Using adaptive management to combat Lake Erie grass carp

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

Mark DuFour, Michigan State University, Quantitative Fisheries Center, [email protected]
Kelly Robinson, Michigan State University, [email protected]
Seth Herbst, Michigan DNR-Fisheries, [email protected]
Tammy Newcomb, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, [email protected]
Michael Jones, Dept. of Fisheries & Wildlife, Michigan State University, [email protected]

Abstract

Invasive grass carp may negatively affect Lake Erie’s aquatic ecosystem.  Recently, incidental captures of fertile grass carp have increased and successful spawning has occurred, while the effects of directed management actions are unknown. Controlling the Lake Erie grass carp population is challenging because we 1) lack requisite information (e.g., population demographics and seasonal ecology), and 2) necessitate collaboration among a large stakeholder group (e.g., multiple agencies and universities) to implement response at a large spatial scale.  In 2016, the stakeholder group initiated a structured decision making (SDM) exercise to focus and coordinate management efforts. Through the SDM process, the group distilled a problem statement, established management objectives, selected potential response actions, and built a framework to evaluate consequences and tradeoffs of competing response scenarios. Additionally, the SDM process helped identify key uncertainties that inhibited current decision-making. During 2018, we transition into an adaptive management phase, implementing informed response actions, carrying out research to address key uncertainties, monitoring response performance, updating our knowledge, and revising future response actions (if appropriate). Using an adaptive management framework, the group will continue to address key uncertainties (e.g., abundance, seasonal distributions, and gear efficiencies) and refine response strategies to combat the potential grass carp threat.

1. Keyword
biological invasions

2. Keyword
carp

3. Keyword
modeling

4. Additional Keyword
structured decision making