Midwest Fish & Wildlife Conference 2016

AUTHORS: Jason A. DeBoer, Mark W. Fritts, Daniel K. Gibson-Reinemer, and Andrew F. Casper; Illinois River Biological Station, Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign

ABSTRACT: Long-term, spatially extensive datasets are critically important for understanding broad-scale ecological changes. In the 1950s, Illinois Natural History Survey scientists initiated a standardized electrofishing sampling program (Long-Term ElectroFishing - LTEF) on the Illinois River Waterway (IRW). This monitoring program spans six decades and has documented not only the effects of pervasive degradation, but also the promising recovery of a fish community following the passage of environmental regulations during the 1970s. However, as a heavily modified river system that connects the Mississippi River watershed to the Great Lakes watershed, the IRW is a conduit for the movement of invasive species between watersheds. The most-recent – and perhaps most-feared – invasives are Asian carps, which threaten the Great Lakes themselves, and countless highly productive miles of connected rivers as well. Using the unparalleled spatio-temporal record of the LTEF program, we have documented the Asian carps’ march up the IRW toward the Great Lakes. We present an analysis of an ongoing 60-year, watershed-scale dataset, including ebbs and flows in Asian carp CPUE, condition, and chronic effects on the fish community. Our program provides fish community data prior to the invasion and at every step as it happens. Our objective is to provide a better understanding of how Asian carps have affected fish communities throughout the IRW. We believe these findings may provide indications of how Asian carp populations can become established and grow in novel habitats.

AUTHORS: Christopher Sullivan*, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Iowa State University, Carlos Camacho, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Iowa State University, Michael J. Weber, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Iowa State University , Clay L. Pierce, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Iowa State University and U.S. Geological Survey

ABSTRACT: Longitudinal gradients in river morphology can influence life-history traits of fish populations. Since the 1970s, silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix have spread throughout the Mississippi River basin and are currently expanding into interior Iowa rivers. Under range expansion, life-history traits are expected to differ from central to peripheral populations (e.g., smaller individuals and skewed sex ratios for peripheral populations) which may influence population establishment and growth. To test this hypothesis, silver carp life-history traits were evaluated along an upstream-downstream invasion front (northern edge of range, adults present and reproduce but no known recruitment). Silver carp were collected with daytime electrofishing from April – September 2014/2015 at five locations along the Des Moines River and at the Mississippi River confluence. Mean catch per unit effort ranged from 8.2 to 434.0 fish/hour (mean = 70.8, SD = 110.4) but were not related to river location. At downstream sites, silver carp were generally larger, fish grew faster, and sex ratios were skewed towards females compared to upstream sites. However, silver carp GSI and condition were unrelated to river location. Our results suggest that silver carp populations display variations in life-history traits along longitudinal gradients which may be an important component of successful range expansion into novel systems. After initial establishment, silver carp colonization into novel river reaches free of barriers (e.g., dams) may require different life-history traits than those required to maintain a viable, self-sustaining population.

AUTHORS: Jeremiah J. Davis*, USFWS Carterville FWCO- Wilmington Sub-station; Samuel T. Finney, USFWS Carterville FWCO; Rebecca N. Neeley, USFWS Carterville FWCO- Wilmington Sub-station; Robert L. Simmonds USFWS Carterville FWCO

ABSTRACT: A series of large electric fish barriers exists in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal to prevent the dispersal of bigheaded carps between the Mississippi and Great Lakes basins while simultaneously allowing the passage of commercial barge traffic. Recent studies by the USFWS utilizing caged and tethered fish showed that tethered fish could become entrained within junction spaces between barges and transported upstream. Caged fish that were placed within rake to box junctions between barges were carried across the Electric Dispersal Barrier without becoming incapacitated. Here, we investigate the potential for entrainment, retention, and transport of freely swimming fish that were not caged or tethered within the rake-to-box junctions between barges traveling on the Illinois River. A modified mark-recapture approach was employed to provide direct evidence of fish transport by barge tows. This approach was supplemented with a multi-beam sonar fish observation system that was deployed into the rake-to-box barge junction. This system made direct observations that allowed quantification of entrainment and retention rates. Trials took place in the Upper Illinois River at the Electric Dispersal Barrier, in Lockport Pool, at Lockport Lock, in Brandon Road Pool, at Brandon Road Lock, and in Starved Rock Pool. The results presented here provide insights into the potential for entrainment, retention, and transport of freely swimming fish by barge tows, as they traverse substantial barriers to fish dispersal in the Illinois River.

