OUTLINE

OUTLINEBackground

“AIS”Asian Carp SpeciesOrigin, Introduction & Distribution

ImpactsCommon Carp vs. Asian CarpPositive EffectsNegative Effects

Management of AISNorth American LegislationCanadian MethodsU.S.A Methods

ResearchLimitations to Distribution

NorthwardsSuitability / Susceptibility of

ManitobaImplications of Climate Change

Management Recommendations for Manitoba

Pathways of Introduction into Manitoba

Sustainable Water ManagementReferences

BACKGROUND IMPACTS MANAGEMENT RESEARCH MANITOBA

ASIAN CARPAquatic Invasive Species

“AIS” are defined as accidentally or intentionally introduced organisms that out-compete native species for resources in aquatic environments

Asian carp are deemed “great” invaders – for their reproductive capacity & immense consumption rates, which effectively pushes out native fish populations pound per hundred pounds

“The biology & ecology of carp are two of the major reasons for their success as a vertebrate pest”- BROAD RANGE of environmental tolerances- Thrive in habitats disturbed by human activity

“Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis”Easy establishment of AIS in disturbed areasBACKGROUND IMPACTS MANAGEMENT RESEARCH

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ASIAN CARPOrigin, Introduction & Distribution

ORIGIN: Native to expansive pacific drainages in eastern Asia

INTRODUCTION: Stocked for phytoplankton control in a private pond in the U.S.A in 1960s & 1970s then in hatcheries & sewage lagoonsFound in Mississippi waters in 1980 – Combined result of INTENTIONAL cultural good luck live releases; and UNINTENTIONAL emptying of bait buckets, and flooding of aquaculture fish farm operations in the U.S.A

DISTRIBUTION:Reported in waterways in up to 45 statesBACKGROUND IMPACTS MANAGEMENT RESEARCH

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ASIAN CARPAsian Carp SpeciesSILVER (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)1 metre & 100 lbs – planktivorousBIGHEAD (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis)1.4 metres & 110 lbs – planktivorousCollected from Lake ErieGRASS (Ctenopharyngodon idella)1.25 metres & 79 lbs - herbivorousCollected from Lake Huron and Lake Ontario; currently stocked in Alberta and SaskatchewanBLACK (Mylopharyngodon piceus)1.5 to 2.2 metres & 150 lbs - molluscivorous

Eurasian Carp SpeciesCOMMON (Cyprinus carpio)1.2 metres & 94 lbs – omnivorous/benthivorousIn Canada (sans Alberta) since the late 1880sBACKGROUND IMPACTS MANAGEMENT RESEARCH

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ASIAN CARPImpacts

Impact difficult to predict because of its place in the food web – acts as an ENERGY TRAP by growing to a large size & feeding at low levelsIn numbers, diets & consumption rates, Asian carp could cause enormous damageThese species could decrease the density & diversity of native aquatic organisms through competition

SCIENTISTS FEAR AN INVASION OF ASIAN CARP WOULD DEVASTATE NATIVE FISHES- Minimal changes to date, despite Asian carp making up 63-95%biomass of the Illinois River- Reduced weights in native species: Bigmouth buffalo and Gizzard shadBACKGROUND IMPACTS MANAGEMENT RESEARCH

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ASIAN CARPCommon Carp vs. Asian Carp

BACKGROUND IMPACTS MANAGEMENT RESEARCH MANITOBA

POSITIVE NEGATIVE

COMMON

CARP

KNOWN- Past widespread popularity as a food fish- Hugely symbolic in Asian culture- Ornamental varieties are kept for decorative purposes

KNOWN- Widespread abundance- Destroy vegetation and stunt the growth of aquatic plants- Increase water turbidity and decrease water quality through feeding and reproductive behaviours- Deteriorate stream, channel and wetland habitat for species requiring rooted vegetation or clear water - Occasionally prey on the eggs of native fish species - Compete with ecologically similar species such as Bigmouth buffalo- Decrease waterfowl and fish populations in areas- Reduce aquatic ecosystem health and function- Total degradation of aquatic environments- Common carp is difficult and expensive to eliminate

