Application of the Unified Fishing Method in Removing Asian Carps in the United States: Field Success and Challenges

Bighead and Silver (Asian) Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and H. molitrix remain a focus of management in the Midwest both to both prevent the spread and reduce their impact in large Midwestern US rivers.  Contracted (commercial) fishers are currently used to remove large numbers of fish in the Upper Illinois Waterway.  Four million pounds were removed from 2010-2015.  Populations have been reduced in areas by as much as 68% (biomass) while only seeing 50% reductions in others.   Studies suggest that immigration from downstream reaches influence these less-impacted river pools.  A more effective removal effort to overcome immigration is necessary to see increased benefit.  A “Unified Fishing Method” has been developed in China where these fish are native and highly sought after for food.  Interviews with Chinese fishers suggest an integrated approach that combines multiple gear types with water bathymetry and fishing techniques can be highly efficient, sometimes removing 90% of the fish from large, shallow, water bodies.  Illinois DNR developed a plan to use this method in the US to facilitate the removal of Asian Carp as part of an integrated pest management strategy.  Field deployment of this method in 2016 suggests some success and challenges for use in the US.