Josh Schloesser, a MS student at the Kansas Unit holding a grass carp collected while sampling with the USFWS on the Missouri River. Josh is working closely with the FWS and other agencies to develop sampling protocols for Missouri River fishes.
What are Invasive 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.
Invasive carp (bighead, black, grass, and silver carp) were imported to the United States in the 1970s as a method to control nuisance algal blooms in wastewater treatment plants and aquaculture ponds as well as for human food. Within ten years, the carp escaped confinement and spread to the waters of the Mississippi River basin and other large rivers like the Missouri and Illinois.
Invasive carp are in direct competition with native aquatic species for food and habitat. Their rapid population increase is disrupting the ecology and food web of the large rivers of the Midwest. In areas where invasive carp are abundant, they have harmed native fish communities and interfered with commercial and recreational fishing.
Experts are extremely concerned about the consequences of invasive carp invading the Great Lakes, where the carp would negatively affect the $7 billion-a-year fishing industry.
Related Content
Are invasive carp dangerous?
Silver carp (a variety of invasive 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 striking the passengers. With a boat speed of over...
Can I eat Asian carp?
Invasive carp of all types have white, firm, mild flesh, which is excellent table fare, but all Invasive carp also have intramuscular bones in the filets that many people find undesirable. Invasive 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 contaminants. Like any fish taken from inland...
Is it possible to eradicate Invasive carp once they are in an area?
Eradicating an established population of invasive 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 invasive carp control is ongoing and documents on the subject are provided through the Invasive...
What is an invasive species and why are they a problem?
An invasive species is an introduced, nonnative organism (disease, parasite, plant, or animal) that begins to spread or expand its range from the site of its original introduction and that has the potential to cause harm to the environment, the economy, or to human health. A few well-known examples include the unintentional introduction of the West Nile virus, chestnut blight, the South American...
Josh Schloesser, a MS student at the Kansas Unit holding a grass carp collected while sampling with the USFWS on the Missouri River. Josh is working closely with the FWS and other agencies to develop sampling protocols for Missouri River fishes.
U.S. Geological Survey scientists encounter Asian flying carp on the Yazoo River, Mississippi.
U.S. Geological Survey scientists encounter Asian flying carp on the Yazoo River, Mississippi.
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.
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.
Silver carp are a large a troublesome invasive species from Asia found in the great rivers of the central United States. Silver carp have been observed to jump 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.
Silver carp are a large a troublesome invasive species from Asia found in the great rivers of the central United States. Silver carp have been observed to jump 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.
Bighead carp are a large and troublesome invasive species from Asia found in the great rivers of the central United States.
Bighead carp are a large and troublesome invasive species from Asia found in the great rivers of the central United States.
Invasive species research—Science for prevention, detection, containment, and control
Science and innovation for battling invasive carp
U.S. Geological Survey invasive species research—Improving detection, awareness, decision support, and control
"Modified Unified Method" of carp capture
USGS science and technology help managers battle invading Asian carp
Asian carp behavior in response to static water gun firing
The National Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database
Facts About Invasive Bighead and Silver Carps
Aquatic invasive species
Related Content
- FAQ
Are invasive carp dangerous?
Silver carp (a variety of invasive 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 striking the passengers. With a boat speed of over...
Can I eat Asian carp?
Invasive carp of all types have white, firm, mild flesh, which is excellent table fare, but all Invasive carp also have intramuscular bones in the filets that many people find undesirable. Invasive 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 contaminants. Like any fish taken from inland...
Is it possible to eradicate Invasive carp once they are in an area?
Eradicating an established population of invasive 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 invasive carp control is ongoing and documents on the subject are provided through the Invasive...
What is an invasive species and why are they a problem?
An invasive species is an introduced, nonnative organism (disease, parasite, plant, or animal) that begins to spread or expand its range from the site of its original introduction and that has the potential to cause harm to the environment, the economy, or to human health. A few well-known examples include the unintentional introduction of the West Nile virus, chestnut blight, the South American...
