The Potential Use of Chemical and Auditory Stimuli with Other Control Strategies to Develop an Integrated Pest Management Tool for the Control of Asian Carps

A combination of multi-disciplinary approaches is currently being developed as part of a management strategy for the control of Asian carp. A key part of this management strategy is the identification of novel stimuli that attract Bighead Carp and Silver Carp into select areas where control methods can be used. Laboratory and mesocosm tests  show that Asian  carp exhibit positive physiological and behavioral responses to green algae (Chlorella) and  blue-green algae (Spirulina). Ongoing field studies  are testing the efficacy of conditioning wild fish to feeding stations along the Missouri River as a means of inducing Asian carp aggregations for harvest.  We are also evaluating the response of Asian carp to combined chemical and auditory stimuli through mesocosm studies that show Asian carp demonstrate a Pavlovian response after conditioning to an auditory stimulus and food attractant. When combined with other control technologies, such as harvesting and microparticle toxins, chemical and auditory stimuli could be an effective part of an integrated pest management program for controlling Asian carp.