Midwest Fish & Wildlife Conference 2019

AUTHORS: Aaron Cupp, U.S. Geological Survey; David Smith, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Cory Suski, University of Illinois; Kim Fredricks, U.S. Geological Survey

ABSTRACT: Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is being developed as a new fisheries control chemical. Several recent studies have demonstrated that fish consistently avoid areas of elevated CO₂ when given access to other freshwater sources. Results from these studies suggest that resource managers could apply CO₂ at pinch-point or other key management locations within rivers to block upstream migration of invasive fishes (e.g. Asian carps, sea lamprey, round goby). A full-scale demonstration of this deterrent technology is being planned for 2019 at a navigational lock to better determine the costs, effectiveness, safety and overall feasibility of CO₂ as a fish deterrent method. In addition to using CO₂ as a behavioral deterrent, other recent studies have also demonstrated that CO₂ is an effective non-selective piscicide (fish toxicant). Carbon dioxide injected under-ice using various delivery methods was effective at reducing the overwinter survival of several non-native cyprinids. Further development of CO₂ as a piscicide could give managers an inexpensive, safe, and effective method to control invasive fish populations. Results from previous studies using CO₂ as a behavioral deterrent and piscicide will be discussed with specific focus on upcoming field studies aimed at transitioning CO₂ into a useful management tool.