ASIAN

CARP

KNOWN- Stocked for phytoplankton control in eutrophic waters (Silver carp)-Reduce nutrients in sewage lagoons (Silver carp)-Food fish (Bighead & Black carp)-Biological control of vegetation or snails (Grass & Black carp)

KNOWN- Cause injuries to recreational boaters and fishers (Silver carp)- Damage nets and fishing equipment, where they occur in large numbers (Silver & Bighead carp)-Removal of vegetation can have negative effects on native fish: elimination of food sources, shelter, and spawning substrates (Grass carp)

POTENTIAL- Potential for mass export to China-Increase in tourism in areas for recreational flying fish tournaments-Opportunity for an inexpensive quality protein source for bait, pet food, oils and restaurant menus- Proposed biological control for invasive Zebra mussels

POTENTIAL- Reproductive success and large size may force out native species in occupied areas- Immense intake of plankton or vegetation may cause changes in diet, density and growth of native fishes-Significantly alter the food web and trophic structure of aquatic ecosystems, acting as an energy trap-Removal of vegetation can have negative effects on native fish: elimination of food sources, shelter, and spawning substrates, and increasing risk of predation by birds due to lack of cover-May carry parasites and diseases transmissible to native fishes (infection of endangered species)- High potential to affect aquatic communities by reducing populations of native mussels and snails, which eat algae, thereby increasing algae in the system and decreasing water quality- Lifespan of over 15 years would allow sterile males to persist and impact the aquatic ecosystem

ASIAN CARPPositive Effects

- Cheap bait production for crayfish & lobsters- High-quality protein for fertilizers & pet foods- Small quantities sold for local consumption

“Carp has all the health benefits associated with eating fish & since it eats low on the food chain, has few contaminants such as mercury that tend to be concentrated in the flesh of other fish species”- Potential for mass export back to Asia- Valued by some recreational fishers- Potential for tourism in infected areas with adjusted legislation & flying carp fishing derbies- Small carp may be an important part of the diet of large native fish predators

BACKGROUND IMPACTS MANAGEMENT RESEARCH MANITOBA

ASIAN CARPNegative Effects

Consume vast amounts of plankton, out-competing native fish fry; affects larger fish that feed on fry, including walleye, musky & troutAll Asian carp species are very fast growers & reproducers – millions of eggs per yearAsian carp are carriers of diseases - Asian tapeworm, Koi herpes virus, and SVCV, which could be passed to native speciesVigorous movement, feeding & reproductive behaviours degrade channel banks, increase turbidity & decrease water quality

Feeding activity and diet of carp may increase algal bloom formation in areasBACKGROUND IMPACTS MANAGEMENT RESEARCH

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ASIAN CARPNorth American Legislation

Canada has 20% of the world's fresh water & an expansive coastline, making it high risk for AIS

The Action Plan is an approach to dealing with species that are or could become establishedManaging pathways through which AIS enter:

BOATS / LIVE BAIT / LIVE FOOD TRADE AQUARIUMS / CANALS & H2O DIVERSIONS

In 2010, the United States introduced: “The Asian Carp Prevention & Control Act”, focused on:- Management- Removal- Restoration projectsBACKGROUND IMPACTS MANAGEMENT RESEARCH

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ASIAN CARPCanadian Methods

COOTES PARADISE- The Great Lakes’ first two-way FISHWAY & CARP BARRIER- Prior to establishment, Asian carp population was estimated at 70 000 in the water body- Functional in 1997, the FISHWAY works to maintain water flow and facilitate movement of native species, while blocking Asian carp- Baskets collect the fish, which are individually sorted by hand and shunted in either direction: back to Hamilton Harbour (AIS) or to the marsh

In the first year of operation, 95% of carp were removed, with fewer than 1

000 found presentlyWETLAND RESTORATION PROJECT- Used Christmas trees were arranged to re-create the natural shoreline & maintain flowBACKGROUND IMPACTS MANAGEMENT RESEARCH

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ASIAN CARPU.S.A Methods

CURRENT- Electric fish barriers- Legalized firearms on watercrafts- Bow-hunting recreational & tourism strategy- “Red-neck” fishing derbies- Localized commercial harvesting- Addition to supermarkets & restaurant menus- Enforcement & fines