AUTHORS: Ratna Ghosal*, University of Minnesota; Peter Xiong, University of Minnesota; Peter W. Sorensen, University of Minnesota

ABSTRACT: Shoaling, or the tendency of fish to aggregate and swim together, serves many purposes in teleost fish including facilitating finding food and predators. Further, if fish shoal, that makes them easier to locate using individual fish with attached transponders as these fish can then be remotely tracked by biologists as they locate shoal mates. This approach, also known as “Judas fish technique” has been used successfully to locate and remove invasive common carp Cyprinus carpio in lakes in Australia and Minnesota and would seem to have potential for bigheaded carps (Hypophthalmichthys sp.). As a first step to test the utility of this approach, we tested the tendency of silver (H. molitrix) and bighead carp (H. nobilis) to shoal in the laboratory. We examined the roles of species identity and fish density on shoaling behavior. Trials were conducted using juvenile bighead and silver carp in 2-meter circular tanks with low-light cameras. To determine the role of density on shoaling we tested groups of 4, 8, 12 and 20 fish. To investigate the effects of species identity, we conducted trials only for group size 8, in two species groups with equal number of silver, bighead, or common carp. Nearest neighborhood distance (NND) was measured and used to calculate the number of shoals formed and their average size. Data analysis revealed that both bighead and silver carp shoal (P0.05). Further, when tested as mixed-species groups of 8 fish, bighead and silver carp preferred to shoal with each other than with the common carp. The two bigheaded carp formed very tight mixed species groups. How they discern species identity is not known but pheromones are suspected. In conclusion, bigheaded carp shoal and the Judas fish technique could potentially be applied to find and perhaps count or remove them. (Funded by the Minnesota Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund)

AUTHORS: Daniel Zielinski*, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology And Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center University of Minnesota, Vaughn Voller, Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering University of Minnesota, Jan Hoover, Engineer Research and Development Center U.S. Army, Peter Sorensen, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology And Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center

ABSTRACT: To reach the Upper Mississippi River, Asian carps must first pass through its locks and dams which, depending on river stage and operating conditions, can create velocity fields that might deter fish passage. To address this possibility and the possibility that dam operating conditions might be modified to deter Asian carp passage while permitting many native fishes to pass, we developed an agent-based approach that uses three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models. These models calculate and then use velocities through the dams along with fish swimming-fatigue calculations. To then test whether and how adult Asian carp might pass, the model is supplied with swimming performance data generated using a very large swim chamber to identify the paths of least resistance. Preliminary models suggest Lock and Dam #8 (Genoa, WI) may already stop up to 80% of adult Asian carp under worst case scenarios. In this talk we will discuss model development, initial findings, and how these models could be used to manipulate gate operation for management purposes. (Funded by Minnesota Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund).

AUTHORS: Marybeth Brey, U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Brent Knights, U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

ABSTRACT: Minimizing propagule pressure is a key objective in minimizing the establishment of bighead carp and silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and H. molitrix; hereafter, Asian carp (AC)) in the upper Illinois River and the Great Lakes. Currently, an electric dispersal barrier and contracted commercial fishing are the only measures in place to control fish movement. However, recent data suggest that characteristics of existing locks and dams on the river may also deter fish movement. Downstream of the electrical barrier are five “high-head” dams, including (from upstream to downstream) Lockport, Brandan Road, Dresden Island, Marseilles, and Starved Rock. Evidence in the form of continued low abundance of AC in the navigation pools above Starved Rock dam suggests that the high-head dams might be acting as deterrents to AC because of their design (i.e., gated, with relatively high head). The design of these dams might generally limit AC passage to times when gates are open (during high discharge events) or via lock chambers during spring or fall carp migrations. If the barrier characteristics of these high-head dams under various hydrologic conditions and seasons can be better understood and enhanced with low cost measures, then the number of AC present available to challenge the more comprehensive barriers would be reduced. To determine if these dams act as barriers and if barrier-characteristics of these dams can be enhanced, we used reach-specific hydrologic data, dam-specific design and operations data, and existing telemetry data (Southern Illinois University) on AC dam passage to assess under what conditions and how AC are passing through these dams. Alongside or following this assessment, we’ve begun to evaluate what combination of best management practices (including sound and CO2) at locks could best deter AC from entering or using a lock chamber.

