Invasive Species We Study: Invasive Carp
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 escaped during flood events and are now established throughout the lower and middle Mississippi River Basins and some of its large tributaries where they damage ecosystems and harm economies. Grass carp are also reproducing in tributaries to Lake Erie, the Colorado River, and potentially others.
USGS is leading research efforts on risk assessment and early detection of new invasions. USGS is also developing and evaluating harvest methods, barriers and deterrents, pesticides, and baits/attractants to provide Federal and State management agencies the tools needed to manage and reduce populations of these species.
Invasive Carp Research
Recent data (2020-2022) related to USGS invasive carp research are listed below. A complete listing of USGS invasive carp data is available from the button below.
Recent publications (2020-2023) related to USGS invasive carp research are listed below. A complete listing of USGS invasive carp publications is available from the button below.
Biomonitoring of Environmental Status and Trends (BEST) Program: Environmental contaminants and their effects on fish in the Rio Grande Basin Biomonitoring of Environmental Status and Trends (BEST) Program: Environmental contaminants and their effects on fish in the Rio Grande Basin
Biomonitoring of Environmental Status and Trends (BEST) Program: Environmental contaminants and their effects on fish in the Mississippi River Basin Biomonitoring of Environmental Status and Trends (BEST) Program: Environmental contaminants and their effects on fish in the Mississippi River Basin
Invasive Carp Open Data Hub Invasive Carp Open Data Hub
Explore our science using the software below.
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 escaped during flood events and are now established throughout the lower and middle Mississippi River Basins and some of its large tributaries where they damage ecosystems and harm economies. Grass carp are also reproducing in tributaries to Lake Erie, the Colorado River, and potentially others.
USGS is leading research efforts on risk assessment and early detection of new invasions. USGS is also developing and evaluating harvest methods, barriers and deterrents, pesticides, and baits/attractants to provide Federal and State management agencies the tools needed to manage and reduce populations of these species.
Invasive Carp Research
Recent data (2020-2022) related to USGS invasive carp research are listed below. A complete listing of USGS invasive carp data is available from the button below.
Recent publications (2020-2023) related to USGS invasive carp research are listed below. A complete listing of USGS invasive carp publications is available from the button below.
Biomonitoring of Environmental Status and Trends (BEST) Program: Environmental contaminants and their effects on fish in the Rio Grande Basin Biomonitoring of Environmental Status and Trends (BEST) Program: Environmental contaminants and their effects on fish in the Rio Grande Basin
Biomonitoring of Environmental Status and Trends (BEST) Program: Environmental contaminants and their effects on fish in the Mississippi River Basin Biomonitoring of Environmental Status and Trends (BEST) Program: Environmental contaminants and their effects on fish in the Mississippi River Basin
Invasive Carp Open Data Hub Invasive Carp Open Data Hub
Explore our science using the software below.