Bighead, black, grass, and silver carp are sometimes referred to collectively as invasive carp. The term invasive carp replaced Asian carp in 2021. 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 the lower and middle Mississippi River Basins and some of its large tributaries where they damage ecosystems and harm economies.
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, and baits/attractants to provide Federal and State management agencies the tools needed to manage and reduce populations of these species.
Invasive Carp Research
Southwest Florida Fish Slam – Spring 2022
Laboratory evaluation of bait preference for Grass Carp
Method development for intestinal cannulation to dose filter feeding fishes
Use of terrestrial plant-based bait and algae attractant to improve capture efficiency of Grass Carp in Lake Erie tributaries
Evaluation of selective Grass Carp bait
Assessment and methods development of dyed feeds for the evaluation of toxic fish bait consumption
Use and Evaluation of Stimuli for Herding Bigheaded Carps to Increase their Capture Efficiency
Developing a Pre-Event Planning Tool for Modified Unified Method Fishing Events (Web Application)
Database and web application for invasive carp catch data (Illinois River Catch Database)
Database and web application for invasive carp telemetry data (FishTracks)
CarpCapture
Fish Chat and Slam November 2019
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.
Serum osmolality, cortisol, and protein in laboratory common carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Water quality, habitat, sampling methods and characteristics for grass carp in Truman Reservoir Missouri, 2017-2019
Carp Media Player
Illinois River Substrate Characterization and Supporting Bathymetric Derivatives
Invasive carp movement rates among five herding techniques using adaptive resolution imaging sonar on the Lower Perche Creek, Columbia, MO
Otolith microchemistry and microstructure of age-0 silver carp for determining early-life environments and spawning periodicity in the Upper Mississippi River in 2016
Data for dam passage analysis of bigheaded carps in Pools 15-19 of the upper Mississippi River during 2014-2017
Otolith microchemistry of adult bigheaded carp for determining early-life environments in the Upper Mississippi River 2016-2018
Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) egg capture data from tributaries to western Lake Erie, 2015-2020
Lake Erie Aquatic Vegetation data
Laboratory results for anthropogenic bioactive chemicals in the Illinois Waterway upstream and downstream of the bigheaded carp population front (2015; ver. 2.0, March 2020)
Object-Based Image Analysis Detection of Aquatic Vegetation, Lake Erie, 2018
Recent publications (2020-2022) related to USGS invasive carp research are listed below. A complete listing of USGS invasive carp publications is available from the button below.
An assessment of fish herding techniques: Management implications for mass removal and control of silver carp
Grass carp reproduction in small tributaries of Truman Reservoir, Missouri: Implications for establishment in novel habitats
Evidence of alternative trophic pathways for fish consumers in a large river system in the face of invasion
Controlling invasive fish in fluctuating environments: Model analysis of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in a shallow lake
Science and innovation for battling invasive carp
Performance of a carbon dioxide injection system at a navigation lock to control the spread of aquatic invasive species
Winter habitat selection and efficacy of telemetry to aid Grass Carp removal efforts in a large reservoir
Using surrogate taxa to inform response methods for invasive Grass Carp in the Laurentian Great Lakes
Identifying turbulence features hindering swimming capabilities of grass carp larvae (Ctenopharyngodon idella) through submerged vegetation
Emerging control strategies for integrated pest management of invasive carps
Invasive black carp as a reservoir host for the freshwater mollusk parasite Aspidogaster conchicola: Further evidence of mollusk consumption and implications for parasite dispersal
Timing and hydrological conditions associated with bigheaded carp movement past navigation dams on the upper Mississippi river
Explore our science using the software below.
occStan: Occupancy models with RStan
MetaIPM
Data Retrieval and Graphing Using the LTRM Fish Catch GeoJSON Data Service
- Overview
Bighead, black, grass, and silver carp are sometimes referred to collectively as invasive carp. The term invasive carp replaced Asian carp in 2021. 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 the lower and middle Mississippi River Basins and some of its large tributaries where they damage ecosystems and harm economies.
