Decision analysis of barrier placement and targeted removal to control invasive carp in the Tennessee River Basin

First posted June 15, 2021 For additional information, contact: Director, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research CenterU.S. Geological Survey8711 37th Street SoutheastJamestown, ND 58401Contact Pubs Warehouse Controlling range expansion of invasive carp (specifically Hypophthalmichthys spp.) on the Tennessee River is important to conserve ecological and economic benefits provided by river. We collaborated with State Federal agencies (the stakeholder group) develop a decision framework support model evaluate strategies control in River. Using this framework, we assessed efficacy various barrier (technologies locations) reducing bigheaded (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis [bighead carp] molitrix [silver carp]) relative abundance under different patterns magnitudes population growth movement. also whether or not these induced tradeoffs between other considerations for public satisfaction, effects lock operation, native species. purpose comparing options quantitative codeveloped dynamics group. then used compare management within system. The actions considered included placement at dam systems targeted removal through harvest, which were believed impede upstream spread establishment. To account uncertainty movement rates, group developed four models that varied underlying rates. affected either stock-recruitment relation intrinsic density-dependent rate. tasked test using model. more formal optimization solved performed well scenarios effectiveness, rate, recruitment frequency, fishing mortality, variation results our qualitative analyses indicated designed first protect reservoirs just above leading edge invasion installing barriers removing fish below point would perform best; however, depended effectiveness. When effectiveness was high, simply cutting off presumed source blocking enough stop invasion; lower meant be needed slow, but completely stop, invasion. discuss what findings mean terms future monitoring efforts reduce potential expanding