Asian Carp MonitoringAlthough the major wild populations of two species of Asian carp (bighead and silver) are still thought to be limited to the Mississippi basin, bighead carp were collected in Lake Erie in 1995 and 2000 and reported (unconfirmed) in 2002 and 2003. They were also discovered in the Ohio River in 2002 in close proximity to the Lake Erie watershed. Since 2004, the LGLFWCO has monitored western Lake Erie in Sandusky and Toledo, OH using trammel nets and electrofishing in response to these discoveries. So far, we have yet to collect either species. The isolated collections were most likely a result of release by consumers from the live food fish industry. In 2008, the LGLFWCO used electrofishing to monitor nearshore habitats at both Sandusky and Toledo. Asian carp were not detected during 2008 surveys. The LGLFWCO will continue distribution of copies of an Asian carp poster (pdf-401KB) purchased in FY2004 to bait shops, marinas, and state agencies along the Lake Erie shoreline. This proactive approach will support and facilitate prevention, early detection, and monitoring efforts. If you would like a poster or a supply of WATCH cards, contact the office at (716) 691-5456. |
