Lake Erie Grass Carp Movement and Tributary Use

Session: 02b. - Status and Management of Invasive Carps in the Great Lakes

Cleyo Harris, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, [email protected]
Travis Brenden, Michigan State University, [email protected]
Seth Herbst, Michigan DNR-Fisheries, [email protected]
Christopher Vandergoot, USGS - Great Lakes Science Center, [email protected]
Matthew Faust, [email protected]
Charles Krueger, CSIS, Michigan State University, [email protected]

Abstract

Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) were first imported to the U.S. in the 1960s and by the 1970s were being widely introduced as a means for vegetation control.  Over the past 20 years, low densities of grass carp have been detected in Lake Erie, but were deemed a low threat because most were assumed to be triploid (i.e., sterile) individuals. Recent evidence suggests that wild recruitment of grass carp in Lake Erie is occurring, which has elevated concerns about population expansion and spread. The objectives of this study were to determine tributary use, locations of potential fish aggregations, and the extent of inter-basin movements in Lake Erie and the potential for expansion into other Great Lakes areas. Fifty grass carp have been tagged with acoustic transmitters and fish movements have been monitored with strategically placed, passive acoustic receivers through collaboration with the Great Lakes Acoustic Telemetry Observation System. All fish were tagged in Michigan and Ohio waters of western Lake Erie; some individuals did make large movements out of the Western Basin. Grass carp made frequent forays into the Sandusky River, Maumee River and Plum Creek in 2015, 2016 and 2017 with the Sandusky River being the most heavily used tributary.

1. Keyword
fish behavior

2. Keyword
invasive species

3. Keyword
Lake Erie

4. Additional Keyword
telemetry

5. Additional Keyword
tagging

6. Additional Keyword
carp