8/9/2007

DNR looking for Asian carp

Anglers who catch bighead, silver or grass carp in Minnesota waters must report their catch to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) under a new law that went into effect this month.

The DNR is hopeful that reports are rare as these nonnative fish species - originally from Asia - pose serious threats to Minnesota's fish populations. No Asian carp catches or sightings have been confirmed so far this summer, but the potential clearly exists.

"DNR fisheries staff is on the lookout for these fish in the Mississippi River south of the Twin Cities, which is where they are most likely to show up," said Kevin Stauffer, DNR area fisheries supervisor at Lake City. "The new law is a way for anglers to help us with this important task, which we really appreciate."

The law requires people to report if they have caught one of the carp species. Anglers should report it to DNR Fisheries Offices or the DNR Invasive Species Program at (651) 259-5100 within a week, but preferably the same day that they catch one. "DNR wants to see specimens or photos of fish that people suspect are bighead, silver or grass carp," said Jay Rendall with the DNR Invasive Species Program. "Although they are prohibited invasive species, it is legal to bring them to the DNR for identification because it is important to be able to confirm reports."

Bighead and Silver Carp Watch identification cards are available from DNR Fisheries offices or by calling (651) 296-6157 or 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367). These two carp have eyes toward the lower part of their heads and the fish may be visible when they feed on plankton near the surface. The silver carp also frequently jumps from the water up to 10 feet high and may even jump into boats or hit people who are out on the water.

A few individual Asian carp have been found in Minnesota border waters. A large grass carp was caught by a commercial fisherman in the St. Croix River on April 7, 2006. The grass carp is a species that is harmful to aquatic ecosystems because it eats aquatic plants that are important for fish and wildlife and can harm water quality by increasing nutrients. Grass carp were imported to the United States for use as a biological control for nuisance aquatic plants in other states.

In the fall of 2004, a 23-pound bighead carp was discovered in the same pool of the Mississippi River in southeastern Minnesota. Both bighead and silver are also considered threats to aquatic resources. They filter feed on small organism that are food for many species of fish, mussels and other aquatic animals. In other Mississippi River basin states, the jumping silver carp are injuring people in boats and on personal watercraft. There are no known reproducing populations of bighead, grass or silver carp in Minnesota.