AUTHORS: James H. Larson, U.S. Geological Survey; S. Grace McCalla, U.S. Geological Survey; Amy E. George, U.S. Geological Survey; Duane C. Chapman, U.S. Geological Survey; Christopher Rees, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Brent C. Knights, U.S. Geological Survey; Jon M. Vallazza, U.S. Geological Survey; Jon Amberg, U.S. Geological Survey; Maren Tuttle-Lau, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Emy Monroe, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

ABSTRACT: Asian carp of the genera Hypophthalmichthys, Ctenopharyngodon, and Mylopharyngodon are invading the Upper Mississippi River and represent high risk to normal functioning of invaded ecosystems. Determining reproductive status and requirements of Asian carp populations at invasion fronts is necessary to inform integrated pest management. To address this need in the Upper Mississippi River, we used ichthyoplankton nets to sample fish embryos from main channel sites at and above what was presumed the reproductive front. Embryos were preserved in formalin to conserve morphological characteristics used to identify Asian carp. Surprisingly, embryos collected >300 km upstream of previous reports of reproduction were positively identified as Asian carp. The unexpected results prompted a posteriori attempts to verify the identity of 41 of these embryos using non-standard genetic methods (including “minibarcode” primers) on the cytochrome c oxidase 1 (COI) gene. These non-standard methods were necessary to compensate for extended formalin preservation that is known to degrade DNA. Likely due to formalin preservation, sequences were adequately recovered from only 17 of these embryos. For all 17 embryos, identity based on genetics contradicted those based on morphometrics and suggested that these embryos were non-carp cyprinids generally of the genus Notropis. In previously published reports, the primary morphological characteristic that distinguishes Asian carp embryos from non-carp cyprinids is diameter of the water-hardened egg. The size of the eggs genetically identified as non-carp cyprinids overlapped with the reported size range of Asian carp eggs. These findings suggest that managers and researchers sampling Asian carp eggs might need to preserve samples, with appropriate methods, for genetic confirmation of species identification.

AUTHORS: S. Grace McCalla, U.S. Geological Survey; Brent C. Knights, U.S. Geological Survey; Bridget Ladell; Jenna Malinauskas, , U.S. Geological Survey; James Larson, , U.S. Geological Survey; Jon Amberg, U.S. Geological Survey; Maren Tuttle-Lau, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Emy Monroe, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

ABSTRACT: Reproductive activity of Asian carp Hypophthalmichthys spp. in the Upper Mississippi River and Laurentian Great Lakes is routinely monitored by sampling ichthyoplankton. Fish eggs and larvae collected in ichthyoplankton tows have been traditionally identified visually, which requires extensive sorting of samples to remove unnecessary material and identify target species. The lack of distinguishing morphological characteristics often obscures accurate identification of egg and larval samples. This time consuming and sometimes inaccurate technique (i.e., ichthyoplankton processing) might reduce the effectiveness of control measures because of delays in obtaining accurate information used to set priorities and initiate actions. A method to rapidly isolate and accurately identify a targeted species in ichthyoplankton tows could thus increase the effectiveness of control measures. Molecular techniques exist that can easily differentiate species without destroying morphological integrity, but methods to use with fish eggs and larvae collected in ichthyoplankton tows have not been fully developed. To address this need, we developed a non-destructive, molecular analysis to taxonomically identify Asian carp and other invasive fishes in icthyoplankton samples. These methods show promise in significantly reducing the time and accuracy of processing ichthyoplankton.

AUTHORS: Leah Cronan*, Lucigen Corporation; Chris Merkes, U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center; Chris Rees, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Jon Amberg, U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center; Thomas Schoenfeld, Lucigen Corporation

