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 Carp Control Strategy Framework
Learn more: USGS Invasive Species Program - Asian Carp
Related Content
What are Asian Carp?
Can I eat Asian carp?
Are Asian carp dangerous?
What is an invasive species and why are they a problem?
Newly Hatched Invasive Grass Carp Found in Maumee River, Ohio
A genetic analysis conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey recently confirmed that larval, or newly hatched, fish collected from the Maumee River during the summer of 2018 are grass carp, one species of invasive Asian carps that threaten the Great Lakes. The Maumee River is a tributary to Lake Erie.
Asian Carp Would Have Adequate Food to Survive in Lake Michigan
If invasive bighead carp and silver carp spread into Lake Michigan, there would be enough food available for these particular species of Asian carp to survive, according to a new study by the U.S. Geological Survey.
Asian Carp Would Have Adequate Food to Survive in Lake Erie
If invasive bighead carp and silver carp spread into Lake Erie, there would be enough food available for these species of Asian carp to survive, according to a new study by the U.S. Geological Survey.
Asian Carp Pose Substantial Risk to the Great Lakes
Asian carp pose substantial environmental risk to the Great Lakes if they become established there, according to a bi-national Canadian and United States risk assessment released today.
School of silver carp jumping out of water
School of silver carp jumping out of the water.
Detecting Invasive Species in the Field: Portable eDNA Screening Tool
The USGS field tested the use of a portable hand-held kit for the detection of the environmental DNA (eDNA) of Asian carps (bighead carp and silver carp) in water samples as part of on-going invasive species detection research. The goals of the USGS-led research are to develop a method and kit that can be used on-site to detect Asian carp eDNA within one hour. Developing
Black carp sample being preserved for genetic study
Black carp sample being preserved for genetic study
Grass Carp
Mississippi Unit — MS student Chris Steffen tries to hold on to a record-size grass carp collected in an oxbow lake of the Yazoo River Basin, Mississippi.
Silver Carp Larvae
This image of live silver carp larvae was taken with a microscope camera at the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center. Asian carp are invasive species that could pose substantial environmental risks and economic impacts if they become established.
Yazoo! Flying Carp!
U.S. Geological Survey scientists encounter Asian flying carp on the Yazoo River, Mississippi.
Under Siege: Battling Flying Carp and Giant Pythons and How Science Can Help
Over the last several decades, non-native species have continued to invade sensitive ecosystems in the United States. Two high-profile species, Asian carp in the Midwest and Burmese pythons in the Everglades, are the focus of much attention by decision makers, the public and the media. Sharon Gross, Robert Reed and Cynthia Kolar discuss issues related to invasive species
Jumping Silver Carp
Flying Silver Carp
UMESC Scientist showing Silver Carp on left and Bighead Carp on right
UMESC Scientist showing Silver Carp on left and Bighead Carp on right
Asian Carp mouth showing gills.
Asian Carp mouth showing gills.
Silver Carp, Illinois River
Silver Carp, Illinois River