INVESTIGATING- Acoustic fish deterrents: bubble curtains & water guns

- Mass export to China- Hydrological separationBACKGROUND IMPACTS MANAGEMENT RESEARCH

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ASIAN CARP in MANITOBALimitations to Distribution Northwards

Nutrient, habitat & temperature thresholds

Food resources, as required by metabolic rates based on body size, swim speed and reproductive stage

According to DFO: ALL Canadian rivers are at RISK for Asian carp invasion

FACTORS considered: -Phytoplankton availability-Water temperature-Flow rates and their effect on mobility-Effects of flood pulses-Preferential habitat and spawning sites-Seasonal fluctuations

BACKGROUND IMPACTS MANAGEMENT RESEARCH MANITOBA

ASIAN CARP in MANITOBASuitability / Susceptibility of Manitoba

CONDITIONS in Lake Winnipeg

Temperature conditions in southern and central regions of Manitoba suitable for colonization of invasive Asian carpNutrient availability, such as algal biomass, will probably be the limiting factor for Asian carp populations in ManitobaBACKGROUND IMPACTS MANAGEMENT RESEARCH

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ASIAN CARP in MANITOBA

BACKGROUND IMPACTS MANAGEMENT RESEARCH MANITOBA

Implications of Climate Change

Climate change predictions plus anthropogenic eutrophication issues = double-edged swordPredictions of Environmental Changes:-Increased flooding-Warmer average temperatures-Longer open water periods-Frequent cyanobacterial blooms = BETTER CONDITIONS FOR ASIAN CARPGeoreferenced satellite images in conjunction with algorithms that quantify environmental variables in freshwater bodiesIntegrated into Ecological Niche Models= Powerful predictive tool for AIS(not just limited to carp)

ASIAN CARP in MANITOBA

BACKGROUND IMPACTS MANAGEMENT RESEARCH MANITOBA

Pathways of Introduction into Manitoba

Uncontrollable & CONTROLLABLE channels

Human-mediated transport of Asian carp into new areas & water bodies:- Illegal sale of live Asian carp in the States- Fines & enforcement at border crossings

Water-mediated transport:- Possible invasion of the Saskatchewan River- Manitoba is the “end of the toilet bowl”- Proximity to Great Lakes Basin, which is connected to infected waterways in the U.S.A.

Manitoba has 15 AISGreat Lakes Basin has upwards of 250 AISMississippi River Basin has upwards of 150 AIS

ASIAN CARP in MANITOBASustainable Water Management

Levels of Management:(1)PREVENTION (AIS not established)(2)MITIGATION (AIS present)(3)REMEDIATION (Area overrun with AIS)

Focus on PREVENTION for Asian carp species & MITIGATION for thriving Common carpIn the case of AIS: ONCE THEY’RE HERE THEY’RE HERE TO STAY

FIRST LINE: Public awareness & educationDEFENSE: Enforcement at bordersSECOND LINE: Rehabilitation & restoration of aquatic habitat to suit native fish species

ONGOING MONITORING EFFORTSBACKGROUND IMPACTS MANAGEMENT RESEARCH

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ASIAN CARPSustainable Water Management

ENVIRONMENTAL REHABILITATIONImprove habitat quality to favour native species- Aims to increase native fish numbers, including large predators, which will increase predation pressures on young carp

Manitoba applications: “River flow alteration caused by dams…has impeded the spawning, recruitment and migration of native fish and created habitats in which carp survive well”

Restoration of natural features has greater results than traditional removal attempts Population dynamics = DENSITY DEPENDENT-Asian carp juveniles replace any number of removed adults in an areaBACKGROUND IMPACTS MANAGEMENT RESEARCH

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ASIAN CARP

Since humans perfectly altered the environment for Asian carp, essentially assisting the spread of these aquatic invaders –

It is not a question of IF they will arrive in Manitoba but WHEN, and what can be done now to mitigate the future impacts of Asian carp in the province.BACKGROUND IMPACTS MANAGEMENT RESEARCH

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REFERENCESSee REPORT

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