ABSTRACT: Early detection is critical to preventing the spread of invasive species. Environmental DNA (eDNA) provides a means of identifying invasive species when direct visual detection is not feasible. However, current methods for detecting eDNA are confined to central labs. Sample transport and reporting time and availability of specialized personnel can delay results and limit the utility of molecular detection in preventing spread. To provide a field-compatible tool for detecting eDNA, Lucigen has partnered with UMESC to develop a portable, easy-to-use, one hour test for bighead and silver carp eDNA. The test is based on isothermal amplification of mitochondrial DNA markers unique to these two species and detects as little as 100 DNA copies with specificity against co-occurring species. eDNA samples are collected by filtration using a battery powered peristaltic pump. Further sample preparation is incorporated into the amplification step and no additional DNA extraction steps are required before introducing the sample to the test mix. It has been formatted for easy use in field conditions lacking access to electrical power or specialized equipment. The test provides actionable results to users with very limited training or experience performing and interpreting molecular tests. The test is formatted for stable storage at room temperature, eliminating the need for cold chain storage and handling and uses available battery-powered instruments that provide simple positive/negative answers in the field to the minimally trained user and log data for detailed analysis at a later date by experts. Performance data from lab studies will be provided.

AUTHORS: Christopher M. Merkes, U.S. Geological Survey; Craig A. Jackson, U.S. Geological Survey; and Jon J. Amberg, U.S. Geological Survey

ABSTRACT: Aquatic invasive species can cause significant environmental and economic damage to ecosystems. Preventing their spread is imperative to successful integrated pest management efforts. Harvesting and transporting baitfish is one potential pathway invasive fishes can spread. Because shipments of baitfish are often transported great distances from where they were collected, there is a risk of transporting non-indigenous aquatic species into new areas. Baitfish are typically small minnow species of the family Cyprinidae and are transported by the thousands. It is virtually impossible to visually detect and completely remove similarly sized individuals of unwanted species from the hauling tanks. Environmental DNA detection techniques can be used to screen for the presence of unwanted species in the transport tanks. The most current eDNA methods require specialized laboratories and equipment and lack the efficiency to be feasible for this application. In partnership with private industry, we have developed a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay that can be used with a portable instrument to irrefutably detect environmental DNA of bigheaded carps (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and H. nobilis) in water. The process has been simplified so that individuals without previous experience in genetics or molecular laboratory techniques can perform the test with minimal training and have accurate results within an hour. This rapid eDNA-based detection technology will provide resource managers and fish haulers near real-time data that will greatly reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species through the transport of baitfish.

AUTHORS: Cari-Ann Hayer, U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center; Katy Klymus, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, University of Missouri ; Nathan Thompson, U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center; Craig Paukert, U.S. Geological Survey, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, University of Missouri; Duane Chapman, U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center; Catherine A. Richter*, U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center

ABSTRACT: The Missouri and Mississippi River systems have been invaded by two species of Asian bigheaded carps, the silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and the bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and thus, efforts are currently focused on protecting the Great Lakes watershed from these invasive species. Environmental DNA (eDNA) technology can aid management decisions by providing early detection of presence, information on population locations and habitat use, and estimation of biomass and timing and location of spawning events. We monitored silver carp eDNA concentrations at a single location on the Missouri River throughout the spring spawning season (April – June) in 2014. We compared the time course of eDNA concentration with the river hydrograph and with numbers and stages of eggs and larvae collected in parallel with eDNA samples. We hypothesized that when spawning was triggered by a spring increase in water flow, eDNA concentrations would increase due to the release of milt. During the pre-spawning period in April and May, eDNA concentrations were on the order of 1,000 copies/L. In early June we observed a 4-fold rise in the hydrograph, and a concurrent series of spikes in eDNA concentration, up to 10-fold greater than the pre-spawning level. This study confirms that eDNA monitoring can detect spawning events and illustrates the need for repeated sampling over time to detect spawning. In situations where the target species is very uncommon, for example in a newly invaded area, the large increase in eDNA concentration during spawning represents an opportunity to detect populations that would otherwise be below detection limits.

AUTHORS: Wen-Tso Liu*, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Lin Ye, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of The Environment, Nanjing University, Camila Carlos, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Ya Zhang, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Takashi Narihiro, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and Masaru Nobu, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Andrew F. Casper, Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Jon Amberg, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, United States Geological Survey Mark Gaikowski, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, United States Geological Survey

ABSTRACT: To develop a genetic-based method for Asian carp and total fish surveillance, this study characterized the bacterial community in the guts of 129 fish (17 fish species in total) caught from different water bodies in the U.S. using 16S rRNA gene sequence as the biomarker. By comparing with the microbiota in other animal guts, including human, beef cattle, chicken, goose, swine, and dairy cattle, it was found that the phylum Fusobacteria is almost unique to freshwater fish. Further analysis showed that the majority of the Fusobacteria (>90% for most fish) in fish guts mainly affiliated two clusters under the genera of Cetobacterium and Hados.Sed.Eubac.3, respectively. In addition, a Leptotrichia-related and a Cetobactrium-related cluster were found to be unique to bigmouth buffalo and silver carp, respectively. Based on these findings and the fact that Fusobacteria members are obligate anaerobic bacteria and cannot grow in river water, we have designed and developed a series of PCR primers for a microbial source tracking method, and are currently validating the specificity of these primers with known samples. In addition, we will apply these primers to estimate and correlate the abundance of Asian carp and total fish in water bodies with samples from different location along Illinois River.

