Asian Carp
Science Center Objects
The negative effects of invasive carp to the Nation’s waterways are far reaching and have potential to expand and intensify. USGS is delivering data, tools and technologies to partners to keep these invasive fish out of the Great Lakes and other aquatic ecosystems and control them where they occur in the Ohio River and Mississippi River Basins.
Underwater sound technology is being field tested as a tool for herding and deterring Bighead carp, and is being used in combination with fish netting activities to maximize control efforts. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is an effective deterrent of invasive carp and USGS is currently working with partners to field test methods for elevating CO2 levels in water to deter invasive carp range expansion. USGS also has extensive capabilities in invasive carp biology and life history research that have led to development of models, tools and strategies to better understand the risk of invasive carp establishment and survival. One risk assessment tool is the Fluvial Egg Drift Simulator that incorporates egg and larval temperature-dependent development rates for Bighead, Silver and Grass carp with water temperature and flow conditions to predict where invasive carp are likely to spawn and where eggs and larvae will likely be located after a spawning event.
New geonarrative describes broad USGS approach to invasive carp research. (Public domain.)
USGS Science and Technology Help Managers Battle Invasive Carp: A Geonarrative
Learn more about how the USGS is helping battle invasive carp by scrolling through this geonarrative, also known as a story map.
More information about invasive carp research is available from the links below.
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Science
Increased threat of invasive carp entering the Great Lakes and spreading to other basins such as the Upper Mississippi River and Ohio River basins, has led to increased prevention and control efforts since 2010.
- Invasive Carp Early Detection
In collaboration with partners, USGS scientists are testing early detection methods and technologies to enhance the ability of agencies to manage invasive carp to minimize their influence and spread.
- Invasive Carp Risk Assessment and Life History
USGS invasive carp biology and life history research has led to the development of models, tools and strategies to better understand the risk of invasive carp establishment and survival.
- Invasive Carp Integrated Control and Containment
Successful management of invasive species requires methods to contain future spread, reduce population levels, and minimize their effects. In collaboration with partners, USGS scientists have developed and continue to test containment and control tools and technologies, and investigate options for combined implementation of tools using an integrated adaptive management approach.
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center Science
- Determining the Ploidy and Resultant Reproductive Capability of Artificially Spawned and Wild Caught Invasive Carp
The invasive grass carp and black carp are artificially spawned to produce triploids, which means they have three sets of chromosomes and are sterile. WARC scientists invented an early ploidy prediction process for produced fry, and a post-mortem assessment method for carp caught either in the wild or sold and hauled live to other states.
- Developing Detection Probabilities and Quantifying the Effects of Flowing Water to Improve Invasive Carp Environmental DNA (eDNA) Surveys
Invasive invasive carp are problematic for native species, and managers are implementing control measures without well-quantified detection limits or a means to assess the accuracy and precision of existing or future survey data for the fish. Environmental DNA - eDNA - is already used to detect the presence of invasive species, and can be used to identify locations to focus carp control efforts.
- Genetic Analysis of Wild and Captive Black Carp in the Mississippi River Basin
Black carp have likely been present in the Mississippi River since the 1990s, but their current distribution and spread is not well understood. Genetics is helping to shed light on this species, including its diversity, the relatedness of wild and captive fish, and its introduction history.
Upper Midwest Environmental Science Center Science
- Development of Chemical Tools to Control Invasive Carp and Dreissenid Mussels
Presently, there is no method to control dreissenid mussels (e.g., zebra or quagga) or invasive carp in aquatic systems without attempting total remediation of that system, resulting in the death of all fish and likely all mussels within that aquatic system.
- Evaluation of a broadband sound as a deterrent for bigheaded carps at the Emiquon Preserve (Lewistown, Illinois)
Expansion of bigheaded carps Hypophthalmichthys spp. throughout North American waterways have prompted the need for control systems that can alter their movement and/or behavior. The avoidance response of bigheaded carps to the sound of an outboard motor (0.06-10 kHz) has lead researchers to investigate sound as a means to manipulate their movements.
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) injected under-ice to enhance winterkill of invasive carps
Ongoing research at UMESC is assessing the efficacy of CO2 injected under-ice to reduce the overwinter survival of invasive carps. If effective, CO2 may provide managers with an inexpensive and safe tool to mitigate invasive carp populations in areas of concern.
