Invasive Carp

Invasive Carp

Invasive species such as bighead, silver, black and grass carp pose a major threat to the ecosystems in which they are allowed to thrive.

In the USA, native fish populations in the Mississippi and Illinois rivers are under threat from these species – previously known as Asian carp – and there are significant concerns for the health of the Great Lakes.

Deterrence is key to the protection of these environments and FGS has been involved in extensive research and trials into effective and humane approaches.

The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) and the Invasive Species Unit of the University of Minnesota (UoM) conducted trials of our light and sound-based systems over several years. Audiograms of invasive carp were used to tune deterrent signals to the most sensitive frequency range.

This meant the deterrent was highly effective against these species, with little effect on the upstream spawning migration of indigenous species such as lake sturgeon and paddlefish, which are less sensitive to sound.

Proven protection against carp

Research and development of each of our systems continues, and large-scale, long-term trials on the Illinois River led to a solution that was reported as 100% effective against passage of silver carp (and 99.9% effective against bighead carp).

UoM research and laboratory trials have now confirmed the FGS BAFF system is the most effective behavioural barrier for invasive carp deterrence currently available, and we have further enhanced its success by combining it with High Intensity Lights.

This ensured the effectiveness of the system at Barkley Lock, Kentucky, where the complexity of the sound signal prevents fish from adapting to the deterrent. The system was commissioned by Senator Mitch McConnell as part of a three-year evaluation to deter invasive species from migrating through the important navigation lock.