AUTHORS: Kim T. Fredricks*, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center; Terrance D. Hubert, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

ABSTRACT: Pests, defined as living organisms that occur where they are not wanted or that cause damage to crops or humans or other animals, are often controlled with pesticides. The US Environmental Protection Agency Office of Pesticide Programs has the responsibility to register pesticides through the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Pesticides are broadly defined as substances or mixtures of substances intended to prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate any pest. Amendments to FIFRA mandate that the US EPA (1) must determine that a pesticide will possess a “reasonable certainty of no harm” before it can be registered, (2) requires review of all registered products every 15 years, and (3) sets fees and timelines for required reviews. We will highlight key aspects of the registration process that potential new aquatic pesticides, such as carbon dioxide, will undergo before use as control tools.

AUTHORS: Aaron Claus, University of Minnesota; Peter Sorensen*, University of Minnesota

ABSTRACT: The bigheaded carps are renowned for the efficiency with which they filter-feed using remarkably specialized gill-rakers and an epibranchial organ. But how selective are they in how they find suitable particular food in turbid river waters and if how do they locate and identify it? This study addressed these questions which have implications for their control because food could be used to attract carps or perhaps get them to selectively ingest tainted baits. The possibility that filter-feeding behavior is specific and controlled by waterborne chemicals was assayed using buccal-pharyngeal pumping (BPP) activity. While Basal BPP activity in juvenile silver and bighead carps was low (5.4 and 1.8 BPP/min), after adding a whole food mix to aquaria, rates increased over 25-fold to 146.4 +/- 15 BPP/min and 118.2 +/- 28.8 BPP/min, respectively (F(1,410)=549.096, p

AUTHORS: Blake Sauey*, U.S. Geological Survey, Joel Putnam,, U.S. Geological Survey, Jon Amberg, U.S. Geological Survey

ABSTRACT: Bigheaded carps Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and H. nobilis are an invasive species that pose a major threats to the ecological, economic, and recreational use of United States waterways. They are prolific spawners, fast-growing, and efficient filter feeders that can dramatically alter aquatic ecosystems. Currently, there are only two general-use piscicides registered and available for resource managers to use to control bigheaded carp populations: antimycin-A and rotenone. However, these piscicides function by stopping oxidative phosphorylation at the election transport chain, which is a highly conserved process. As a result, all species present in the system are affected, including the economically and ecologically important species. Therefore, developing a species-specific control tool is highly desirable in order to decrease negative impacts on non-target species. A targeted-delivery tool, such as a micro-particle imbedded with a piscicide, was produced with the intention of exploiting bigheaded carp feeding habits. Using technologies developed in the aquaculture and food industries, we are evaluating the selectivity of these micro-particles as a potential toxicant delivery mechanism to bigheaded carps. We are also evaluating the inclusion of citric acid in the microparticle because we have seen a stabilizing effect on the degradation of antimycin-A under acidic conditions. Our objectives were to determine: the optimal type and formulation of micro-particle, the efficacy of the selected micro-particle in laboratory trials, the feasibility of the use of micro-particle technology in an outdoor pond setting, and the toxic effects of antimycin-A with acidic conditions.

