Examination of Factors Influencing Bigheaded Carp Spawning and Movements in a Large River

Bigheaded carps continue to rapidly spread throughout the Mississippi River Basin.  Using data collected from 2011-2013, we will investigate environmental variables thought to influence the movements and spawning of bigheaded carps in the Wabash River, Indiana.  Movement data were collected through an acoustic telemetry study involving 300 silver and bighead carp.  Movements will be examined in relation to time, sex, temperature and flow.  Using temperature, growing degree day and flow characteristics, we will also examine factors thought to be important as spawning cues as well as egg density as a surrogate for spawning activity.  We expect this information to be useful to both managers and those attempting to model bigheaded carp expansion in novel ecosystems.