The Invasion of the Asian Carp: Silver and Bigheaded Carp in our

Waters

Jesse Zastrow, Jerome Barner, Zach Fournier, Eamon Harrity

April 14, 2010ENSC 202

Professor: Stephanie Hurley

U.S. Supreme Court may rule on Asian carp case

Environmental groups say plan to fight Asian carp not enough

Granholm calls Obama carp plan weak

Feds unveil $78.5M effort to blunt Lakes migration of carp

From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20091204/METRO/912040386#ixzz0kTtbznvx From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20091204/METRO/912040386#ixzz0kTtbznvx

HypeHype

What is the real deal?What is the real deal?

“Asian carp are like cancer cells," said Cameron Davis, senior adviser with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "They can grow and spread very, very quickly and overtake other healthy living organisms."

-Belkin, D Wall Street Journal Nov. 20 2009

http://visibleearth.nasa.gov/view_rec.php?id=5856

Problem StatementProblem Statement

The Silver and Bigheaded carp are The Silver and Bigheaded carp are invasive planktivorous fish that invasive planktivorous fish that could have serious social, economic could have serious social, economic and ecological impacts on the Great and ecological impacts on the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain.Lakes and Lake Champlain.

http://minnesotaindependent.c

om/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/

Asian-Carp.jpg

Basic OutlineBasic Outline IntroductionIntroduction

Goals and ObjectivesGoals and Objectives FindingsFindings

The CarpThe Carp The Great lake and Lake ChamplainThe Great lake and Lake Champlain Vectors of introductionVectors of introduction Preventative MeasuresPreventative Measures

Conclusions and RecommendationsConclusions and Recommendations

GoalsGoals Assess the risk posed by Asian carp to Assess the risk posed by Asian carp to

Great LakesGreat Lakes How likely is it that they will make it to and survive How likely is it that they will make it to and survive

in the Great Lakes?in the Great Lakes? Will they be able to migrate within the lakes?Will they be able to migrate within the lakes? What kind of impacts could they have on the lake What kind of impacts could they have on the lake

system?system?

Ultimately, what is the likelihood that the Ultimately, what is the likelihood that the carp will make it to Lake Champlain and carp will make it to Lake Champlain and what impacts could they have here.what impacts could they have here.

ObjectivesObjectives Investigate the current status of the carpInvestigate the current status of the carp

Distribution, impacts on inhabited areasDistribution, impacts on inhabited areas Describe the life history of the carpDescribe the life history of the carp Familiarize ourselves with the characteristics of Familiarize ourselves with the characteristics of

the lakesthe lakes Assess possible vectors and pathways into and Assess possible vectors and pathways into and

between the lakesbetween the lakes Explore existing and potential prevention Explore existing and potential prevention

practicespractices Investigate potential economic, social and Investigate potential economic, social and

ecological impacts of these fish (conclusions)ecological impacts of these fish (conclusions)

FindingsFindings

http://asiancarp.net/dasblog/content/binary/Asian%20Carp.jpg

Asian CarpAsian Carp

Figure 1: Bighead Carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis)

Figure 2: Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)

Images from Kolar, 2005.

Asian CarpAsian Carp

• Brought in to improve water quality and promote production in aquaculture ponds, reservoirs, and improve conditions in sewage pools primarily in Arkansas.

• First introduced to US from private fish farmers in Arkansas (1972 – bighead, 1973 – Silver) for aquaculture pond clean up, later used in federal, state, and private facilities then municipal water management ponds.

• Silver Carp have been recorded in 12 states, and Bighead at least 18 states.

• Introduced to waters from dumping of bait fish, flooding of stocked ponds, illegal stocking of reservoirs & lakes etc.

Asian CarpAsian CarpIntroduction cont’d

Figure 3: Range of Silver Carp in the US, as of August, 2009 (2Fuller, 2009).

Figure 4: Range of Bighead Carp in the US, as of August, 2009 (1Fuller, 2009).

Asian CarpAsian CarpNative Distribution

Figure 5: Native range of Bighead Carp, mainly large rivers and lakes of southeastern Asia; eastern China, eastern Siberia, and the extreme northern range of North Korea (Kolar et al., 2005)

Figure 6: Native range of Silver Carp, mainly large rivers and lakes of eastern China and eastern Russia that run into the Pacific Ocean (Kolar et al., 2005)

• Occur in freshwaters including rivers and lakes in their native China.• Needs fast-moving water (rivers) for spawning, otherwise prefers slow-moving waters such as lakes, ponds, and flooded backwaters

Asian CarpAsian Carp

Has been introduced to reservoirs, canals, man-made ponds and lakes, etc. where they Has been introduced to reservoirs, canals, man-made ponds and lakes, etc. where they do well.do well.

Spawn in spring, tributary use highest in winter according to a study by DCC on the Spawn in spring, tributary use highest in winter according to a study by DCC on the Missouri RiverMissouri River..

Habitat

Table 1: Data collected in the US in 2004, depicting rivers and habitats of juvenille Bighead and Silver Carp. Table from (Kolar et al., 2005), author cited contacts as the field biologists who provided the data.

