This project is part of the Lab to Lakes initiative. Common carp, one of the state’s most ecologically damaging invasive species, impacts hundreds of lakes in Minnesota, leading to declines in native plant and fish diversity, impaired water quality, and disruptions to important ecosystem functions.
The overarching goal 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 to restore ecosystem function within four years.
Key components of the project include:
- Development of implementable common carp management plans tailored to each study system.
- Active management of common carp populations to reduce biomass, with rigorous evaluation of outcomes.
- 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.
- Exploration of economic development opportunities within the common carp supply chain to support sustainable management practices.
- Evaluation of the operational effectiveness of implementing, funding, and evaluating common carp control plans.
- Development of a guidance document and recommendations for state and local managers to inform future common carp control projects.
The area of 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.