What’s in a Name? The Case for Discontinuing the Term "Asian Carp"

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

Song Qian, University of Toledo, [email protected]
Patrick Kocovsky, U.S. Geological Survey, [email protected]
Duane Chapman, USGS, [email protected]

Abstract

Bighead Carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), Black Carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus), Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), and Silver Carp (H. molitrix) are considered invasive species in North America and Europe. In North America, they are typically referred to collectively as “Asian carp,” a reference to their native range. In this presentation, we review the long aquaculture history of these species in China, their human cultural significance, the origin of the category “Asian carp”, and the cultural and scientific problems associated with the term. We also discuss the confusion the term creates due to multiple differing meanings and propensity for mistranslations. We recommend discontinuing use of the term Asian Carp and using individual species’ names in most cases.  When a categorical name is required to describe these four species, we recommend the term “Chinese major aquaculture fishes” or the term by which the fishes are known in China “sì dà ji? yú” or the shortened term “ji? yú” 

1. Keyword
invasive species

2. Keyword
carp

3. Keyword
fish management