Asian CarpAsian Carp Very temperature tolerant; Adult Asian Carp have been shown Very temperature tolerant; Adult Asian Carp have been shown

to survive in temperatures ranging 2°C to 40°C.to survive in temperatures ranging 2°C to 40°C. A variety of sources document varying optimal temperature A variety of sources document varying optimal temperature

ranges, most fall between 20 and 30°C.ranges, most fall between 20 and 30°C. Temperature fluctuations not necessary for reproduction Temperature fluctuations not necessary for reproduction

although it is characteristic of their native range.although it is characteristic of their native range.

Temperature

Reproductive Biology Fecundity increases with body size and weight. Many ranges of Asian Carp reproduction success, from

280,000 to 1,860,800 per Bighead female and 145,000 to 5,000,000 per Silver female, varying from location and study.

Fecundity of Bighead Carp from the lower Missouri River collected in 1998-1999 ranged from 11,588 to 769,964, with an average of 226,213 eggs (Schrank and Guy 2002).

A study of 6 Silver Carp in the Mississippi River in 2003 showed a range of total fecundity as 57,283 to 328,538 eggs.

Asian CarpAsian CarpFeeding Habits

Table 2: Comparison of feeding habits between Bighead carp and Silver carp (Kolar et al., 2005).

Asian CarpAsian Carp

They consume 7-14% of their body weight in food. They consume 7-14% of their body weight in food. Bighead carp has been shown to prefer Bighead carp has been shown to prefer DaphniaDaphnia (Cooke et al., (Cooke et al.,

2009).2009). Asian carp have been shown to consume different ratios of Asian carp have been shown to consume different ratios of

zooplankton and phytoplankton based on life stage and zooplankton and phytoplankton based on life stage and abundance of plankton.abundance of plankton. Bighead carp revert to phytoplankton when zooplankton levels are Bighead carp revert to phytoplankton when zooplankton levels are

low, mainly blue-green algae, diatoms, and green algae. low, mainly blue-green algae, diatoms, and green algae. Extremely adaptive feeding habits, change natural zooplankton Extremely adaptive feeding habits, change natural zooplankton

and phytoplankton composition and feed on detritus if and phytoplankton composition and feed on detritus if necessary.necessary. Bighead carp primarily zooplanktivores, less specialized than Bighead carp primarily zooplanktivores, less specialized than

Silver.Silver. Adult Silver carp primarily feed on phytoplankton, larvae on Adult Silver carp primarily feed on phytoplankton, larvae on

zooplankton. Gill rakers capable of straining phytoplankton down zooplankton. Gill rakers capable of straining phytoplankton down to 4 to 4 uum in diameter (Chen et al., 2007).m in diameter (Chen et al., 2007).

Feeding

Asian CarpAsian Carp

Outcompeting native fish for foodOutcompeting native fish for food Concern for native filter feeding fish like Paddlefish, Bigmouth Buffalo, and Concern for native filter feeding fish like Paddlefish, Bigmouth Buffalo, and

Gizzard Shad, as well as many other fish with overlapping food Gizzard Shad, as well as many other fish with overlapping food

requirementsrequirements.. Fishermen overwhelmed with amount of carp, Fishermen overwhelmed with amount of carp,

cannot catch anything else.cannot catch anything else. Carp jumping, hitting fishermen, boaters, tubers, Carp jumping, hitting fishermen, boaters, tubers,

etc. DANGEROUS!etc. DANGEROUS! The Great Lakes contribute $7 billion to the economy through

commercial and sport • fishing, and an additional $8 to $10 billion through recreational boating (FWS 2009).

Jumping CarpJumping Carp

Potential Impact on Recreation/Fishing Industry

Physical Characteristics of each Physical Characteristics of each Lake of ConcernLake of Concern

Lake Lake

CharacteristicsCharacteristicsLake ChamplainLake Champlain Lake MichiganLake Michigan Lake ErieLake Erie

LengthLength 120 miles120 miles 307 miles307 miles 241 miles241 miles

WidthWidth 12 miles12 miles 118 miles118 miles 57 miles57 miles

Average DepthAverage Depth 64 feet64 feet 279 feet279 feet 62 feet62 feet

Drainage AreaDrainage Area 8,234 square miles8,234 square miles 45,000 square 45,000 square

milesmiles30,140 square 30,140 square

milesmiles

Surface AreaSurface Area 435 square miles435 square miles 22,300 square 22,300 square

milesmiles9,910 square 9,910 square

milesmiles

Ecological Status of the Great Lakes Region

The Great Lakes ecosystem is the largest freshwater ecosystem in the world.

The Great Lakes ecosystem is an extensive watershed (288,000 square miles) with 5,000 tributaries and 9,000 miles of shoreline.

Important sport fish in the ecosystem include: Lake trout, Brook trout, Lake sturgeon, Yellow perch, Lake whitefish, Muskellunge, Walleye , Chinook salmon, and Coho salmon

US FWS 2010. Midwest Region Hot topic: Asian Carp

Ecological Status of the Great Lakes Region

Significantly degraded over the past few decades due to human use and influx of invasive species

Invasive plants, fish, invertebrates, and macrophytes have devastated native population

180+ Invasive species currently inhabiting the Lakes (Modley, 2010)

Asian Carp- another potential stressor to the aquatic ecosystem In the Mississippi River System they outcompete the

native fish such as bigmouth buffalo, gizzard shad, and paddlefish for the phytoplankton and zooplankton biomass

General aquatic food web may be used to predict the potential General aquatic food web may be used to predict the potential impacts of the Asian carp on the ecological system of the impacts of the Asian carp on the ecological system of the lakes. lakes.

http://www.nww.usace.army.mil/lsr/final_fseis/study_kit/appendix_c/images/fig4-21.jpg

http://techalive.mtu.edu/meec/module08/images/

GreatLakesEcology.jpg

Eutrophic Conditions of Lake Eutrophic Conditions of Lake Michigan and Lake ErieMichigan and Lake Erie

www.epa.gov/solec/sogl2009/0104benthicdiversity.pdf

Values ranging from 0-0.6 indicate oligotrophic conditions; values from 0.6-1.0 indicate mesotrophic conditions (shaded area); values above 1.0 indicate eutrophic conditions. Data points represent average of triplicate samples taken at each sampling site. (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2006)

Zooplankton Densities in Zooplankton Densities in Lake ChamplainLake Champlain

The net zooplankton density of the thousands of organisms per square meter in Lake Champlain sampled throughout the 15 stations. www.anr.state.vt.us/dec//waterq/lakes/docs/.../lp_lc-netzoopdensity.pdf

St. Albans Bay

Missisquoi Bay

Cumberland Bay

Potential PathwaysPotential Pathways

Chicago Shipping and Sanitary Chicago Shipping and Sanitary CanalCanal

Des Plaines RiverDes Plaines River Overland floodingOverland flooding

Other canals Other canals Human facilitated introductionHuman facilitated introduction

(Modley, Personal communication 2010; Daniels, R 2000; Hill, W 2008; FWS 2010; Cooke et al. 2009)

Chicago Shipping and Chicago Shipping and Sanitary CanalSanitary Canal

http://www.detnews.com/article/20091204/METRO/912040386 http://www.mnn.com/sites/default/files/main_carp.jpg

CSSCCSSC A man-made canal, A man-made canal,

constructed in the constructed in the early 1900s as a early 1900s as a sewage drainsewage drain

It is the only shipping It is the only shipping link between Lake link between Lake Michigan and the Michigan and the Mississippi River Mississippi River SystemSystem

Currently it is 28 Currently it is 28 miles long 202 ft wide miles long 202 ft wide and 22 ft deep.and 22 ft deep. http://www.buffalonews.com/260/

story/880112.html www.lib.niu.edu

Des Plaines RiverDes Plaines River

Flooding greatly Flooding greatly increases this increases this fish’s mobility and fish’s mobility and may pose as a may pose as a serious serious complication to complication to any prevention any prevention measuremeasure

Modley 2010, FWS Modley 2010, FWS 20102010

http://fwcb.cfans.umn.edu/sorensen/research/CarpSpawn.jpg

http://dnr.wi.gov/invasives/fact/asian_carp.htm

OOPS!Accidental Introduction

The Great Lakes have around 184 known invasive species and quite a few have been traced back to the ballast waters of cargo ships.

Rainbow Smelt, Fishhook water Flea, Fourspine Stickleback

Grass carp still shipped around the country for plankton control in aquaculture ponds

For all your carp stocking needs! http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex346

Looking at the literature, it seems the poly-carp stocking practice has declined significantly since the early 2000’s

Ricciardi, 2006; http://www.wvu.e u/~agexten/aquaculture/Pondweed.pdf

Human Facilitated Introduction

Bait Fish Awaiting response from local baitfish shops Alewife believed to have been introduced as a bait

fish on accident Culinary market

They are a staple food in their native range and are slowly gaining popularity here

Bigheaded carp is shipped live as a specialty food item

As small markets develop so does the movement of this carp

“We shouldn't be trying to eradicate it; it's too late for that. We should be eating it.” Steve Mcnitt- Schafer Fisheries in Thomson, Ill (Los Angeles Times, Jan. 16 2010)

New York State Canal System

http://www.shipsblog.com/navigating/maps/NYS_Canal_overview.gif http://www.nyscanals.gov/maps/map7.html

NYSCSNYSCS

524 miles of canals connecting Lake 524 miles of canals connecting Lake Erie to the finger lakes, Hudson River Erie to the finger lakes, Hudson River and Lake Champlainand Lake Champlain

12 ft deep in most places12 ft deep in most places Warm, nutrient rich waters that Warm, nutrient rich waters that

support thriving sport fish populationssupport thriving sport fish populations Small and Large mouth bass, walleye, panfish Small and Large mouth bass, walleye, panfish

northern pike, blueback herring and coho northern pike, blueback herring and coho salmonsalmon

www.nycanal.com

Champlain CanalChamplain Canal 60 miles of shallow nutrient rich water60 miles of shallow nutrient rich water As many as 12 invasive species including As many as 12 invasive species including

zebra mussels and white perch thought to zebra mussels and white perch thought to have arrived through this canalhave arrived through this canal

Shipping traffic much lower than in the past, mostly Shipping traffic much lower than in the past, mostly for recreational use nowfor recreational use now

Modley (2010) believes that the carp Modley (2010) believes that the carp would be more than capable of migrating would be more than capable of migrating up this canal into Lake Champlainup this canal into Lake Champlain

Asian Carp Preventative Measures Asian Carp Preventative Measures OverviewOverview

Current Preventative MeasuresCurrent Preventative Measures CSSC Underwater Electric BarrierCSSC Underwater Electric Barrier eDNA SamplingeDNA Sampling Rapid Response PlanRapid Response Plan Electrofishing/Netting/Targeted RemovalElectrofishing/Netting/Targeted Removal

Alternative Preventative MeasuresAlternative Preventative Measures Physical ControlsPhysical Controls Biological/Chemical ControlsBiological/Chemical Controls Social ControlsSocial Controls

http://asiancarp.org/Images/water%20was%20up%20to%20here

%20coming%20in%20to%20bank.JPG

Current Preventative Current Preventative MeasuresMeasures

CSSC Underwater CSSC Underwater Electric BarrierElectric Barrier

• Only dispersal barrier between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River basin•Structure: - steel cables with electrodes on either end

-non-lethal, gradual electric field created underwater- uncomfortable for fish to pass (USACE 2007)

http://www.lrc.usace.army.mil/projects/fish_barrier/file/DB1.jpg

CSSC Underwater Electric Barrier Cont’dCSSC Underwater Electric Barrier Cont’d

Two barrier systemTwo barrier system Barrier I Barrier I

(demonstration)(demonstration) 1 Volts/Inch, pulsing 5Hz every 4ms 1 Volts/Inch, pulsing 5Hz every 4ms NANPCA, completed April 2002, NANPCA, completed April 2002, temporarytemporary Stretches 54 feet of canal (USACE 2009)Stretches 54 feet of canal (USACE 2009)

Barrier II Barrier II Barrier II-ABarrier II-A

2 Volts/Inch, pulsing 15 Hz 2 Volts/Inch, pulsing 15 Hz every 6.5 msevery 6.5 ms 1300ft downstream Barrier I1300ft downstream Barrier I Completed April 2008, Completed April 2008, permanentpermanent (Asian Carp Working (Asian Carp Working

Group 2010)Group 2010)

Barrier II-BBarrier II-B Same operating capacity as II-ASame operating capacity as II-A 800 ft downstream Barrier I800 ft downstream Barrier I Slated for completion October 2010 Slated for completion October 2010

(Asian Carp Working Group 2010)(Asian Carp Working Group 2010)

http://www.lrc.usace.army.mil/projects/fish_barrier/

CSSC Underwater Electric Barrier Cont’dCSSC Underwater Electric Barrier Cont’d

EffectivenessEffectiveness CostCost Time-ScaleTime-Scale Dependant uponDependant upon:: Barrier I : Barrier I : $4 million (2007)$4 million (2007) completed April completed April

20022002 Current velocityCurrent velocity Barrier II Barrier II : project ceiling : project ceiling II A:II A: completed completed

04/200804/2008 Water TemperatureWater Temperature $16 million (2007)$16 million (2007) IIB:IIB: slated completion slated completion ConductivityConductivity (USACE 2009)(USACE 2009) 08/201008/2010(( Dettmers et al. 2009)Dettmers et al. 2009)

Carp life stage (juvenile?)Carp life stage (juvenile?)(Brammeier et al 2008)(Brammeier et al 2008)

• Electric Barrier shown Electric Barrier shown

to be ~ 90-99% effectiveto be ~ 90-99% effective( Brammeir et al. 2008)( Brammeir et al. 2008)

- - MDNR study in 2004 found MDNR study in 2004 found

electric barrier + acoustic bubblerelectric barrier + acoustic bubbler

to be ~ 83 % effectiveto be ~ 83 % effective

• HIGH UNCERTAINTYHIGH UNCERTAINTY

eDNA SamplingeDNA Sampling Developed at U. of Notre Developed at U. of Notre

Dame, Dame, currentcurrent method of method of Carp detection (USACE 2009)Carp detection (USACE 2009)

Examines local water samples Examines local water samples for traces of carp DNAfor traces of carp DNA

Mucoidal secretionsMucoidal secretions Feces / urineFeces / urine TissueTissue• Presence/Non-presence Presence/Non-presence

determined by identified determined by identified genetic marker genetic marker (Lodge 2010)(Lodge 2010)

• Effectiveness:Effectiveness: Greater ease of detectionGreater ease of detection Does not account for Does not account for

specimen life history traits, specimen life history traits, quantity present, or exact quantity present, or exact location location (Lodge 2010)(Lodge 2010)

• Cost:Cost: Current total: $2,600,000Current total: $2,600,000 Future Estimates: Future Estimates:

$940,000$940,000((Asian Carp Working Group 2010Asian Carp Working Group 2010)) http://www.lrc.usace.army.mil/pao/

eDNA_FactSheet_20090918.pdf

Figure: Two sites depicting positive detections, Site A is the Brandon Road pool, Site B is near power plant in Dresden Island

pool

Rapid Response ProgramRapid Response Program““We believe it is still critical to support and defend the We believe it is still critical to support and defend the

electric barrier while it is down for maintenance,” said electric barrier while it is down for maintenance,” said IDNR Assistant Director John Rogner. “The barrier IDNR Assistant Director John Rogner. “The barrier

remains our most effective weapon against this very remains our most effective weapon against this very aggressive invasive species” (IDNR 2009).aggressive invasive species” (IDNR 2009).

http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/dennis-byrne-barbershop/assets_c/2009/12/fish-thumb-600x405-43833.jpg

Rapid Response Program Rapid Response Program cont’dcont’d

Maintenance on barriers required every 4-6 months, barriers are Maintenance on barriers required every 4-6 months, barriers are turned off (USFWS 2010)turned off (USFWS 2010)

Rapid Response Program implemented during these maintenance Rapid Response Program implemented during these maintenance periodsperiods

Program consists of dumping piscicide into CSSC to eliminate all Program consists of dumping piscicide into CSSC to eliminate all biota (Asian Carp Working Group 2010)biota (Asian Carp Working Group 2010)

RotenonRotenone chosen by EPA as most effective means to eliminate Asian carpe chosen by EPA as most effective means to eliminate Asian carp Derived from roots of tropical/sub tropical plantsDerived from roots of tropical/sub tropical plants Inhibits biochemical processes at cellular levelInhibits biochemical processes at cellular level No fish is immune => death (US EPA 2007) No fish is immune => death (US EPA 2007)

http://www.alanwood.net/pesticides/structures/rotenone.gif

http://www.asiancarp.org/rapidresponse/images/DSC07419.jpg

Rapid Response Program Rapid Response Program cont’dcont’d Effectiveness:Effectiveness:

Studies show 65-95% effective in killing target species (Brammeier et al. Studies show 65-95% effective in killing target species (Brammeier et al. 2008)2008)

Rapid Response implemented in December 2009 in CSSC yielded over 90 Rapid Response implemented in December 2009 in CSSC yielded over 90 tons of dead fish, including one Asian carp (Hood 2009)tons of dead fish, including one Asian carp (Hood 2009)

• CostCost Cost of Rotenone very high, $1 / acre foot Cost of Rotenone very high, $1 / acre foot December 2009 application: 2,200 gallons dumped into CSSC over three day = $3 million (Hood 2009)December 2009 application: 2,200 gallons dumped into CSSC over three day = $3 million (Hood 2009)

TimescaleTimescale Rotenone degrades rapidly , ceasing to affect fish after a few hours, becomes non-toxic after 4-6 Rotenone degrades rapidly , ceasing to affect fish after a few hours, becomes non-toxic after 4-6

weeks weeks

(US EPA 2008)(US EPA 2008) Application of Rotenone in accordance with routine maintenance schedulesApplication of Rotenone in accordance with routine maintenance schedules

http://www.asiancarp.org/rapidresponse/media.htm

Electro-fishing/ Netting/ Electro-fishing/ Netting/ Targeted RemovalTargeted Removal

In accordance with Asian Carp Working Group Control Strategy Framework In accordance with Asian Carp Working Group Control Strategy Framework (Feb. 2010)(Feb. 2010)

Utilizes current eDNA sampling methodsUtilizes current eDNA sampling methods Data reveals carp Data reveals carp hotspotshotspots above barrier system where carp have been above barrier system where carp have been

positively identifiedpositively identified Warm water dischargesWarm water discharges Wastewater treatment plant outfallsWastewater treatment plant outfalls Tail waters of locks and damsTail waters of locks and dams Marina basinsMarina basins Barge SlipsBarge Slips Other slack water areas Other slack water areas

Within target areas, fish are concentrated to a confined area Within target areas, fish are concentrated to a confined area (electro-fishing, acoustics, nets)(electro-fishing, acoustics, nets)

Removed via application of Rotenone (Asian Carp Working Removed via application of Rotenone (Asian Carp Working Group 2010)Group 2010)

Electro-fishing/ Netting/ Targeted Electro-fishing/ Netting/ Targeted RemovalRemoval

Effectiveness:Effectiveness:• Proven to be effective method to eradicate fish in given Proven to be effective method to eradicate fish in given

areaarea Control study by IDNR downstream of barrier system yielded 30-40 Asian Control study by IDNR downstream of barrier system yielded 30-40 Asian

carp in eDNA identified area (MDNR et al. 2010)carp in eDNA identified area (MDNR et al. 2010)

Likelihood of success directly linked to expedience Likelihood of success directly linked to expedience of eDNA sample analyzation, fish are mobileof eDNA sample analyzation, fish are mobile

Speeding up eDNA methods critical to effectvie removal!Speeding up eDNA methods critical to effectvie removal!

CostCost• Estimated cost for implementation of this program Estimated cost for implementation of this program

(~April 2010) : $2 million (Asian Carp Working (~April 2010) : $2 million (Asian Carp Working Group 2010)Group 2010)

http://www.tnfish.org/ElectrofishingShockingSurveys_TWRA

/TWRA_ElectrofishingNegus.jpg

Alternative Preventative Alternative Preventative MeasuresMeasures

http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/dennis-byrne-barbershop/assets_c/2010/01/carp-thumb-560x338-56351.jpg

Physical MethodsPhysical Methods Physical BarriersPhysical Barriers

Vertical Drop BarrierVertical Drop Barrier Hydraulic drop greater than carp leaping ability (~10 ft)Hydraulic drop greater than carp leaping ability (~10 ft) Dams, feasible in small tributaries => 95-100 % effective (Brammeier et al. Dams, feasible in small tributaries => 95-100 % effective (Brammeier et al.

2007)2007)

Rotating Drum ScreensRotating Drum Screens Drums set in-stream on a cableDrums set in-stream on a cable Continually turn, allow passage of fine debris but not carp ( MDNR et al. Continually turn, allow passage of fine debris but not carp ( MDNR et al.

2004)2004) Small scale, 95-100 % effectiveSmall scale, 95-100 % effective

Floating CurtainsFloating Curtains Floating curtain attached to pilings across water bodyFloating curtain attached to pilings across water body Allows fine debris to pass; small scale => 95-100% effective (MDNR et al. Allows fine debris to pass; small scale => 95-100% effective (MDNR et al.

2004)2004)

High Velocity StructuresHigh Velocity Structures Concentrated areas of high velocityConcentrated areas of high velocity Flat aprons in dam spillways, velocity faster than carp swimming speedFlat aprons in dam spillways, velocity faster than carp swimming speed Highly effective, small scale (MDNR et al. 2004)Highly effective, small scale (MDNR et al. 2004)

Physical Methods cont’dPhysical Methods cont’d

Bubble CurtainsBubble Curtains Perforated tube laid across bottom of channel, Perforated tube laid across bottom of channel,

compressed air pumped through creating wall of bubblescompressed air pumped through creating wall of bubbles 50-95% effective50-95% effective Construction and operating costs: $0.5-1 millionConstruction and operating costs: $0.5-1 million

Strobe LightsStrobe Lights Most effective when utilized in concert with other deterrents Most effective when utilized in concert with other deterrents

(bubble curtains, acoustic deflections)(bubble curtains, acoustic deflections) 60-95% effective in eel study 60-95% effective in eel study

(MDNR et al. 2004)(MDNR et al. 2004) Cost: $0.5-1 million, Cost: $0.5-1 million, but but only to be used atonly to be used at

channel entrances (Brammeier et al. 2007)channel entrances (Brammeier et al. 2007)

http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/commun/ml-fe/images/articles/fullSize/09-13-11a.jpg

(MDNR et al. 2004)

Physical Methods Physical Methods cont’dcont’d Acoustic DeterrentsAcoustic Deterrents

Sound Projector ArraySound Projector Array Electronic signal generator, several powerful amplifiers, under Electronic signal generator, several powerful amplifiers, under

water array of sound projectors (MDNR et al. 2004)water array of sound projectors (MDNR et al. 2004) 80% effective, estimated cost $1 million (Brammeier et al. 2007)80% effective, estimated cost $1 million (Brammeier et al. 2007) Acoustic field not highly concentrated, effective for blocking river Acoustic field not highly concentrated, effective for blocking river

intakesintakes Uncertainty in optimal operating range to maximize effectiveness Uncertainty in optimal operating range to maximize effectiveness

(life stage) (MDNR et al. 2004)(life stage) (MDNR et al. 2004) Bio-acoustic Fish FenceBio-acoustic Fish Fence

Combined concentrated acoustic field and bubble curtainCombined concentrated acoustic field and bubble curtain Electromagnetic/pneumonic sound transducer coupled to bubble Electromagnetic/pneumonic sound transducer coupled to bubble

sheet generatorsheet generator Multi-faceted carp barrierMulti-faceted carp barrier 90% effective; cost: $1.2 million (MDNR et al. 2004)90% effective; cost: $1.2 million (MDNR et al. 2004)

Hybrid SystemsHybrid Systems System incorporating SPA with bubble curtain being developedSystem incorporating SPA with bubble curtain being developed Allow direct modification of signal to target Asian carp (MDNR et al. Allow direct modification of signal to target Asian carp (MDNR et al.

