Enhanced Detection of Black Carp in the lower Illinois River
Exotic black carp Mylopharyngodon piceus, a large bodied omnivorous fish that feeds on mussels, snails and detritus, have invaded the Illinois River system and have been recently captured in the Alton, La Grange, and Peoria Reaches of the lower Illinois River. Since there are several endangered or threatened species of mussels within the river basin it is imperative to gain knowledge of black carp. With only a few captured individuals, little is known regarding population levels in invaded reaches. Since more robust population estimates are essential to management and control of this potentially harmful invader, we will be assessing the population of black carp in the lower Illinois River and efficacy of different baits used to collect them. Hoop nets baited with clam-based, cottonseed-based baits and non-baited nets have collected black carp in the past but have never been experimentally tested against a control to assess their efficacy. This direct comparison between baits and non-baited nets, along with LTRM standardized hoop netting that uses soybean-based bait, will help us gain knowledge regarding black carp population levels, range expansion, life-history information, and insight regarding bait efficacy. All by-catch will be identified, measured, weighed, and enumerated for a complete assessment of bait efficacy. Additionally, this assessment and efforts to capture black carp has offered many benefits to local economies as it requires additional personnel every year for sampling and brings in several local and non-local technicians. Education and experience at Illinois River Biological Station have been boasted as a very influential steppingstone towards several technicians’ life-long careers within the scientific field.
Beyond the river, research and efforts to teach communities about the potential negative effects of black carp and what to do if you encounter one has enlightened several community members throughout the Illinois River Basin. Additionally, engaging with local students and groups has coordinated a better understanding of native and nonnative fishes and turtles and the importance of identifying differences amongst species and their benefits or negative impacts they can have.
Funding is provided by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
This project is coordinated by Jesse Williams at IRBS.