Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Movements of Native and Invasive Fish in the Twin Cities Major Rivers (MNDNREM)

In 2013, an acoustic telemetry project was initiated in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area including the Minnesota, Mississippi (Pools 1, 2, and 3), and St. Croix rivers. Advancing populations of Silver Carp and Bighead Carp triggered discussions about barriers and deterrents to halt or slow the invasion. Little movement information existed on native fish movements within the major rivers. This study was designed to evaluate fish movements within the Minnesota, Mississippi, and St Croix rivers to determine preferred seasonal habitats, migrations, and their ability to pass locks and dams in the Mississippi River prior to, and following installation of barriers or deterrents, if installed. Movement data pre and post installation would be evaluated to determine barrier or deterrent effectiveness on the target species and evaluate potential impacts to native fish. In addition, Silver Carp and Bighead Carp would be implanted with transmitters, when possible, to gather movement data and identify preferred habitats. Attempts would be made to exploit preferred areas for targeted removal efforts. Transmittered Silver Carp and Bighead Carp implanted by other universities and agencies downstream would also be tracked to inform upstream migrations and further targeted removal efforts. Through 2024, 14 species have been implanted with transmitters, many with 10-year tags.

Points of Contact

• Joel Stiras

  Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

  Principal Investigator