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
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The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) conducts Asian carp research focused on early detection, risk assessment, and development of control tools and strategies. The goals are to prevent the establishment of invasive Asian carp in the Great Lakes and to reduce their impacts in the Ohio River and Mississippi River Basins and elsewhere. Managers can use...
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Invasive Species Science Branch: research and management tools for controlling invasive species
Invasive, nonnative species of plants, animals, and disease organisms adversely affect the ecosystems they enter. Like “biological wildfires,” they can quickly spread and affect nearly all terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Invasive species have become one of the greatest environmental challenges of the 21st century in economic,...
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Asian carp behavior in response to static water gun firing
The potential for invasion of Asian carp into the Great Lakes has ecological and socio-economic implications. If they become established, Asian carp are predicted to alter lake ecosystems and impact commercial and recreational fisheries. The Chicago Sanitary and Shipping Canal is an important biological conduit between the Mississippi River Basin...
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The National Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) Program maintains a database that monitors, records, and analyzes sightings of nonindigenous aquatic plant and animal species throughout the United States. The program is based at the USGS Wetland and Aquatic Research Center in Gainesville, Florida.The initiative to maintain...
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Facts About Invasive Bighead and Silver Carps
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Aquatic invasive species
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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