"Silent Invaders" Asian Carp 2013

Summary

The Illinois River is home to a dense population of silver carp, an invasive species introduced in the 1970s to control algae. These fish disrupt the food chain, outcompete native species, and pose a danger to boaters. Efforts to control their population include encouraging consumption, but the challenge lies in their many bones. A multi-million dollar electronic barrier has been constructed to prevent their migration into the Great Lakes, yet additional precautions like cleaning and drying boats are crucial to stop the spread of these 'silent invaders'.

Takeaways

• 🐟 Silver carp are the most notorious of the Asian carp family and are believed to have the densest population in the Illinois River.
• 🌊 Asian carp were introduced to the United States in the 1970s for algae control and escaped into the Mississippi River Basin in the 1980s due to flooding.
• 🌐 The spread of Asian carp is facilitated by their ability to infest any river system directly connected to the Mississippi or Illinois River.
• 🍽️ The invasive species disrupts the food chain, pushes out native fish, and poses a nuisance and danger to boaters.
• 🚤 A significant danger comes from the carp's tendency to jump out of the water and potentially injure people on boats moving at high speeds.
• 🔍 The rapid growth of the silver carp population is due to females laying up to two million eggs a year and the lack of natural predators capable of controlling their numbers.
• 🍴 Some suggest that promoting the consumption of silver carp could help control their population, but this has been challenging due to the fish's many bones.
• 🚧 There is a concern that Asian carp could reach the Great Lakes through the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, prompting the construction of a multi-million dollar electronic barrier.
• 🛑 The electronic barrier is designed to prevent the migration of Asian carp, effectively 'plugging the biggest hole' for their spread.
• 🧼 Preventative measures such as cleaning, training, and drying boats after use can help stop the spread of microscopic organisms that could colonize new water bodies.

Q & A

What is the primary concern with the silver carp population in the Illinois River?

The primary concern is that silver carp, part of the Asian carp family, are believed to have the densest population in the nation in the Illinois River. They disrupt the food chain, push out native fish, are a nuisance to boaters, and can be extremely dangerous due to their jumping behavior.

How were Asian carp introduced to the United States?

Asian carp were introduced to the United States in the 1970s to control algae and were used in catfish farms in the south. In the 1980s, flood waters allowed the carp to escape and infest the Mississippi River Basin.

Why are silver carp considered dangerous to boaters?

Silver carp are considered dangerous because they can jump out of the water when startled by boat engines, potentially causing physical harm to boaters. They can leave marks or even break bones when hitting people at high speeds.

What is the reproductive rate of female silver carp?

Female silver carp can lay up to two million eggs per year, contributing to their rapid population growth.

What is the challenge in getting Americans to eat silver carp?

The challenge lies in the fact that silver carp fillets are filled with bones, which makes them less appealing to Americans who are not accustomed to picking around bones while eating fish.

What measures are being taken to prevent Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes?

A multi-million dollar electronic barrier has been constructed in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal to potentially stop the migration of Asian carp into the Great Lakes.

How effective are the barriers in stopping the movement of Asian carp?

The barriers are designed to effectively plug the biggest hole for the movement of these fish, making it very difficult for them to swim through the waterway.

What additional steps can be taken to prevent the spread of Asian carp?

Cleaning, training, and drying boats every time they come out of the water can help prevent the spread of microscopic creatures that might carry Asian carp eggs or larvae to other water bodies.

What is the significance of the Illinois River in the context of Asian carp invasion?

The Illinois River is significant because it is part of the Mississippi River Basin, which has been infested by Asian carp. Its connection to the Mississippi River makes it a critical area for the control and management of the invasive species.

What is the role of education in managing the silver carp population?

Education plays a crucial role in managing the silver carp population by teaching people how to eat and prepare the fish, potentially creating a market for it and helping to control its numbers through consumption.