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, and baits/attractants to provide Federal and State management agencies the tools needed to manage and reduce populations of these species.
Invasive Carp ResearchFilter Total Items: 61Southwest Florida Fish Slam – Spring 2022
Forty-two fish biologists from seven organizations participated in a two-day Spring Fish Slam event in southwest Florida. Fourteen species of non-native fishes were collected or observed.Laboratory evaluation of bait preference for Grass Carp
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...Method development for intestinal cannulation to dose filter feeding fishes
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...Use of terrestrial plant-based bait and algae attractant to improve capture efficiency of Grass Carp in Lake Erie tributaries
A team of USGS scientists is currently working with the MDNR, ODNR, USFWS, and academic institutions to evaluate the use of grass carp baits and attractants as a tool for resource managers. The science team aims to integrate the use of baits and attractants to increase aggregation of grass carp near targeted capture sites to enhance the multi-jurisdictional removal program associated with the Lake...Evaluation of selective Grass Carp bait
No current technology can specifically target Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella for control within aquatic ecosystems. Other than TFM (3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol) for Sea Lamprey Petromyzon marinus control, available control chemicals used in aquatic invasive species management programs are non‐selective and typically applied throughout the entire water column, resulting in equal exposure of...Assessment and methods development of dyed feeds for the evaluation of toxic fish bait consumption
Recently there has been an increased removal effort of adult Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella from the Lake Erie Basin through traditional capture methods (Herbst et al. 2021). Use of chemical control tools such as a general or ingestible pesticide to support this removal effort has been identified as a potential management option (Robinson et al. 2021).Use and Evaluation of Stimuli for Herding Bigheaded Carps to Increase their Capture Efficiency
Mass removal of the invasive silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis (collectively referred to as bigheaded carp) is a primary management action in the United States to contain population growth and reduce upstream dispersal. Efficient capture and removal techniques are required to achieve this goal, and the USGS is working to develop and evaluate such...Developing a Pre-Event Planning Tool for Modified Unified Method Fishing Events (Web Application)
The USGS is adapting the Chinese Unified Method, a fishing harvest method that uses herding techniques and a variety of nets to drive fish and concentrate them into a concentrated area for capture, in the fight against invasive Asian carps. This “Modified Unified Method” incorporates adapted techniques and modern technology for efficient, mass removal of bigheaded carp in North American waters...Database and web application for invasive carp catch data (Illinois River Catch Database)
Four types of invasive carp are currently found in the United States: black, grass, silver, and bighead carps. These species are fast growing, prolific feeders that out-compete native fish species and drastically alter the natural ecosystems they invade. To prevent the spread of invasive carp into the Great Lakes, the multi-agency Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee (ACRCC) implements...Database and web application for invasive carp telemetry data (FishTracks)
Four types of invasive carp fish species, are currently found in the United States: black, grass, silver, and bighead carps. These species are fast growing, prolific feeders that out-compete native fish species and drastically alter the natural ecosystems they invade. To prevent the spread of invasive carp into the Great Lakes, the multi-agency Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee (ACRCC)...CarpCapture
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.Fish Chat and Slam November 2019
Fifty fish biologists from 15 organizations participated in a three-day Fish Chat and Slam event in South Florida on November 5-7, 2019. - Data
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.
