPlan.pdf

link
USGS scientist monitoring water quality during evaluation of CO2 on non-target fish during toxicity trials.

Registration of Carbon Dioxide–Carp

Invasive Carp Control: Carbon Dioxide Registration of new fishery chemicals is critical to facilitate field research and give resource managers the ability to incorporate chemical controls as part of their Integrated Pest Management plans. In April 2019, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) obtained a Section 3 registration from the U.S. Environmental...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Mississippi River
link

Registration of Carbon Dioxide–Carp

Invasive Carp Control: Carbon Dioxide Registration of new fishery chemicals is critical to facilitate field research and give resource managers the ability to incorporate chemical controls as part of their Integrated Pest Management plans. In April 2019, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) obtained a Section 3 registration from the U.S. Environmental...
Learn More
link
Plain pocketbook mussels being used to evaluate effects of CO2 on non-target species.

Effects of Carbon Dioxide on Non-Target Organisms

Invasive Carp Control: Carbon Dioxide Chemical controls are a vital component of many effective Integrated Pest Management plans. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is being evaluated as a new fishery chemical for invasive carps as a general toxicant or behavioral deterrent. Administration of non-selective chemicals, such as CO2, into public waters could pose a risk to non-target organisms (e.g. native mussels...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Mississippi River
link

Effects of Carbon Dioxide on Non-Target Organisms

Invasive Carp Control: Carbon Dioxide Chemical controls are a vital component of many effective Integrated Pest Management plans. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is being evaluated as a new fishery chemical for invasive carps as a general toxicant or behavioral deterrent. Administration of non-selective chemicals, such as CO2, into public waters could pose a risk to non-target organisms (e.g. native mussels...
Learn More
link
Rusty crayfish used in lab CO2 deterrent trials.

Carbon Dioxide for General Aquatic Invasive Species Control

Invasive Carp Control: Carbon Dioxide Carbon dioxide (CO2) is being evaluated as a new fishery chemical for general aquatic invasive species control. Most research has focused on its effectiveness as a behavioral deterrent and lethal control or invasive carps. However, because CO2 is generally non-selective, there is potential for this new control chemical to be applied across a wide range of...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Mississippi River
link

Carbon Dioxide for General Aquatic Invasive Species Control

Invasive Carp Control: Carbon Dioxide Carbon dioxide (CO2) is being evaluated as a new fishery chemical for general aquatic invasive species control. Most research has focused on its effectiveness as a behavioral deterrent and lethal control or invasive carps. However, because CO2 is generally non-selective, there is potential for this new control chemical to be applied across a wide range of...
Learn More
link
Carbon dioxide being delivered for field trials near Kaukauna, Wisconsin

Engineering and Testing of Carbon Dioxide Infusion Systems

Invasive Carp Control: Carbon Dioxide Management agencies have identified key pinch-points where there is a need to block invasive carp passage. Recent studies have shown that carbon dioxide (CO2) can be an effective behavioral deterrent for invasive carps and could be used independently or in combination with other deterrents to reduce the risk of migration into new areas. Installation of a...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Mississippi River
link

Engineering and Testing of Carbon Dioxide Infusion Systems

Invasive Carp Control: Carbon Dioxide Management agencies have identified key pinch-points where there is a need to block invasive carp passage. Recent studies have shown that carbon dioxide (CO2) can be an effective behavioral deterrent for invasive carps and could be used independently or in combination with other deterrents to reduce the risk of migration into new areas. Installation of a...
Learn More
link
USGS and USFWS personnel preparing to electro fish for common carp near Kaukauna, WI.

Carbon Dioxide as an Invasive Carp Behavioral Deterrent

Invasive Carp Control: Carbon Dioxide Introduction of invasive carps into public waters of the United States has resulted in a large effort to limit dispersal beyond the Mississippi River watershed. Navigational structures positioned throughout most major rivers are potential pinch-points to block further range expansion into new areas. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is being evaluated as fish deterrent to...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Mississippi River
link

Carbon Dioxide as an Invasive Carp Behavioral Deterrent

Invasive Carp Control: Carbon Dioxide Introduction of invasive carps into public waters of the United States has resulted in a large effort to limit dispersal beyond the Mississippi River watershed. Navigational structures positioned throughout most major rivers are potential pinch-points to block further range expansion into new areas. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is being evaluated as fish deterrent to...
Learn More

Below are publications associated with this project.

Assessment of carbon dioxide piscicide treatments

Few chemicals are approved to control or eradicate nuisance fish populations in the United States. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is currently being developed and studied as a new piscicide option for nonselective population control. This study evaluated dry ice (solid state CO2) as a simple CO2 delivery method during winter piscicide applications. Nonnative Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Bighead
Authors
Aaron R. Cupp, Justin Smerud, John Tix, Jose Rivera, Stacie A. Kageyama, Christopher M. Merkes, Richard A. Erickson, Jon Amberg, Mark P. Gaikowski
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Carbon dioxide as an under-ice lethal control for invasive fishes

Resource managers need effective tools to control invasive fish populations. In this study, we tested under-ice carbon dioxide (CO2) injection as a novel piscicide method for non-native Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), Bighead Carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) and native Bigmouth Buffalo (Ictiobus cyprinellus). Fish wer
Authors
Aaron R. Cupp, Zebadiah Woiak, Richard A. Erickson, Jon Amberg, Mark P. Gaikowski
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Below are partners associated with this project.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

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