MAISRC statement on Bighead carp captured in St. Croix River near Stillwater

bighead carp

Researchers at the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) were troubled to learn that five Bighead carp were recently discovered in the St. Croix River near Stillwater. Read more about the recent find.

“Although Bighead carp have been known to be present in the St. Croix for nearly twenty years, the fact that this many fish were caught is certainly concerning,” said Sue Galatowitsch, MAISRC Director.

Peter Sorensen, lead Asian carp researcher at MAISRC, stated, “Although it is very disappointing to capture so many Bigheads at the same time and this far up river, the fact that they do not appear to be reproducing, at least successfully, tells us there is definitely still time to fully implement the deterrent systems my lab is presently designing for our locks and dams. It is our goal to protect the entire state while restoring native fishes.”

MAISRC has been dedicated since its founding in 2012 to developing an in-depth understanding of these highly invasive fish so they can be controlled. We currently have numerous research projects underway to develop prevention and control options for Asian carp, including:

  • Developing technologies and practices to deter Asian carp from entering Minnesota through the Mississippi River. We have installed an experimental sound deterrent at Lock & Dam #8 while additional sound deterrents are being studied this summer.
  • Looking at options to modify gate operations at lock and dams to deter Asian carp while allowing native fish to pass.
  • Developing detection and attraction techniques using pheromones and food attractants that can optimize monitoring (using eDNA) and removal, if needed.
  • Researching possible Asian carp bio-controls through the use of native pathogens.

Please click here for more information about invasive carp in the St. Croix River, and click here for more information about MAISRC’s current research projects.