Filter Total Items: 17Serum osmolality, cortisol, and protein in laboratory common carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Common carp were placed into three treatment groups based on levels of induced stress in the laboratory setting. Measurements of common carp blood serum cortisol and serum protein were collected by spectrophotometry. Additionally, serum osmolality measurements were obtained by vapor pressure osmometry. Fish weights were taken at the time of blood collection.Water quality, habitat, sampling methods and characteristics for grass carp in Truman Reservoir Missouri, 2017-2019
Diploid and triploid Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon Idella) tagged with acoustic transmitters were observed in Truman Reservoir, Missouri from February 2017 to March 2019 to determine habitat usage in winter. Habitat parameters were measured at used and available sites to model habitat preference. In addition, tagged fish were targeted during removal attempts to determine the efficacy of using taggeCarp Media Player
This product is a media player application and user guide. The application generates set-interval and random-interval media play schedules. When the application is used to execute the play schedule, it creates its own metadata documentation. The Carp Media Player documents the intended play schedule, generates a real-time log of the media played, and documents if there were any interruptions. ThisIllinois River Substrate Characterization and Supporting Bathymetric Derivatives
Using high-resolution sonar technologies with geographic information systems (GIS) and object based image analysis, benthic characteristics of the Illinois River have been interpreted to support Asian carp research, monitoring, and control. The study plan consisted of data collection and analysis of the Brandon, Dresden, Starved Rock, Marseilles, Peoria, La Grange, and Alton reaches of the IllinoiInvasive carp movement rates among five herding techniques using adaptive resolution imaging sonar on the Lower Perche Creek, Columbia, MO
Data represent a comparison of herding techniques commonly used by natural resource agencies and the public to increase removal or harvest of invasive carp (i.e., Silver Carp) from U.S. waterways. Sites on lower Perche Creek, Columbia, MO (2018 August 9th to 2018 October 26th) were contained using block nets and treated with one of five herding techniques: (1) method commonly used by commercial fiOtolith microchemistry and microstructure of age-0 silver carp for determining early-life environments and spawning periodicity in the Upper Mississippi River in 2016
In 2016, for the first time, an abundance of age-0 silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) were captured at several sites upstream of Lock and Dam 19 on the Upper Mississippi River near Keokuk, Iowa. These data were collected in an attempt to determine the early life environments and frequency and timing of the reproductive events that led to a large year class of age-0 silver carp. This infoData for dam passage analysis of bigheaded carps in Pools 15-19 of the upper Mississippi River during 2014-2017
Acoustic telemetry data (Vemco, Inc) were collected on invasive silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), bighead carp (H. nobilis) and their hybrids in the upper Mississippi River (navigation pools 15-19) to determine movement patterns and preferred habitats during September 2013 through November 2017. We consolidated these data into intervals of fish within-pool residency and intervals of fishOtolith microchemistry of adult bigheaded carp for determining early-life environments in the Upper Mississippi River 2016-2018
Data set includes water Sr:Ca, Ba:Ca, and δ18O for the Mississippi River and tributaries, and otolith Sr:Ca, Ba:Ca, and δ18O data from bigheaded carp (Silver Carp and BIghead Carp) collected in navigation pools 16-19 of the Upper Mississippi River in 2016 to 2018. Bigheaded carp (Bighead Carp and Silver Carp) are invasive species in the US and have spread throughout most of the lower Mississippi RGrass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) egg capture data from tributaries to western Lake Erie, 2015-2020
The data includes dates, places, and times of sampling events for eggs and larvae of invasive Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) in tributaries to Lake Erie between 2015 and 2020. Reference data on locations and dates sampled, gears used, and effort are included. Developmental stages for a subset of undamaged, fertilized eggs are provided. Tables include common fields to allow for integration inLake Erie Aquatic Vegetation data
Observations and subtle shifts of vegetation communities in western Lake Erie have USGS researchers concerned about the potential for Grass Carp to alter these vegetation communities. Broad-scale surveys of vegetation using remote sensing and GIS mapping, coupled with on-the-ground samples in key locations will permit assessment of the effect Grass Carp may have already had on aquatic vegetationLaboratory results for anthropogenic bioactive chemicals in the Illinois Waterway upstream and downstream of the bigheaded carp population front (2015; ver. 2.0, March 2020)
Two non-native bigheaded carp species have invaded the Illinois River system and are a potential threat to the Great Lakes ecosystem. Discharges from industry, wastewater treatment plants, and urban and agricultural runoff, may be a factor contributing to the stalling of the upstream movement of the bigheaded carp population front near Illinois Waterway mile 278. In 2015, the U.S. Geological SurveObject-Based Image Analysis Detection of Aquatic Vegetation, Lake Erie, 2018
The USGS developed the second in a series of informative spatial distribution datasets of submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV) in Lake Erie. The second dataset was developed by object-based image analysis of high-resolution imagery (US waters less than 6 meters deep) collected during peak biomass in 2018 to allow assessments of changes in SAV distribution. Assessing SAV abundance may contribute to i - Publications
Recent publications (2020-2022) related to USGS invasive carp research are listed below. A complete listing of USGS invasive carp publications is available from the button below.
