Project background:
MAISRC researchers are addressing the growing problem of common carp, which harm aquatic habitats and native fish populations. This study focuses on understanding how removing common carp affects native fish in two different lake systems.
The project is part of the MAISRC Lab to Lakes initiative, which aims to reduce carp populations in these lakes to less than 100 kg per hectare. The researchers’ primary goal is to study the effects of carp removal on the abundance, ecology, and diversity of both carp and native fish.
The study has three stages:
- Before removal: Researchers will use fish surveys and historical data to assess current conditions.
- During removal: They will examine how native fish are affected when common carp are removed.
- After removal: They will evaluate changes in fish abundance, ecology, and species diversity.
The findings will directly inform a research-based guidance document created by the Lab to Lake Project. This document will include sampling protocols and predictive models to help manage common carp and protect native fish in other Minnesota lakes.