- Multimedia
Grass Carp
Josh Schloesser, a MS student at the Kansas Unit holding a grass carp collected while sampling with the USFWS on the Missouri River. Josh is working closely with the FWS and other agencies to develop sampling protocols for Missouri River fishes.
Josh Schloesser, a MS student at the Kansas Unit holding a grass carp collected while sampling with the USFWS on the Missouri River. Josh is working closely with the FWS and other agencies to develop sampling protocols for Missouri River fishes.
Yazoo! Flying Carp!U.S. Geological Survey scientists encounter Asian flying carp on the Yazoo River, Mississippi.
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 HelpUnder Siege: Battling Flying Carp and Giant Pythons and How Science Can HelpUnder Siege: Battling Flying Carp and Giant Pythons and How Science Can HelpOver 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.
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.
Jumping Silver CarpSilver carp are a large a troublesome invasive species from Asia found in the great rivers of the central United States. Silver carp have been observed to jump 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.
Silver carp are a large a troublesome invasive species from Asia found in the great rivers of the central United States. Silver carp have been observed to jump 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.
Bighead CarpBighead carp are a large and troublesome invasive species from Asia found in the great rivers of the central United States.
Bighead carp are a large and troublesome invasive species from Asia found in the great rivers of the central United States.
- Publications
Invasive species research—Science for prevention, detection, containment, and control
IntroductionInvasive species research within the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Ecosystems Mission Area focuses on invasive plants, animals, and pathogens throughout the United States. USGS scientists provide science support to help solve the problems posed by these nonnative species while working with partners in the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), other Federal, State, and Territorial agAuthorsPaul J. Heimowitz, Patrick M. Kocovsky, James J. EnglishScience and innovation for battling invasive carp
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is the Federal Government’s independent research agency that conducts research to inform management of invasive species. Bighead, black, grass, and silver carp, which are native to China, were originally stocked in aquaculture facilities to control algae, snails, and vegetation. These species have invaded the Mississippi River and are now established throughout thAuthorsPatrick M. KocovskyU.S. Geological Survey invasive species research—Improving detection, awareness, decision support, and control
More than 6,500 nonindigenous species are now established in the United States, posing risks to human and wildlife health, native plants and animals, and our valued ecosystems. The annual environmental, economic, and health-related costs of invasive species are substantial. Invasive species can drive native species onto the endangered species list, resulting in associated regulatory costs; exacerbAuthorsCindy Kolar Tam, Wesley M. Daniel, Earl Campbell, James J. English, Suzanna C. Soileau"Modified Unified Method" of carp capture
Populations of Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (silver carp) and Hypophthalmichthys nobilis (bighead carp), (together referred to herein as “bigheaded carp”) have increased exponentially in the greater Mississippi River Basin. Detrimental effects on native fish and economically important fisheries have occurred where these invasive, filter-feeding fish are abundant. The Unified Method, a harvest technAuthorsDuane ChapmanUSGS science and technology help managers battle invading Asian carp
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 the information, tools, and strategies for early deAuthorsCynthia S. Kolar, Sandra S. MorrisonAsian 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, where invasive Asian carp are abundant, and the GrAuthorsMegan J. Layhee, Jackson A. Gross, Michael J. Parsley, Jason G. Romine, David C. Glover, Cory D. Suski, Tristany L. Wagner, Adam J. Sepulveda, Robert E. GresswellThe 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 scientific information on nationwide occurrences of noAuthorsMatthew E. Neilson, Pamela L. FullerFacts About Invasive Bighead and Silver Carps
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists at the Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC), Columbia, Missouri, carry out basic and applied research on the ecology of invasive fishes in the Missouri and Mississippi river basins. Emphasis is placed on improving understanding of the life cycles of bighead and silver carp to provide information needed to manage these aggressively invasive specAuthorsDuane ChapmanAquatic invasive species
Invasive species are plants or animals that are present in an ecosystem beyond their native range. They may have few natural controls in their new environment and proliferate. They can threaten native species and interfere with human activities. The Western Fisheries Research Center (WFRC) has been conducting research to understand how non-native species invade and affect ecosystems, thus aiding mAuthorsR. Rodriguez, T. Counihan, J. Petersen, D. Gadomski, D. Becker - News