Asian Carp Expansion in the Mississippi River: Focusing on the Leading Edge of the Stronghold

Asian carp have been expanding their range up the Mississippi River; however abundance is thought to be higher in the lower reaches which are in closer proximity to the Illinois River. However the Asian carp population has a stronghold in the Upper Mississippi River, with Lock and Dam 19 at Keokuk, IA being the only barrier to slow the expansion further up the Mississippi River. As Asian carp abundance increases below Lock and Dam 19, it is important to investigate potential means of control that will prevent or delay the complete invasion of the Mississippi River above Lock and Dam 19. Silver and bighead carp were collected below Lock and Dam 19 to determine population dynamics at the leading edge of the invasion. This information was then used to model the population and determine potential ways to control the Asian carp population and prevent continued expansion. Asian carp were also implanted with ultrasonic transmitters to evaluate rate of passage through the lock chamber at Lock and Dam 19.  This information could be used to determine whether potential barriers need to be placed at the entrance of the lock chamber entrance to prevent Asian carp passage upstream into pool 19.