Filter Total Items: 38An assessment of fish herding techniques: Management implications for mass removal and control of silver carp
We assessed the effectiveness of herding techniques on adult Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix in a tributary to the Missouri River. Sites (600 m) were contained using block nets and treated with one of five herding techniques: (1) a method commonly used by commercial fishers in the United States (commercial technique), (2) pulsed-DC electrofishing (electric technique), (3) broadband sound aAuthorsJosey Lee Ridgway, Katelyn M. Lawson, Stephen August Shier, Robin Calfee, Duane ChapmanGrass carp reproduction in small tributaries of Truman Reservoir, Missouri: Implications for establishment in novel habitats
Substantial work has been conducted to estimate the river length required for recruitment of invasive Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella and bigheaded carps (Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and Silver Carp H. molitrix); however, the distance upstream and size of stream required for spawning remain unclear. Adult Grass Carp are regularly captured in Harry S. Truman Reservoir, Missouri, althAuthorsCari-Ann Hayer, Michael F. Bayless, Catherine A. Richter, Amy E. George, Duane ChapmanEvidence of alternative trophic pathways for fish consumers in a large river system in the face of invasion
Large rivers are susceptible to anthropogenic alteration, which can result in drastic changes to their functional ecology. We evaluated spatial–temporal changes in the functional fish communities of the Upper Mississippi River System (UMRS) using data from six study reaches. Species were classified into one of 14 feeding guilds and mass per unit effort (MPUE) was then calculated for each feeding gAuthorsJohn V. Gatto, Brian Ickes, John H. ChickControlling invasive fish in fluctuating environments: Model analysis of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in a shallow lake
Climate change can act to facilitate or inhibit invasions of non-native species. Here, we address the influence of climate change on control of non-native common carp (hereafter, carp), a species recognized as one of the “world's worst” invaders across the globe. Control of this species is exceedingly difficult, as it exhibits rapid population growth and compensatory density dependence. In many loAuthorsJames B Pearson, J. Ryan Bellmore, Jason B. DunhamScience 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. KocovskyPerformance of a carbon dioxide injection system at a navigation lock to control the spread of aquatic invasive species
Natural resource agencies need effective strategies to control the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) such as invasive fish, which can expand their range using rivers as hydrological pathways to access new areas. Lock and dam structures within major rivers are prospective locations to deploy techniques, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) infusion into lock water, that could impede upstream AIS migAuthorsThomas J. Zolper, David Smith, P. Ryan Jackson, Aaron R. CuppWinter habitat selection and efficacy of telemetry to aid Grass Carp removal efforts in a large reservoir
Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella were introduced in North America to control aquatic vegetation in small, closed systems. However, when they escape into larger systems in which they can reproduce, they have the potential to cause significant declines and alterations in aquatic vegetation communities. These alterations can in turn affect native species that are dependent on aquatic vegetation. InAuthorsTyler Michael Hessler, Duane Chapman, Craig Paukert, Jeff C. Jolley, Michael E. ByrneUsing surrogate taxa to inform response methods for invasive Grass Carp in the Laurentian Great Lakes
