Use of terrestrial plant-based bait and algae attractant to improve capture efficiency of Grass Carp in Lake Erie tributaries
A team of USGS scientists is currently working with the MDNR, ODNR, USFWS, and academic institutions to evaluate the use of grass carp baits and attractants as a tool for resource managers. The science team aims to integrate the use of baits and attractants to increase aggregation of grass carp near targeted capture sites to enhance the multi-jurisdictional removal program associated with the Lake Erie Committee’s Adaptive Response Plan for the Lake Erie basin. Use of baits could increase the number of fish removed while reducing effort, thus improving the efficiency and effectiveness of response efforts. Separate research is also investigating the use of baits as an oral delivery system of lethal controls for selective removal of grass carp in targeted locations.
Deployment of automated delivery systems for the grass carp bait and algae during 2021 and 2022 are being evaluated in the Sandusky River, Ohio and Plum Creek, Michigan. Both locations are known hotspots for grass carp and are routinely targeted for research and removal. Due to the low catch per unit effort using traditional harvest methods and net avoidance behavior of grass carp, effectiveness of bait and algae deployment to attract fish is being evaluated through a multifaceted approach. In addition to catch data, the science team is also evaluating fish presence around bait delivery systems using environmental DNA (eDNA), sonar, and tracking of tagged grass carp.
Products:
Acre, M. R., Wamboldt, J. J., Mueller, A. T., Hessler, T., Brenden, T., Roberts, J. J., Calfee, R. 2022. Grass carp use and behavior near bait and algae attractants in the Sandusky River, Ohio. 2022. Great Lakes Acoustic Telemetry Observation System 2022 coordination Meeting. Great Lakes Fishery Commission.
Schulz, K. A., Acre M. R., Mueller, A. T., Wamboldt, J. J., Broaddus, D., Hessler, T. M., Wilson, T. L., Thomas, L. M., Mapes B., Amberg, J., and Calfee, R. D. 2022. Can we manipulate fish assemblages with attractants: How fish respond in the Lower Sandusky River, OH. Joint Aquatic Sciences Meeting. Grand Rapids, MI.
Learn more:
A team of USGS scientists is currently working with the MDNR, ODNR, USFWS, and academic institutions to evaluate the use of grass carp baits and attractants as a tool for resource managers. The science team aims to integrate the use of baits and attractants to increase aggregation of grass carp near targeted capture sites to enhance the multi-jurisdictional removal program associated with the Lake Erie Committee’s Adaptive Response Plan for the Lake Erie basin. Use of baits could increase the number of fish removed while reducing effort, thus improving the efficiency and effectiveness of response efforts. Separate research is also investigating the use of baits as an oral delivery system of lethal controls for selective removal of grass carp in targeted locations.
Deployment of automated delivery systems for the grass carp bait and algae during 2021 and 2022 are being evaluated in the Sandusky River, Ohio and Plum Creek, Michigan. Both locations are known hotspots for grass carp and are routinely targeted for research and removal. Due to the low catch per unit effort using traditional harvest methods and net avoidance behavior of grass carp, effectiveness of bait and algae deployment to attract fish is being evaluated through a multifaceted approach. In addition to catch data, the science team is also evaluating fish presence around bait delivery systems using environmental DNA (eDNA), sonar, and tracking of tagged grass carp.
Products:
Acre, M. R., Wamboldt, J. J., Mueller, A. T., Hessler, T., Brenden, T., Roberts, J. J., Calfee, R. 2022. Grass carp use and behavior near bait and algae attractants in the Sandusky River, Ohio. 2022. Great Lakes Acoustic Telemetry Observation System 2022 coordination Meeting. Great Lakes Fishery Commission.
Schulz, K. A., Acre M. R., Mueller, A. T., Wamboldt, J. J., Broaddus, D., Hessler, T. M., Wilson, T. L., Thomas, L. M., Mapes B., Amberg, J., and Calfee, R. D. 2022. Can we manipulate fish assemblages with attractants: How fish respond in the Lower Sandusky River, OH. Joint Aquatic Sciences Meeting. Grand Rapids, MI.
Learn more: