ST. LAWRENCE EASTERN LAKE ONTARIO PARTNERSHIP FOR REGIONAL INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT
Silver (Hypopthalmichthys molitrix), bighead (Hypopthalmichthys nobilis), black (Mylopharyngodon piceus), and grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) are invasive fish native to Asia. They were introduced to the United States back in the 1970s as a method to control algal blooms in wastewater treatment plants and aquaculture ponds, as well as a food source for humans. They have since become established in the natural waters of the Mississippi River basin and other large river systems in Missouri and Illinois.
Sterile or triploid grass carp are permitted by the NYS DEC as a biocontrol for aquatic plant management in privately owned ponds in New York State.
Impacts
Although the impacts of silver, black, bighead, and grass carp may not be direct, the presence of these species can reverberate through the food chain and impact both native species and local economies. This is due mostly to the food sources they consume. These include plankton which is also a major food source for native mussels, larval fish, and several species of adult fishes. In this way, carp can disturb food web interactions and negatively impact native species and their associated energy flows.
The disturbance of native food webs by invasive carp can also impact local commercial fisheries as their presence results in declines of native species. In addition, there is not yet a large market for invasive carp. Without the establishment of such markets, local fisheries could be compromised. In addition, silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) jump out of the water when startled and can injure boaters.
Identification:
Control and Management
Prevention of the sale and transport of Asian carp is the most cost-effective means of management. The Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal is a major pathway in which Asian carp could enter the Great Lakes. A series of electrical barriers are established in the waterways connecting Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River system in an attempt to prevent their spread to the Great Lakes.
Photo credits: Asian carp identification photos: The Tip of the MITT Watershed Council.
Resources:
PREVENTION
Prevent the introduction of invasive species into the SLELO PRISM.
EARLY DETECTION & RAPID RESPONSE
Rapidly detect new and recent invaders and eliminate all individuals within a specific area.
COOPERATION
Share resources, including funding personnel, equipment, information, and expertise.
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
Collect, utilize, and share information regarding surveys, infestations, control methods, monitoring, and research.
CONTROL
Control invasive species infestations by using best management practices, methods and techniques to include: ERADICATION (which is to eliminate all individuals and the seed bank from an area), CONTAINMENT (which is reducing the spread of established infestations from entering an uninfested area) and SUPPRESSION which is to reduce the density but not necessarily the total infested area.
RESTORATION
Develop and implement effective restoration methods for areas that have been degraded by invasive species and where suppression or control has taken place.
EDUCATION & OUTREACH
Increase public awareness and understanding of invasive species.
INNOVATION
Develop and implement innovative technologies that help us to better understand, visualize, alleviate or manage invasive species and their impacts or that serve to strengthen ecosystem function and/or processes.
Rob Williams rwilliams@tnc.org Program Director
Megan Pistolese megan.pistolese@tnc.org
Outreach and Education
Brittney Rogers brittney.rogers@tnc.org
Aquatic Invasive Species
Robert Smith robert.l.smith@tnc.org
Terrestrial Invasive Species
Zachary Simek zachary.simek@TNC.ORG Conservation and GIS Analyst
During this time the best way to contact our team is via email.