- Evaluating the behavioral response of silver and bighead carp to CO2 across three temperatures
The effects of temperature on CO2 deterrence efficacy has not been assessed. For that reason, we are conducting this study to determine if temperature alters the efficacy of CO2 to deter juvenile silver carp and bighead carp.
- Field Evaluation of Microparticles
With this study, we will validate the use of microparticles to selectively deliver a control agent to feral bigheaded carps.
- Screening toxic compounds using cellular assays
Because of the negative impacts that invasive carp species have on aquatic ecosystems, a method of eliminating or controlling them would be highly valued by aquatic resource managers. Chemical control is an option that is routinely employed to control invasive species.
- Use of antimycin-microparticles and alfalfa to control Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella
Currently, the only way of chemically controlling fish populations is with a broad spectrum piscicide, which is undesirable because of the effects on non-target species. The use of a carrier may significantly increase the specificity of the piscicide to grass carp.
- Application of broadband sound for bigheaded carp deterrence
Both silver and bighead carp are sensitive to higher frequency sound than many native fish and silver carp exhibit a unique jumping behavior in response to outboard motors, suggesting an aversion to high frequency sound. While control methods such as electricity and bubble barriers are better studied (5, 6), few studies have investigated the response of these fish to sound.
- Bioacoustic manipulation of invasive Bigheaded carp
The goal of this project is to investigate the sensory biology of bigheaded carp and determine if sound stimuli can be used to deter and guide the movement of both bighead and silver carp in captivity and in the field. An additional goal is to assess if there are negative impacts of sound stimuli on native fish populations
- Assessment of carbon dioxide as barrier to Bigheaded carp
A large-scale pond trial to assess behavioral response of bighead carp, silver carp and non-target fishes (bigmouth buffalo, channel catfish, paddlefish and yellow perch) has been completed. Results from this trial demonstrated that all fish avoided the area where CO2was injected until the pond was saturated.
- Determination of the Acute Toxicity of Model-based Candidate Chemical Toxicants to Native and Nonnative Fish Species in Static Exposures
The models created at UMESC were used to predict toxicity to three fish species: rainbow trout, bluegill sunfish, and fathead minnow because data to support these models were both available and provided more extensive statistical analysis. Data on the toxicity of chemicals to the bighead carp and silver carp are lacking so it isn’t possible to develop models to predict chemical toxicity. Because of the lack of data, bigheaded carps are treated as Cyprinids, which are modeled using the fathead minnow data.
- Developing a portable LAMP assay for detecting grass and black carp
We have developed and validated a portable kit that uses LAMP to detect bigheaded carps in bait tanks. This kit is currently in use by law enforcement in three states to help stop the spread of bigheaded carps, and the development of another assay to detect grass and black carp would expand their capacity to help stop the spread of these invasive species as well.
- Use of antimycin-microparticles and corn feed to control Common Carp Cyprinus carpio
Common carp can be conditioned to aggregate in selected areas of lakes to selectively consume corn. This would create opportunities for developing carp-specific antimycin delivery systems. Because all post-larval stages of carp share similar diet, different size pellets could be used to target different life stages of carp.
- Correlating seasonal trends and occupancy of bigheaded carp eDNA to land use and stream characteristics
The results of this study will advance our understanding of environmental DNA (eDNA) and how eDNA signatures change as fish behavior changes over the course of the open water season.
⇒ Return to Invasive Species Science
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Date published: February 27, 2018Status: ActiveField Evaluation of Microparticles
With this study, we will validate the use of microparticles to selectively deliver a control agent to feral bigheaded carps. Prior controlled studies conducted in ponds at the Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) in Columbia, Missouri indicated that microparticles could be used to deliver antimycin to bigheaded carps while not impacting non-target species like Largemouth Bass and...
Contacts: Jon Amberg, Blake Sauey, MS -
Date published: February 27, 2018Status: ActiveScreening toxic compounds using cellular assays
This study is designed to be a high-throughput alternative to traditional methods of using whole fish assays to screen compounds for toxicity. This approach involves an initial pre-screening of a chemical databank to select molecules possessing characteristics identified as predictive criteria for potential toxicity to the fathead minnow, followed by cytotoxicity screening of selected...
Contacts: Stephen R Lantz, PhD, Joel G Putnam -
Date published: February 27, 2018Status: ActiveEvaluation of a broadband sound as a deterrent for bigheaded carps at the Emiquon Preserve (Lewistown, Illinois)
Expansion of bigheaded carps Hypophthalmichthys spp. throughout North American waterways have prompted the need for control systems that can alter their movement and/or behavior. The avoidance response of bigheaded carps to the sound of an outboard motor (0.06-10 kHz) has lead researchers to investigate sound as a means to manipulate their movements.
