Invasive Species We Study: Invasive Carp
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By Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program
May 7, 2025
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.
Invasive Carp Open Data Hub
Invasive Carp Open Data Hub
The Invasive Carp Open Data Hub is a platform for exploring and accessing USGS data, tools, applications, and publications related to invasive carp research and management.
How Do We Battle Invasive Carp?
How Do We Battle Invasive Carp?
In this factsheet, learn about the data, technologies, and decision-support tools we are using to battle invasive carp.
Battling Invasive Carp: A Geonarrative
Battling Invasive Carp: A Geonarrative
Learn more about how the USGS is helping battle invasive carp by scrolling through this geonarrative.
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
Invasive Carp Research
Filter Total Items: 59
USGS Invasive Carp Research 2025 Year in Review
This collection features new information products released between October 2024 and September 2025 that provide a scientific foundation for the management of invasive carp in the Mississippi River and Great Lakes basins and support the Presidential Memorandum “Protecting the Great Lakes from Invasive Carp”.
Early Life History of Bighead, Silver, Black, and Grass Carps
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...
Underwater Sound as a Tool for Management of Invasive Carp
Invasive carp, including Hypophthalmichthys nobilis (Bighead Carp), Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (Silver Carp), Ctenopharyngodon idella (Grass Carp), and Mylopharyngodon piceus (Black Carp), continue to threaten aquatic ecosystems throughout the Mississippi River Basin and beyond. Invasive carp are sensitive to underwater sound and exhibit behavioral responses (e.g., avoidance or attraction) that...
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...
Flow Cytometry Applied to the Animal Kingdom in Studies of Natural Resource Science
Flow cytometry is a technique for rapidly analyzing large numbers of animal cells using light-scattering, fluorescence, and absorbance measurements.
Improve Control Efficiency Through Better Understanding of Grass Carp Movements and Habitat Use
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.
Identifying Spawning Tributaries and Specific Spawning Areas of Grass Carp
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 Biology, Assessment, and Control
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.
Southwest 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)
UMESC supports Federal and state management agencies in their battle against invasive carp in the United States by conducting research, monitoring fish, and developing decision support tools. The Chinese Unified Method is a fish harvest method that uses herding techniques and a variety of nets to drive fish and concentrate them for capture. UMESC supported the development of the “Modified Unified...
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...
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.
Registration of Carbon Dioxide–Carp
Registration of new fishery chemicals is critical for resource managers to incorporate chemical controls as part of their Integrated Pest Management plans. In 2019, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) obtained a Section 3 registration from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for carbon dioxide (CO2) as a new pesticide under the name Carbon Dioxide–Carp...
Invasive Carp Control: Carbon Dioxide
Invasive carps (silver, bighead, black, grass) cause considerable economic and ecological damage to important fishery and water resources in the United States. Carbon dioxide (CO2) applied into water is being developed as a new chemical method to control invasive carps and other aquatic invasive species. Ongoing studies are evaluating the effectiveness of CO2 as a behavioral deterrent to limit...
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.
Invasive Carp Open Data Hub
Invasive Carp Open Data Hub
The Invasive Carp Open Data Hub is a platform for exploring and accessing USGS data, tools, applications, and publications related to invasive carp research and management.
How Do We Battle Invasive Carp?
How Do We Battle Invasive Carp?
In this factsheet, learn about the data, technologies, and decision-support tools we are using to battle invasive carp.
Battling Invasive Carp: A Geonarrative
Battling Invasive Carp: A Geonarrative
Learn more about how the USGS is helping battle invasive carp by scrolling through this geonarrative.
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
Invasive Carp Research
Filter Total Items: 59
USGS Invasive Carp Research 2025 Year in Review
This collection features new information products released between October 2024 and September 2025 that provide a scientific foundation for the management of invasive carp in the Mississippi River and Great Lakes basins and support the Presidential Memorandum “Protecting the Great Lakes from Invasive Carp”.
Early Life History of Bighead, Silver, Black, and Grass Carps
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...
Underwater Sound as a Tool for Management of Invasive Carp
Invasive carp, including Hypophthalmichthys nobilis (Bighead Carp), Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (Silver Carp), Ctenopharyngodon idella (Grass Carp), and Mylopharyngodon piceus (Black Carp), continue to threaten aquatic ecosystems throughout the Mississippi River Basin and beyond. Invasive carp are sensitive to underwater sound and exhibit behavioral responses (e.g., avoidance or attraction) that...
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...
Flow Cytometry Applied to the Animal Kingdom in Studies of Natural Resource Science
Flow cytometry is a technique for rapidly analyzing large numbers of animal cells using light-scattering, fluorescence, and absorbance measurements.
Improve Control Efficiency Through Better Understanding of Grass Carp Movements and Habitat Use
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.
Identifying Spawning Tributaries and Specific Spawning Areas of Grass Carp
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 Biology, Assessment, and Control
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.
Southwest 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)
UMESC supports Federal and state management agencies in their battle against invasive carp in the United States by conducting research, monitoring fish, and developing decision support tools. The Chinese Unified Method is a fish harvest method that uses herding techniques and a variety of nets to drive fish and concentrate them for capture. UMESC supported the development of the “Modified Unified...
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...
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.
Registration of Carbon Dioxide–Carp
Registration of new fishery chemicals is critical for resource managers to incorporate chemical controls as part of their Integrated Pest Management plans. In 2019, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) obtained a Section 3 registration from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for carbon dioxide (CO2) as a new pesticide under the name Carbon Dioxide–Carp...
Invasive Carp Control: Carbon Dioxide
Invasive carps (silver, bighead, black, grass) cause considerable economic and ecological damage to important fishery and water resources in the United States. Carbon dioxide (CO2) applied into water is being developed as a new chemical method to control invasive carps and other aquatic invasive species. Ongoing studies are evaluating the effectiveness of CO2 as a behavioral deterrent to limit...