Field Testing of an Underwater Acoustic Deterrent System for Invasive Carps in the Illinois River
Acoustic deterrent technologies are being considered to prevent the spread of invasive carps including bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) and silver carp (H. molitrix) from the Mississippi River Basin to the Great Lakes. However, most testing has focused on experimental systems in small ponds or at large navigation locks. To further assess the effectiveness this technology in a different type of field setting (i.e., backwater of the Illinois River), field testing of the equipment and newly developed sound stimuli on wild populations of invasive carps is essential. The Heidelberg Materials gravel pits on the Illinois River at Morris, Illinois is a frequently utilized area by silver and bighead carp. and has been the location of contract fish and monitoring with acoustic telemetry for many hears. The USGS is partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Engineer Research and Development Center to complete this project.
Invasive Carp Control: Acoustic Deterrents
Extensive long-term (6+ years) movement data of bigheaded carps in the Illinois River have been collected by Southern Illinois University, the USGS, and the USACE. Preliminary analyses of fish movement at this location suggest that bigheaded carps use the Heidelberg Materials gravel pits extensively throughout the year. If so, using an underwater acoustic deterrent system (uADS) to discourage fish movement between the East Pit and West Pit will allow assessment of the efficacy of newly developed acoustic deterrent stimuli. Since 2014, a 100-hp boat motor signal has been tested as an acoustic deterrent stimulus for bigheaded carps in the lab and in ponds. In the summer of 2018, two newly engineered acoustic signals were tested and selected as potential effective deterrent stimuli. These new signals, plus the 100-hp boat motor signal will be tested at this site.
Objectives
- Summarize available telemetry data for this site in collaboration with Southern Illinois University and other partners to assess the natural movement and distribution of fishes in the study area.
- Operate UADS on a one day on/one day off regimen and assess behavior of invasive carps and native fish in the area.
- Evaluate the long-term effects of the environment on equipment and performance.
Acoustic deterrent technologies are being considered to prevent the spread of invasive carps including bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) and silver carp (H. molitrix) from the Mississippi River Basin to the Great Lakes. However, most testing has focused on experimental systems in small ponds or at large navigation locks. To further assess the effectiveness this technology in a different type of field setting (i.e., backwater of the Illinois River), field testing of the equipment and newly developed sound stimuli on wild populations of invasive carps is essential. The Heidelberg Materials gravel pits on the Illinois River at Morris, Illinois is a frequently utilized area by silver and bighead carp. and has been the location of contract fish and monitoring with acoustic telemetry for many hears. The USGS is partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Engineer Research and Development Center to complete this project.
Invasive Carp Control: Acoustic Deterrents
Extensive long-term (6+ years) movement data of bigheaded carps in the Illinois River have been collected by Southern Illinois University, the USGS, and the USACE. Preliminary analyses of fish movement at this location suggest that bigheaded carps use the Heidelberg Materials gravel pits extensively throughout the year. If so, using an underwater acoustic deterrent system (uADS) to discourage fish movement between the East Pit and West Pit will allow assessment of the efficacy of newly developed acoustic deterrent stimuli. Since 2014, a 100-hp boat motor signal has been tested as an acoustic deterrent stimulus for bigheaded carps in the lab and in ponds. In the summer of 2018, two newly engineered acoustic signals were tested and selected as potential effective deterrent stimuli. These new signals, plus the 100-hp boat motor signal will be tested at this site.
Objectives
- Summarize available telemetry data for this site in collaboration with Southern Illinois University and other partners to assess the natural movement and distribution of fishes in the study area.
- Operate UADS on a one day on/one day off regimen and assess behavior of invasive carps and native fish in the area.
- Evaluate the long-term effects of the environment on equipment and performance.