Contacts: James Wamboldt -
Date published: January 11, 2018Status: ActiveDevelopment of Chemical Tools to Control Invasive Carp and Dreissenid Mussels
Over 180 and 140 aquatic invasive species (AIS) have been introduced into the Great Lakes and Upper Mississippi River basins, respectively, with threats of new invasions always on the horizon. Sea lamprey, zebra mussels, and invasive carps are just a few examples of AIS whose abilities to alter aquatic habitats and disrupt food cycles threaten many outdoor recreation opportunities and...
Contacts: Mark Gaikowski -
Date published: October 24, 2017Status: ActiveAsian Carp Early Detection
Increased threat of Asian carp entering the Great Lakes and spreading to other basins such as the Upper Mississippi River and Ohio River basins, has led to increased prevention and control efforts since 2010. In collaboration with partners, USGS scientists are testing early detection methods and technologies to enhance the ability of agencies to manage Asian carp to minimize their influence...
Contacts: Jon Hortness -
Date published: October 23, 2017Status: ActiveAsian Carp Risk Assessment and Life History
Increased threat of Asian carp entering the Great Lakes and spreading to other basins such as the Upper Mississippi River and Ohio River basins, has led to increased prevention and control efforts since 2010. USGS Asian carp biology and life history research has led to the development of models, tools and strategies to better understand the risk of Asian carp establishment and survival....
Contacts: Jon Hortness -
Date published: October 22, 2017Status: ActiveAsian Carp Integrated Control and Containment
Increased threat of Asian carp entering the Great Lakes and spreading to other basins such as the Upper Mississippi River and Ohio River basins, has led to increased prevention and control efforts since 2010. Successful management of invasive species requires methods to contain future spread, reduce population levels, and minimize their effects. In collaboration with partners, USGS...
Contacts: Jon Hortness -
Date published: May 9, 2017Status: ActiveUse of antimycin-microparticles and corn feed to control Common Carp Cyprinus carpio
Attempts to control carp, Cyprinus carpio, populations in Minnesota (and elsewhere) date back to early 1900s (Moyle et al. 1950, Moyle and Kuehn 1964). Early efforts focused on removing large numbers of adult carp, often by targeting their winter aggregations using seine nets. Such was the strategy in Minnesota in 1930s and 40s, where carp were systematically removed with nets in dozens of...
Contacts: Jon Amberg -
Date published: May 9, 2017Status: ActiveEvaluating the behavioral response of silver and bighead carp to CO2 across three temperatures
Carbon dioxide (CO2) has shown promise as a deterrent to silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and bighead carp (H. nobilis) movement during laboratory (Kates et al. 2012, Dennis et al. 2015) and pond testing (Donaldson et al. 2016, Cupp et al. in journal review). To further understand the utility of CO2 to limit the dispersal of bigheaded carps, continued research into this technology is...
Contacts: Aaron Cupp -
Date published: May 9, 2017Status: ActiveDetermination of the Acute Toxicity of Model-based Candidate Chemical Toxicants to Native and Nonnative Fish Species in Static Exposures
Invasive fishes are of considerable concern to aquatic resource managers. For example, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio), originally brought over from Eurasia sometime in the 1800s are now ubiquitous in U.S. waters. Although they have been around for over 100 years and have become part of U.S. culture, they are still highly detrimental to aquatic ecosystems and a method to eradicate and...
Contacts: Joel G Putnam
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Date published: March 9, 2018Ethanol and sodium acetate as a preservation method to delay degradation of environmental DNA: Data
This data contains environmental DNA (eDNA) sample assay results that were collected from water samples taken from a tank housing Asian carp and placed either on ice or at room temperature. At both treatment temperatures, water samples were left untreated or were treated with an ethanol and sodium acetate solution (EtOH-NaAc).
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Date published: March 7, 2018
Determine the behavior and spatial distribution of bigheaded carp in response to seismic water guns: Data
This dataset includes exported hydroacoustic data (i.e., coordinates for acoustically detected fish targets, mean target strength of detected fish).
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Date published: February 15, 2018
Reexamining silver (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and bighead (H. nobilis) carp hearing: Data
Silver and bighead carp frequency detection was evaluated in response to 100 Hz to 9 kHz using auditory evoked potentials (AEPs). AEPs, consisting of measured minimum Sound Pressure Levels (SPL; dB re 1 ms-2) and Particle Acceleration Thresholds (PAT; dB re 1 ms-2).
