Invasive Carp

Early detection equals stronger protection. DNA in the environment is the front line against invasive species.

The USGS is a pioneer in environmental DNA (eDNA) science, applying cutting-edge molecular tools to identify, detect, or track species, monitor ecosystems, and safeguard biodiversity.

Grass, bighead, black, and silver carps spawn in turbulent rivers, their eggs develop and hatch while drifting downriver. The larvae have a short period of development in the drift, and then they must swim from the mainstem of the river and find appropriate low- or no-flow nursery areas. Rivers which are not long enough, turbulent enough, or without nursery areas in the correct locations are not...

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...

Flow cytometry is a technique for rapidly analyzing large numbers of animal cells using light-scattering, fluorescence, and absorbance measurements.

The goal of this project is to address the threat of invasive Grass Carp by developing a comprehensive understanding of seasonal movements, habitat use, and areas of aggregation to determine when and where eradication efforts would be most effective.

Grass carp ( Ctenopharyngodon idella) is an invasive species translocated to the United States in the 1960s due to its potential for nuisance aquatic vegetation control. Following escapes, authorized stockings, and unauthorized stockings, the grass carp range rapidly expanded in the U.S.

Black Carp ( Mylopharyngodon piceus) is the largest of the four non-indigenous carp species, reaching sizes well in excess of 100 pounds. Scientists at the Columbia Environmental Research Center, in cooperation with federal and state partners, are studying the biology, ecology, and behavior of black carp and developing tools to monitor, assess, and control this non-indigenous species.

Siren: the National Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) Information System is an online resource for invasive species information sharing and collaboration that serves as the information hub of the National EDRR Framework.

There are more than 92,000 dams in the United States, of which at least 3% of these produce hydropower. Hydropower projects create renewable energy but also can alter habitats, restrict upstream and downstream movements of fishes and other aquatic organisms, and may stress, injure or kill migrant fishes and other aquatic organisms. In addition, there are more than 5 million culverts and other road...

Michigan and Ohio Department of Natural Resources along with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) and USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Science Center (UMESC) are planning field studies to attract Grass Carp using formulated baits and algae attractants. These baits are intended to increase the density of Grass Carp in specified areas for capture and...

Currently, the only U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) registered pesticide for resource managers to control populations of Invasive Carp (e.g., Bighead Carp, Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) are rotenone (Prenfish Fish Toxicant; EPA Reg. No. 89459-85) and Carbon Dioxide – Carp (EPA Reg. No. 6704-95). An alternative to rotenone and Carbon Dioxide – Carp, antimycin-A (ANT-A), is desired by...