2004)2004)

Figure: SPA system(MDNR et al. 2004)

Figure: Bio-acoustic Fish Fence System

(MDNR et al. 2004)

Physical Methods cont’dPhysical Methods cont’d

Modified Structural OperationsModified Structural Operations Modified Lock OperationsModified Lock Operations

100% certainty that carp have not passed 100% certainty that carp have not passed

electro-barrier not attainedelectro-barrier not attained Modifying lock operations adjacent to Modifying lock operations adjacent to

Lake Michigan as preventionLake Michigan as prevention Proposed actions include: no action, close every week, close one week/month, Proposed actions include: no action, close every week, close one week/month,

close every other weekclose every other week Effectiveness not known, impact to shipping may be significant (Asian Carp Effectiveness not known, impact to shipping may be significant (Asian Carp

Working Group 2010)Working Group 2010)

Modified Bank FortificationsModified Bank Fortifications Des Plaines River and I&M Canal directly adjacent to CSSC, overland Des Plaines River and I&M Canal directly adjacent to CSSC, overland

of waters between water bodies during storm eventsof waters between water bodies during storm events Propose modified bank fortifications to stop water body transferPropose modified bank fortifications to stop water body transfer

Concrete barriersConcrete barriers Chain link fencing Chain link fencing

High priority flooding zones identified for these structures, ~13.5 mile High priority flooding zones identified for these structures, ~13.5 mile stretch of CSSCstretch of CSSC

High cost: $13,200,000; permanent concrete structures effective in High cost: $13,200,000; permanent concrete structures effective in stopping overland flow, chain link fence uncertain (juveniles) (Asian stopping overland flow, chain link fence uncertain (juveniles) (Asian Carp Working Group 2010)Carp Working Group 2010)

http://www.epa.state.il.us/environmental-progress/v30/n4/images/lockport-

lock.jpg

Figure: Des Plaines River overflow above dispersal barriers

(USACE 2010)

Biological/Chemical Biological/Chemical ControlsControls

ChemicalChemical Rotenone, non-discriminate, large scaleRotenone, non-discriminate, large scale Current technology not yet developed carp-specific chemical Current technology not yet developed carp-specific chemical

(Asian Carp Working Group 2010)(Asian Carp Working Group 2010)

BiologicalBiological Relatively unknown, currently being researchedRelatively unknown, currently being researched Research: effect of variable acoustics, electric fields, and light Research: effect of variable acoustics, electric fields, and light

modificationsmodifications Goal to disrupt spawning activities (Asian Carp Working Goal to disrupt spawning activities (Asian Carp Working

Group 2010) Group 2010)

Social ControlsSocial Controls

Prevent Direct/Indirect IntroductionPrevent Direct/Indirect Introduction Prohibit live sale (Lacey Act)Prohibit live sale (Lacey Act) Educational ProgramsEducational Programs Social awareness (Stop Asian Carp!)Social awareness (Stop Asian Carp!)

Market controlsMarket controls Open American fishing markets to carp, commodity productOpen American fishing markets to carp, commodity product Create incentives for harvest (Asian Carp Working Group Create incentives for harvest (Asian Carp Working Group

2010)2010)

ConclusionsConclusions Will they make it into the Great Lakes?Will they make it into the Great Lakes?

YESYES Economic interest, political turmoilEconomic interest, political turmoil Proximity to Great LakesProximity to Great Lakes High level of uncertaintyHigh level of uncertainty

Will they survive in the Lakes?Will they survive in the Lakes? YESYES

Eutrophic Conditions of bays, inlets, slack water Eutrophic Conditions of bays, inlets, slack water areas, and stream entry pointsareas, and stream entry points

Life histrory of carpLife histrory of carp Mobility, omniplanktivores, adaptabilityMobility, omniplanktivores, adaptability

Whole lake model might not be applicable.Whole lake model might not be applicable.

ConclusionsConclusions

Will they get to Lake Champlain?Will they get to Lake Champlain? Colonization is likely but…Colonization is likely but…

Geographic expanseGeographic expanse Effectiveness of preventative measuresEffectiveness of preventative measures

Missisquoi Bay

St. Albans Bay

Burlington Bay

Shelburne Bay

http://www.lcbp.org/PDFs/SOL2008-web.pdf

ConclusionsConclusions ImpactsImpacts

Serious Ecological ImpactsSerious Ecological Impacts Disrupt natural food web (Cooke et al. 2009… already

detrimental to native planktivores in the Mississippi) No natural predatorsNo natural predators Ability to shift diet with plankton compositionAbility to shift diet with plankton composition Rapid ExpansionRapid Expansion Large size and rapid growth rateLarge size and rapid growth rate

Economic ImpactsEconomic Impacts Damage FisheriesDamage Fisheries

Mississippi River and Missouri River Systems have lost Mississippi River and Missouri River Systems have lost numerous fisheriesnumerous fisheries

Social ImpactsSocial Impacts Loss of recreational value of waterwaysLoss of recreational value of waterways Loss of historic, traditional fishing areasLoss of historic, traditional fishing areas Aesthetic value Aesthetic value

RecommendationRecommendationss

PREVENTIONPREVENTION is the best is the best method!method!

