Invasive Carp Integrated Control and Containment: Development of Carbon Dioxide as A Control Tool for Invasive Carp Control Active
The objective of this project is to develop carbon dioxide (CO2) as a new tool for controlling Invasive carp migration. More specifically, navigational structures are potential management pinch-points to block the spread of Invasive carps within major rivers throughout the United States. Carbon dioxide has shown promise as a behavioral deterrent for Invasive carps and could be a useful non-physical method to block upstream migration without disrupting vessel navigation on critical waterways. This project is focused on determining the feasibility of CO2 as a control tool and transferring this technology to resource managers.
Laboratory and field studies have found that Invasive carp, and other non-native fishes, respond strongly to elevated CO2. Applying CO2 into pinch-points and other management locations can be used to deny access to critical habitat, limit range expansion and isolate populations to enhance removal efforts. In 2019, a full-scale CO2 infusion system was installed and operated for research purposes at Kaukauna Lock #2 on the Fox River in Kaukauna, WI. Project partners from several disciplines (USGS, USACE, USCG, USFWS, WI DNR, University of Illinois, University of Wisconsin Platteville) participated in determining the feasibility of CO2 at relevant management scales. Data were collected on engineering optimization, operational costs, water quality, air quality (human health risk assessment), fish behavior and non-target toxicity. Additionally, field testing required the development of permit pathways and regulatory requirements for future longer-term installations and operations.
Few Invasive carp control tools are available to limit their spread into the Great Lakes. Development of CO2 as a new control option will expand the current toolbox. Considerable progress in 2019 through field validation and pesticide registration are expected to facilitate technology transfer in subsequent years.
Contributions
USGS provides guidance for on-going regulatory affairs support for registration of CO2 as a deterrent or to register CO2 as a control agent in limited open-water application sites; and assists management agencies that plan to deploy CO2 as a deterrent or the use of a CO2 as a control agent in limited open-water application sites to control bigheaded carp. USGS also provides guidance for on-going regulatory affairs support for registration of CO2 as a deterrent or to register CO2 as a control agent in limited open-water application sites; and assists management agencies that plan to deploy CO2 as a deterrent or the use of a CO2 as a control agent in limited open-water application sites to control bighead and silver carp.
Partners
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI DNR)
University of Illinois
University of Wisconsin Platteville
The objective of this project is to develop carbon dioxide (CO2) as a new tool for controlling Invasive carp migration. More specifically, navigational structures are potential management pinch-points to block the spread of Invasive carps within major rivers throughout the United States. Carbon dioxide has shown promise as a behavioral deterrent for Invasive carps and could be a useful non-physical method to block upstream migration without disrupting vessel navigation on critical waterways. This project is focused on determining the feasibility of CO2 as a control tool and transferring this technology to resource managers.
Laboratory and field studies have found that Invasive carp, and other non-native fishes, respond strongly to elevated CO2. Applying CO2 into pinch-points and other management locations can be used to deny access to critical habitat, limit range expansion and isolate populations to enhance removal efforts. In 2019, a full-scale CO2 infusion system was installed and operated for research purposes at Kaukauna Lock #2 on the Fox River in Kaukauna, WI. Project partners from several disciplines (USGS, USACE, USCG, USFWS, WI DNR, University of Illinois, University of Wisconsin Platteville) participated in determining the feasibility of CO2 at relevant management scales. Data were collected on engineering optimization, operational costs, water quality, air quality (human health risk assessment), fish behavior and non-target toxicity. Additionally, field testing required the development of permit pathways and regulatory requirements for future longer-term installations and operations.
Few Invasive carp control tools are available to limit their spread into the Great Lakes. Development of CO2 as a new control option will expand the current toolbox. Considerable progress in 2019 through field validation and pesticide registration are expected to facilitate technology transfer in subsequent years.
Contributions
USGS provides guidance for on-going regulatory affairs support for registration of CO2 as a deterrent or to register CO2 as a control agent in limited open-water application sites; and assists management agencies that plan to deploy CO2 as a deterrent or the use of a CO2 as a control agent in limited open-water application sites to control bigheaded carp. USGS also provides guidance for on-going regulatory affairs support for registration of CO2 as a deterrent or to register CO2 as a control agent in limited open-water application sites; and assists management agencies that plan to deploy CO2 as a deterrent or the use of a CO2 as a control agent in limited open-water application sites to control bighead and silver carp.
Partners
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI DNR)
University of Illinois
University of Wisconsin Platteville