AUTHORS: Joel G. Putnam*, USGS UMESC; Terrance D. Hubert, USGS UMESC; Tammy J. Clark, Viterbo University; Eric Leis, US Fish and Wildlife; Justine Nelson, Viterbo University

ABSTRACT: The search for new chemical controls for aquatic invasive species has continued interest due to the spread of Asian carp, dreissenid mussels, and the need for alternative controls for sea lamprey. This project uses structural activity relationships (SARs) to correlate chemical information with biological activity and predict new chemical controls that are effective against Asian carp. A database of chemical descriptors, such as molecular weight, solubility, and polar surface area, has been created and published to link the chemical structure/information with species specific toxicity. The EPA ECOTOX database was used to gather toxicity data for three fish: fathead minnow, bluegill sunfish, and rainbow trout. The total number of toxicity trials reported was 13,335 and consisted of 1,793 chemicals. Over 400 models, based on the EPA toxicity trial data, were created using the EPA ECOSAR equation (log LC50 = Ax1, Bx2 +Cx3 + D), where x1, x2 and x3 were model specific chemical descriptors, and A – D are individual scalars for each vector. Based on polar surface area, 96 model classes were developed. These models were published with the Shiny package from the Rstudio software. The acetate substructure shows the highest selectivity for cyprinids. Currently toxicity trials, both in vivo and in vitro, are being carried out.

AUTHORS: Jon J. Amberg*, U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Aaron R. Cupp, U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Richard A. Erickson, U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Nicholas M. Swyers, U.S. Geological Survey, Western Fisheries Research Center, and Tyson W. Hatton, U.S. Geological Survey, Western Fisheries Research Center

ABSTRACT: Preventing the movement of bigheaded carp from the Mississippi watershed into the Great Lakes rests largely on a set of electric barriers in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal (CSSC). Additional deterrents and/or complements to the CSSC electric barriers would likely improve the efficacy of deterring bigheaded carp from entering into the Great Lakes. USGS has been evaluating the use of seismic sound generating technologies (water guns) as an alternative deterrent. It is hypothesized that if seismic technologies can be intentionally operated to affect bigheaded carp behavior, then they may be useful to supplement the CSSC electrical barriers or be deployed in other locations for fisheries management applications. To evaluate the use of water guns as a fish deterrent, we monitored the behavior of bigheaded carp behavior with acoustic telemetry in each of two 24 h trials: one trial with guns firing every 6 seconds and another trial without any guns firing. Fish (32) were released in each trial in an enclosed area that had an artificial channel of similar dimensions to the approach channel at Brandon Road Lock and Dam. Data will be presented on: 1) the number of fish that crossed the barrier; 2) how many times an individual fish crossed the barrier; 3) the probability of a fish to be in the barrier; 4) how water guns affect fish swimming behavior; and 5) spatial distribution.

AUTHORS: Jaewoo Kim*, Great Lakes Laboratory for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Fisheries and Oceans Canada; Nicholas E. Mandrak, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough; Jackson A. Gross, Conservation and Aquatic Nuisance Species Program, Smith-Root, Inc.

ABSTRACT: When dealing with invasive species, permanent barriers may be best in preventing fish movements; however, they may not be feasible due to various logistical constraints and/or costs. Alternatively, various non-permanent barriers using electricity, light, sound, pressure, and bubbles are being developed and deployed in efforts to limit the spread of aquatic invasive species or to achieve fish guidance and conservation. However, effectiveness of these barriers is quite variable, and testing is often lacking or limited to small-scale lab settings. To evaluate the effectiveness of non-permanent barriers in preventing fish movement, we conducted mesocosm studies in a large boat slip near Hamilton Harbour, Ontario, Canada. In 2014-2015, we deployed 12 acoustic receivers and tracked over 300 tagged freshwater fishes in the boat slip, which was divided in half by non-permanent barriers such as acoustic water gun, seismic boomer plates, bubble barriers, underwater speakers, underwater lights, delivering alarm cue, and electricity. Our results indicate that fishes were staying farther away from water gun and boomers when in operation. The results of 2014-2015 field seasons have important implications for evaluating management options to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species such as Asian carps.

AUTHORS: Clark E. Dennis III*, University of Minnesota; Daniel P. Zielinski, University of Minnesota; Peter W. Sorensen, University of Minnesota