RecommendationsRecommendations

Strengthen current preventative Strengthen current preventative measuresmeasures

Increase public awareness!Increase public awareness! Establish viable market for Asian carpEstablish viable market for Asian carp Fund habitat suitability researchFund habitat suitability research

Complete assessment Complete assessment

of Great Lakes of Great Lakes

vulnerability vulnerability

http://media.mlive.com/kzgazette_impact/photo/asian-carp-

fe07641114258f6d_large.jpg

Recommendations cont’dRecommendations cont’dPreventive MeasuresPreventive Measures

Complete construction of Barrier II-B by October 2010, Complete construction of Barrier II-B by October 2010, upgrade Barrier I to permanent statusupgrade Barrier I to permanent status

Research techniques to enhance eDNA techniques, Research techniques to enhance eDNA techniques, increase capacityincrease capacity

Strengthen current Rapid Response ProgramsStrengthen current Rapid Response Programs

- Heightened monitoring, contingency plans- Heightened monitoring, contingency plans Continue target electro fishing/nettingContinue target electro fishing/netting Implement bank fortifications to separate CSSC, Des Implement bank fortifications to separate CSSC, Des

Plaines River, and I&M CanalPlaines River, and I&M Canal Modify lock operations on a weekly basis (preventative)Modify lock operations on a weekly basis (preventative) Utilize integrated alternative prevention measures at Utilize integrated alternative prevention measures at

channel openings upstream of electric barriers channel openings upstream of electric barriers (preventative)(preventative)

Hybrid acoustic/bubble systems, small scale physical barriersHybrid acoustic/bubble systems, small scale physical barriers

Questions?Questions? PlayersPlayers: Invasive Silver and Bigheaded carp: Invasive Silver and Bigheaded carp ProblemProblem: They possess the ability to disrupt : They possess the ability to disrupt

the natural food web and cause significant the natural food web and cause significant social, economic, and ecological impactssocial, economic, and ecological impacts

GoalGoal: Investigate likelihood that the : Investigate likelihood that the asian carp will actually spread and asian carp will actually spread and have serious impactshave serious impacts

What we concludeWhat we conclude: Yes, the carp : Yes, the carp will reach the Great Lakes and will reach the Great Lakes and possibly Lake Champlainpossibly Lake Champlain Too many uncertainties to be sureToo many uncertainties to be sure

Recommendations: Recommendations:

PREVENTION is the best method!!!!

CitationsCitations Chen, P., Wiley, E. O., Mcnyset K. M. (2007). Ecological niche modeling as a predictive tool: silver Chen, P., Wiley, E. O., Mcnyset K. M. (2007). Ecological niche modeling as a predictive tool: silver

and bighead and bighead carps in North America. carps in North America. Biol Invasions, 9(43-51),Biol Invasions, 9(43-51), DOI: 10.1007/s10530- DOI: 10.1007/s10530-006-9004-x006-9004-x

Cooke, L.S., Hill, R.W., & Meyer, P. KCooke, L.S., Hill, R.W., & Meyer, P. K. (. (2009) Feeding at different plankton densities alters 2009) Feeding at different plankton densities alters invasive bighead carp invasive bighead carp ((Hypophthalmychthys nobilis) Hypophthalmychthys nobilis) growth and zooplankton species composition growth and zooplankton species composition Hydrobiologia, 625(185-193)Hydrobiologia, 625(185-193). doi: . doi: 10.1007/s10750-009-9707-y10.1007/s10750-009-9707-y

11Fuller, P. (2009). From NAS – Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, Bighead Carp. Fuller, P. (2009). From NAS – Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, Bighead Carp. USGSUSGS. Retrieved . Retrieved from from http://nas2.er.usgs.gov/viewer/omap.aspx?SpeciesID=551http://nas2.er.usgs.gov/viewer/omap.aspx?SpeciesID=551

22Fuller, P. (2009). From NAS – Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, Silver Carp. Fuller, P. (2009). From NAS – Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, Silver Carp. USGSUSGS. Retrieved from . Retrieved from http://nas2.er.usgs.gov/viewer/omap.aspx?SpeciesID=549http://nas2.er.usgs.gov/viewer/omap.aspx?SpeciesID=549

Huang, D., Liu, J., & Hu, C. (2001). Fish resources in Chinese reservoirs and their utilisation. Huang, D., Liu, J., & Hu, C. (2001). Fish resources in Chinese reservoirs and their utilisation. Abstract retrieved Abstract retrieved from from http://www.fws.gov/contaminants/OtherDocuments/ACBSRAFinalReport2005.pdfhttp://www.fws.gov/contaminants/OtherDocuments/ACBSRAFinalReport2005.pdf

Kolar, C. S., Chapman, D.C., Courteney, Jr. W. R., Housel, C. M., Williams, J. D., & Jennings, D. P. Kolar, C. S., Chapman, D.C., Courteney, Jr. W. R., Housel, C. M., Williams, J. D., & Jennings, D. P. (2005). Asian (2005). Asian Carps of the Genus Hypophthalmichthys (Pisces, Cyprinidae) ― A Carps of the Genus Hypophthalmichthys (Pisces, Cyprinidae) ― A Biological Synopsis and Environmental Biological Synopsis and Environmental Risk Assessment. Risk Assessment.