In-situ tests of sound-bubble-strobe light barrier technologies to prevent the range expansions of Asian carp

Abstract

Bighead (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) and silver (H. molitrix) carp (collectively, Asian carp) have invaded the Mississippi River Basin and have successfully established populations in the Illinois River. Correlative studies have suggested that Asian carp in the Illinois River have negatively influenced native planktivorous fishes and they now pose an imminent threat to invading Lake Michigan through the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. Sound-bubble-strobe light barrier (SBSLB) technologies may have the potential to slow Asian carp range expansions. A sound-bubble barrier was 95% effective at deterring adult bighead carp passage in a hatchery raceway experiment. In 2009-2010, I tested the effectiveness of a SBSLB at repelling Asian and non-Asian carp (all other fishes tested) within Quiver Creek, a tributary to the Illinois River. To test barrier effectiveness, Asian carp and non-Asian carp were removed from upstream of the barrier, marked, and released downstream of the SBSLB. Asian carp were also collected from the main-stem Illinois River and transplanted downstream of the barrier. Trials were conducted with the SBSLB ON and OFF to test upstream passage rates. Short-term and extended trials were also conducted to test for differences in upstream passage rates using sound, bubbles, and strobe lights (flashing and not flashing) versus sound and bubbles only. Barrier effectiveness was evaluated by upstream recaptures. Two of 575 marked silver carp and 85 of 2,937 marked non-Asian carp breached the barrier and were recaptured. No marked bighead carp (n=101) were recaptured. My results suggest that SBSLB technologies could be used as a deterrent system to repel Asian carp, but should not be used as an absolute barrier to prevent range expansions. Potential negative influences of this technology on non-target fishes must also be considered prior to implementation as a management tool.