ABSTRACT: There is an urgent need to develop species-specific deterrent systems for bigheaded carps Hypophthalmichthys spp. which are moving up the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. Behavioral deterrents (i.e., sensory stimuli such as sound or light that might alter fish movement) have special promise to limit the upstream movement of bigheaded carp because they do not have many of the disadvantages of physical barriers such as their effects on navigation, high cost and possible effects on all fishes. Acoustic deterrents are a promising technology for carps, including bigheaded and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) because these species have an exceptional sense of hearing whose sensitivity (especially to high frequencies) is much greater than that of most fish native to the Mississippi River Basin. We explored the theory and application of acoustic deterrents for specifically controlling bigheaded carp through laboratory and field experiments that tested the behavioral responses of silver carp (H. molitrix), bighead carp (H. nobilis), common carp, brown trout (Salmo trutta), and lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens). The acoustic signals used were an unaltered and a frequency-filtered (>1000 Hz) complex sound derived from an outboard boat motor sound. In the laboratory, avoidance responses of all carp species were observed to the unaltered complex sound but not the filtered sound. Lake sturgeon and brown trout did not avoid either signal. Preliminary results from a large-scale one-of-a-kind field experiment, carried out in the auxiliary lock chamber at Lock and Dam #1 (St. Paul, MN), were consistent with laboratory observations for common carp and lake sturgeon. In this talk, I will discuss past and ongoing studies on acoustic deterrents along with the potential role of these deterrents in the Mississippi River. (Funded by the Minnesota Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund).

AUTHORS: Brooke J. Vetter*, University of Minnesota Duluth, Kelsie A. Murchy, University of Minnesota Duluth, Aaron R. Cupp, USGS, Jon J. Amberg. USGS, Mark P. Gaikowski, USGS, Allen F. Mensinger, University of Minnesota Duluth

ABSTRACT: Invasive silver Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and bighead H. nobilis carp dominate large regions of the Mississippi River Drainage, outcompete native species, and continue to expand northward threatening the Great Lakes. Silver carp are most notorious for their prolific and unusual jumping behavior. High densities of juvenile and adult (~25 kg) carp are known to jump up to 3 m above the water surface. Understanding silver carp jumping is not only important from a behavioral standpoint, it is also critical to determine effective techniques for controlling this harmful species. Field observations of silver carp jumping orientation and frequency were completed to better understand this behavior. Additionally, underwater recordings of outboard motors were analyzed to study the jumping stimulus. Controlled experiments, in restricted access outdoor concrete ponds (10 x 5 x 2 m), investigated the sensory biology of both carp species. The concrete ponds were outfitted with overhead cameras, speakers, and hydrophones. High frequency pure tones (500-2000 Hz) and field recordings of outboard motors were broadcast to bigheaded carp and their behavior was tracked. The fish habituated quickly to pure tones (after 1-2 trials) however, they regularly exhibited negative phonotaxis in response to outboard motor sounds. By alternating the speakers, carp movement was consistently directed away from the sound source to the opposite end of the pond. This research suggests that sound can be used to alter the behavior of bigheaded carp with implications for deterrent barriers or other uses (e.g., herding fish to increase harvest). Research was supported through the U.S. Geological Survey and University of Minnesota Duluth.

AUTHORS: Kelsie A. Murchy, University of Minnesota Duluth, Emily A. Cardinal, University of Minnesota Duluth, Blake Sauey, U.S. Geological Survey, Jon J. Amberg, U.S. Geological Survey, Mark P. Gaikowski, U.S. Geological Survey, Allen F. Mensinger, University of Minnesota Duluth

ABSTRACT: Bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and silver carp H. molitrix are invasive fish that were accidentally released into the Mississippi River and surrounding tributaries. For approximately the last 30 years, they have expanded their range throughout the Mississippi River drainage and are now at risk of entering the Great Lakes. Both species react negatively to sound and acoustic deterrents could be used as a practical tool within integrated pest management programs to manage these invasive species. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that water temperature may influence their behavioral response to sound, and therefore it is imperative to examine the effectiveness of acoustical deterrents over the range of temperatures that the fish will typically encounter in the Mississippi drainage. Phonotaxis behavior was assessed with broadband sound at four different temperatures (13° C, 18° C, 26° C and 32° C); and results suggest there is a decreased effectiveness of acoustic deterrents at lower temperatures. It remains unknown the extent carp swimming speeds are correlated to water temperature and diminished deterrence at lower temperature may be partially offset by slower swimming speeds. Nevertheless, results from this study have implications on the use of an acoustic barrier for bighead carp and silver carp.

