National Asian Carp Update Upper Mississippi River Basin Association June 5, 2013 St Louis, MO Sam Finney U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Bighead and Silver Carp Widespread in Mississippi River Basin Dangerous to Boaters and Skiers Grow to large sizes Compete with native planktivores Tolerate a wide range of temperatures Are good to eat Photo by Michael Tercha
Black and Grass Carp Black Carp Introduced in the 1980’s Reach nearly 6 feet in length and 150 pounds. MOLLUSCIVORE Aquaculture Usage Introduced in 1963 Multimillion dollar annual industry Sterile and Fertile carp are purposely stocked Replace for chemical treatments Patchwork of Regulations
Chicago/ Great Lakes
Ohio River USFWS working with WV, KY, OH, PA, others Beginning understanding- telemetry, eDNA, commercial fishing, hydroacoustics, traditional sampling Take a Stand!
Missouri River/Dakotas Newly arriving in Kansas, N. and S. Dakota Recent Flooding has caused range expansions in Iowa (Spirit Lake/Okoboji chain of lakes)
Upper Mississippi Monitoring with eDNA, commercial fishermen, agency biologists (MNDNR, NPS, FWS) Barriers and barrier feasibility at upper river dams
Plans
Tools Prevent Introductions of Asian carp
Tools Contain and Control Asian carp
Tools Extirpate and Reduce Asian carp + = +
Tools Provide Information
Tools Conduct Research
Tools Legislative and Political Actions
Discussion