The fight against invasive carp

Many people who have traveled by boats along Missouri public rivers have had the experience of flying fish jumping out of the water all around them. These flying fish are typically overly populated species of non-native invasive carps. There are five separate species of carp in Missouri waterways that include Bighead, Grass, Black, Silver, and Common carp. These fish were first introduced into Missouri in the early 70s becoming an issue by the 90s.

The reason these fish are harmful to Missouri water ways resides in the successful repopulation of carp. Invasive carp are also highly adaptable with few natural predators. These combinations allow these fish to increase their population very quickly. The reason carp are hard to manage across Missouri water ways resides in the fact that Missouri rivers act as highways with so many connecting components to other bodies of waters such as lakes.

Because of their successful breeding habits, native fish suffer greatly as they are out competed for food resources. This decreases native fish populations and can become devastating for fish already suffering from lower populations.

The Missouri Department of Conservation paired with the United States Fish and Wildlife Services along with a commercial fisherman in a project spanning from September 12-16 where eight miles of the lower Grand River was closed to public use. This project targeted invasive carp species and looked to remove as many of these non-native fish as possible using shocking and netting methods. The original goal for this project was to remove 15,000 pounds of carp. By the end of September 16, the total amassed to 25,000 of carp. Although the first phase of the project was successful, all eyes are looking towards the future as members of this project will keep track of future fish populations to see how effective or quickly these fish could return to their previous populations.

All fish removed were processed and shipped by a commercial fisherman to coastal areas for the carp to be used as crab fishing baits.