Sampling method decisions are critical for the effective monitoring and management of fisheries. Deploying the most effective sampling methodologies is particularly important when responding to new invasive species, where early response efforts have the best chances for eradication. In the Laurentian Great Lakes, the invasive Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella is sampled using boat electrofishingAuthorsJason L. Fischer, Lucas Nathan, John Buszkiewicz, Julia Colm, D. Andrew R. Drake, Mark R. DuFour, Patrick Kočovský, Dave Marson, Eric R. B. Smyth, Ryan Young, Kelly F. RobinsonIdentifying turbulence features hindering swimming capabilities of grass carp larvae (Ctenopharyngodon idella) through submerged vegetation
Aquatic vegetation can provide habitat and refuge for a variety of species in streams. However, the flow features generated by submerged patches of vegetation can also pose a challenge for fish larvae. We conducted a series of experiments with live grass carp larvae (starting ∼50 h post hatch) in a laboratory racetrack flume, using a submerged array of rigid cylinders to mimic vegetation. We usedAuthorsRafael O. Tinoco, Andres F. Prada, Amy E. George, Benjamin H. Stahlschmidt, P. Ryan Jackson, Duane ChapmanEmerging control strategies for integrated pest management of invasive carps
Invasive carps are ecologically and economically problematic fish species in many large river basins in the United States and pose a threat to aquatic ecosystems throughout much of North America. Four species of invasive carps: black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus), grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), are partAuthorsAaron R. Cupp, Marybeth K. Brey, Robin Calfee, Duane Chapman, Richard A. Erickson, Jesse Robert Fischer, Andrea K. Fritts, Amy E. George, P. Ryan Jackson, Brent C. Knights, Gavin Nicholas Saari, Patrick KočovskýInvasive black carp as a reservoir host for the freshwater mollusk parasite Aspidogaster conchicola: Further evidence of mollusk consumption and implications for parasite dispersal
Black Carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) has invaded the Mississippi River and is a potential threat to native mollusks. During prior diet research, we discovered that the fluke Aspidogaster conchicola, a mollusk parasite, occurs regularly in the gastrointestinal tract of Black Carp. The fluke remains in fish intestines for extended periods after the fish has consumed its host. Flukes were found in 33%AuthorsBarry C. Poulton, Jennifer Bailey, Patrick Kroboth, Amy E. George, Duane ChapmanTiming and hydrological conditions associated with bigheaded carp movement past navigation dams on the upper Mississippi river
As the range of non-native bigheaded carps (Hypophthalmichthys spp.) continues to expand throughout river systems of the United States, managers are tasked with preventing or slowing the spread of these invasive species. Main stem navigation dams on the upper Mississippi River, long considered a deterrent to fish migration, may slow or prevent the spread of invasive fish species. As discharge incrAuthorsJonathan M. Vallazza, Kayle J. Mosel, David M. Reineke, Ann L. Runstrom, James H. Larson, Brent C. Knights - Software
Explore our science using the software below.
occStan: Occupancy models with RStan
occStan is an R package (R Core Team 2021) providing a collection of occpuancy Bayesian models written in the Stan language as called through RStan (Stan Development Team 2021). The package is a USGS software software release. The purpose of the package is to document these models for use in USGS projects and allow easy discrimination. The package assumes the user is familiar with R and occupancyMetaIPM
MetaIPM is a Python package (Python Software Foundation 2020) that models meta-population dynamics and continuous growth rates via an integral projection model (IPM) for species living in distinct habitat patches. The package stems from a model that compares invasive carp population control strategies. The package supports differing sex and any organisms living in distinct habitat patches.Data Retrieval and Graphing Using the LTRM Fish Catch GeoJSON Data Service
UMESC hosts a web service for the retrieval of LTRM fish catch data using the GeoJSON data format. By using this data service, the public can automate data access to LTRM fisheries data. UMESC has written a series of example Python scripts that illustrate data retrieval and plotting. These example scripts focus on plotting fish catch, but there are limitless geo-spatial, tabular, and plotting pr