Lab to Lakes

Introducing the MAISRC’s Lab to Lakes Initiative, aimed at tackling the ecological threat posed by common carp in Minnesota's lakes. Common carp, one of the state’s most ecologically damaging invasive species, impacts hundreds of lakes, leading to declines in native plant and fish diversity, impaired water quality, and disruptions to important ecosystem functions.

In collaboration with numerous state and local partners, MAISRC spearheaded a workshop in 2023 to identify barriers and opportunities to implement common carp management strategies. The outcomes of this workshop underscored the urgent need for action and provided crucial context for translating research into tangible management practices.

The overarching goal of the Lab to Lake Initiative is to develop and implement research-based common carp control plans in two ecologically diverse systems with lake selection conducted in collaboration with partners including the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR). Lake Fremont (Sherburne County) and the Chisago Chain of Lakes (Chisago County) will be the waterways studied in collaboration with local government. The project aims to decrease and sustainably maintain common carp populations below 100kg/ha and restore ecosystem function within four years.

Key components of the project include:

1. Development of implementable common carp management plans tailored to each study system.
2. Active management of common carp populations to reduce biomass below 100kg/ha, with rigorous evaluation of outcomes.
3. Collection and analysis of ecological data to assess the impacts of common carp control on native fish and plant diversity, as well as water quality parameters.
4. Exploration of economic development opportunities within the common carp supply chain to support sustainable management practices.
5. Evaluation of the operational effectiveness of implementing, funding, and evaluating common carp control plans.
6. Development of a guidance document and recommendations for state and local managers to inform future common carp control projects.
    

The Lab to Lakes Initiative represents a critical step forward in the ongoing effort to protect Minnesota's lakes and preserve their ecological integrity for future generations.

Project Manager: Dr. Sarah Unruh

Contact the research team