BLACK CARP

BLACK CARP. A study released in December, 2023 by researchers from Southern Illinois University, the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Missouri State University and the Missouri Department of Conservation found black carp have been established in the MISSISSIPPI RIVER basin.

The black carp is a valued food fish in its native China. In our country, presumably sterile individuals of this species have been used in aquaculture. Fertile specimens have appeared in our native waters, where they can reproduce and jeopardize many critically endangered mollusk species. It looks similar to the common grass carp, but the black carp is darker (though not truly black), and some report that adult black carp have a relatively narrower snout. It also has large pharyngeal teeth (throat teeth) that resemble human molars; these are used to crush the shells of its mollusk prey. They may grow to a length of five feet and weigh 160 pounds. (1)

Black carp were introduced to the U.S. in the 1970s and 1980s in imported, contaminated grass carp stocks shipped to private fish farms, according to the USFWS. The use of black carp in these types of aquatic environments was regulated and required permits. There is not a clear understanding on how black carp escaped those settings.

Between the Mississippi River, the Ohio River, the Illinois River and Horseshoe Lake, there were been 58 reports of black carp up to July, 2023 added to the database. There have been 1,038 reports of black carp added to the database since 2013, including sightings in the Mississippi River and other bodies of water.

While black carp have been reported in the U.S. for years, the December study was the first time researchers have been able to produce strong evidence showing the species had established itself in the Mississippi River or anywhere else in the country.

Considered an invasive species, black carp compete with indigenous species for resources and pose a direct threat to native mollusks. Native mussels generally provide water filtration services to the Mississippi River. Mussels feed by filtering out particles from the water, and they can also provide a habitat for other species to attach to. Mussels support ecosystem health by improving water quality by filtering out bacteria, algae and pollutants as they breathe and feed — and provide food and nutrition for other species. Black carp feed on mussels and snails, and many of the region’s native mussels are already threatened or imperiled

Because the species is invasive, live possession of black carp is illegal. Those who catch a black carp should follow the “keep, cool, call” protocol." Fishers are asked to identify the species, keep it, note the location where it was found and take photos of the fish. People who catch black carp should “humanely kill” themand keep it cool on ice (but don’t freeze it unless necessary).

Those with a fish should report to local authorities. The USGS provides a contact list with email addresses and phone numbers that vary based on where the fish was caught. Officials ask people to call, as well as email photos of the fish. If the time is taken to turn in any black carp caught, a person may be eligible for a $100-per-carcass bounty funded by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Reimbursements are limited to 10 awards per person per month and are subject to funding availability. Funding has run out before, according to a July 2022. (2)

---

Source:

1. "Black Carp," Missouri Department of Conservation, Online: https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/black-carp

2. Howard, Meredith, "Invasive Fish Species Still Swims Mississippi River. There’s a Reward if You Catch One, " Bellevue-News Democrat, July 11, 2023, Online.