Southern Illinois University - Invasive Carp in the Illinois River (SIUILRMVD)

Bigheaded carp are invasive freshwater planktivores whose invaded range in the United States has expanded since accidental introduction to the Mississippi River in 1985. Bigheaded carp currently threaten to invade the Laurentian Great Lakes as well as many other habitats connected to the Mississippi River, leading to concerns over further economic and environmental impact. To understand the entirety of risks associated with continued bigheaded carp expansion and increased abundance, populations must be monitored in the field. To manage their negative impacts, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has tasked SIU with obtaining monitoring data on invasive carp abundances and fish movement data collected via acoustic telemetry. This research has been allowing us to refine estimates of bigheaded carp population characteristics and movement rates in the Illinois River, with emphasis on the effects of locks and dams on bigheaded carp movement. Standardized sampling is also necessary to determine how invasive bigheaded carp populations are responding to ongoing removal efforts and inform ongoing targeted removal efforts.

Points of Contact

• James Garvey

  Southern Illinois University

  Principal Investigator