Invasive carp movement and habitat use in Nebraska interior rivers

Evidence of movement by invasive carp is limited in many prairie streams. In Nebraska, currently no information exists regarding the extent of movement and residency times of invasive carp in interior rivers.

Invasive carp pose threats to native fish assemblages and the ecosystem services of river and lake environments. Specifically, Silver Carp and Bighead Carp are a major concern given their ability to compete with native fishes for food resources as well as their ability to reach substantial densities degrading recreational opportunities. Information pertaining to movement is needed to inform management actions including removal and gain a better understanding of population persistence and distributions across the landscape. Evidence of movement by invasive carp is limited in many prairie streams. In Nebraska, currently no information exists regarding the extent of movement and residency times of invasive carp in interior rivers. This project is in collaboration with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Information from this project will inform targeted management actions including establishment of monitoring stations as well as targeted removal efforts where movement into and out of locations is limited.

Goals

Information from this project will inform targeted management actions including establishment of monitoring stations as well as targeted removal efforts where movement into and out of locations is limited.