Grass Carp Distribution and Status in the US

This presentation will review the US Geological Survey’s Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) Database (http://nas.er.usgs.gov) website and the data it provides, with a focus on Grass Carp. The process for Grass Carp data acquisition and review will be presented. Nationwide occurrence and population status of Grass Carp will be discussed. There are reproducing populations in the major rivers of the Mississippi basin and in the Trinity River in Texas. Grass carp have been introduced to at least 191 6-digit hydrologic units. Of these, they are established in 39 (20%). There are records for at least 351 at an 8-digit hydrologic unit level, with 54 of those having established populations (15%). The goal of the NAS database is to provide the national picture of aquatic species distributions and spread. We strive to provide the best information possible, but remember – the information can only be as good as what you provide us!