AUTHORS: Caleb T. Hasler*, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Clark E. Dennis III, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Adam W. Wright, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Jennifer D. Jeffrey, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Michael R. Donaldson, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Shivani Adhikari, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Jon Amberg, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, United States Geological Survey, Mark Gaikowski, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, United States Geological Survey, Cory D. Suski, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois

ABSTRACT: Invasive Asian carp are currently contained within the Mississippi River basin but are nearing the Great Lakes. Development of novel barriers would provide means to prevent Asian carp from spreading and may offer unique tools to manage fish in the wild. This presentation summarizes several studies designed to quantify the effectiveness of CO2 to act as a non-physical barrier. First, laboratory studies designed to quantify fish behavior and avoidance caused by elevated CO2 were undertaken. Second, studies conducted in artificial ponds were performed to identify if the movement of free-swimming fishes in a field setting would be influenced by the presence of a zone of elevated CO2. Results demonstrate that fish avoid CO2 in the lab setting and lose equilibrium when exposed to high levels of CO2. Free-swimming fishes in a pond environment will avoid areas of elevated CO2, and that it is indeed feasible to treat large volumes of water (almost 2 million gallons) with CO2 to a level that excludes fish. Together, these studies demonstrate that CO2 has potential as a barrier to prevent the spread of Asian carp, and that the barrier has potential to be applied over extended time periods and at large scales.

AUTHORS: Diane Waller*, U.S. Geological Survey – Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Michelle Bartsch, U.S. Geological Survey – Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Kim Fredricks, U.S. Geological Survey – Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Craig Jackson, U.S. Geological Survey – Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Jon Amberg, U.S. Geological Survey – Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

ABSTRACT: Carbon dioxide is being evaluated as a potential deterrent to the range expansion of Asian carp (bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and silver carp H. molitrix). Threatened and endangered species of native unionid mussels inhabit areas that have been targeted for CO2 testing and deployment, necessitating a risk assessment of the technology to the fauna. In conjunction with pond and field studies on target fish species, we evaluated the effects of elevated CO2 on juvenile mussels of two species, the fat mucket (Lampsilis siliquoidea) and the federally endangered Higgins eye (L. higginsii). Recent work has indicated that Asian carp species show avoidance behavior when CO2 concentrations approached 70 mg/L. Therefore, juvenile mussels were exposed to a predicted range of CO2 concentrations (30 to 120 mg/L) for 28 days, followed by a 14-d post-exposure period in clean water. The effects of elevated CO2 on mussel survival, growth, behavior, and expression of several target genes (Calmodulin, Na+/K+ ATPase, CO1, and Chitin Synthase) were evaluated. Both mussel species had significantly lower survival in treatments near 70 mg/L CO2, with Higgins eye juveniles (LC50 = 77.7 mg/L) showing greater sensitivity than fat mucket juveniles (88.7 mg/L). Preliminary data also indicated a treatment effect on several sublethal measures, with some degree of recovery after the post-exposure period in clean water. Results will be discussed along with the implications for CO2 barrier deployment and future research needs.

AUTHORS: Jennifer D Jeffrey*, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Kelly D Hannan, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Caleb T Hasler, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Adam Wright, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Cory D Suski, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

ABSTRACT: Freshwater mussels are some of the most imperiled species in North America and are particularly susceptible to environmental changes due to their sedentary nature. One environmental disturbance that mussels in the Midwest may encounter is an increase in the partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) particularly in light of the development of novel CO2 barriers to deter fish movement. The present study examined the impact of acute (6 h) and chronic (up to 32 d) exposure of elevated pCO2 levels on the mRNA abundance of genes associated with shell growth (chitin synthase; CS) and the stress response (heat shock protein 70; HSP70) in Fusconaia flava. Although mussels initially exhibited an increase in CS following exposure to elevated pCO2 levels for 6 h, long-term exposure resulted in a decrease in CS mRNA abundance, suggesting that mussels may invest less in shell growth during chronic exposure to elevated pCO2 levels. In response to an acute elevation in pCO2 levels, mussels increased the mRNA abundance of HSP70 in mantle and adductor muscle. A similar increase in HSP70 transcript levels was observed in the gill and adductor muscle of mussels exposed to chronically elevated levels of pCO2. This overall increase in HSP70 mRNA levels in F. flava suggests that both acute and chronic exposure to elevated pCO2 levels initiates activation of the stress response. Together, these results suggest that freshwater mussels respond to elevated pCO2 levels by increasing the machinery necessary to ‘deal with’ the stressor and over the long-term, mussels may reduce their investment in processes such as shell growth. Further experiments are underway to assess the capacity of freshwater mussels to recover from exposure to elevated pCO2 once the stressor has been removed.