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Date published: January 17, 2018Data associated with a dye tracer study in the auxiliary lock at Lock and Dam 14 on the Mississippi River near Pleasant Valley, Iowa, June 2017
These data were collected in support of a multi-agency effort to evaluate the feasibility of using carbon dioxide to create a barrier and prevent upstream passage of invasive fish through navigational locks. The auxiliary lock at Lock and Dam 14 on the Mississippi River near Pleasant Valley, Iowa, was chosen for a field-scale trial of the carbon dioxide barrier to be conducted in 2018.
Attribution: Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Cost Center -
Date published: November 16, 2017
Assessing Techniques to Enhance Barrier Characteristics of High-head Navigation Dams on the Upper Illinois River: Data
The dataset is comprised of river conditions at La Grange, Peoria, Starved Rock, Marseilles, and Dresden Island Locks and Dams, along the Illinois River. Data were recorded bihourly from 1985 – 2016. For each location, pool elevation (ft), tailwater elevation (ft), head height (ft), discharge (cfs), and total gate openess.
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Date published: November 13, 2017
Restoration versus invasive species: bigheaded carps’ use of a rehabilitated backwater: Data
To evaluate how bigheaded carps use a restored backwater habitat, their passages into and out of and residency within a backwater was monitored using acoustic telemetry. This dataset describes the results of this study and was used to compare activity of bigheaded carps between species, at a diel scale, among seasons, and how activity related of environmental conditions.
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Date published: September 13, 2017Velocity profiling at the US Army Corps of Engineers Electric Dispersal Barrier in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal during passage of fully loaded commercial tows
In 2016, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers undertook a large-scale interagency field study to determine the influence of commercial barge vessels on the efficacy of the Electric Dispersal Barrier System (EDBS) in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal (CSSC) in preventing fish passage.
Attribution: Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Cost Center -
Date published: September 12, 2017
Asian carp acoustic stimuli data
Broadband sound recorded from an outboard motor can modulate carp behavior in captivity; however, the response of wild silver carp to broadband sound has yet to be determined. This data set includes information regarding the sound produced by outboard motor and speakers in the field and will help in determining effectiveness of the usage of control techniques in the management of carps.
Attribution: Columbia Environmental Research Center -
Date published: August 28, 2017
Evidence of Asian carp spawning above a key choke point in the Mississippi River: Data
Asian carp were introduced to North America in the 1960s and 70s and have established in the lower Mississippi River basin. Previously published evidence for spawning of these species has been limited in the upper Mississippi River to just below Dam 22. In 2013 and 2014, we sampled ichthyoplankton at 18 locations in the ma in stem of the upper Mississippi River from Dam 9 through Dam 19
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Date published: July 6, 2017
Evaluating upstream passage and timing of approach by adult bigheaded carps at a gated dam on the Illinois River:Data
This dataset describes the results of this study and was used to compare the residency duration of upstream migrants downstream of SRLD between years, tailwater elevation, and water temperature, and how tailwater elevation and water temperature influenced their timing of arrival downstream of Starved Rock Lock and Dam SRLD.
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What are Asian Carp?
Carp are not native to North American waters, but various carp species have been introduced here since the mid-1800s, much to the detriment of native fish. Although carp eradication measures have been active for over 100 years, long-established species, like the common carp, are present in almost every state. Asian carp (bighead, black, grass, and... -
Can I eat Asian carp?
Asian carp of all types have white, firm, mild flesh, which is excellent table fare, but all Asian carp also have intramuscular bones in the filets that many people find undesirable. Asian carp feed low on the food web, are fast growing, are low in fat in the filets, and are not usually bottom feeders — all properties of fish that are lower in... -
Is it possible to eradicate Asian carp once they are in an area?
Eradicating an established population of Asian carp would be extremely difficult and expensive, if possible at all. Potential control methods include the use of fish poisons, physical barriers, physical removal, habitat alteration, or the addition of predators, parasites, or pathogens. Research on Asian carp control is ongoing as part of the Asian... -
Are Asian carp dangerous?
Silver carp (a variety of Asian carp) are easily disturbed and will jump as much as 10 feet into the air in response to rocks thrown in the water, passing trains, geese taking off from the water, or just when they unexpectedly find themselves in a tight place. They also jump at the sound of outboard motors, often landing in boats and sometimes...