USGS research in support of Grass Carp Management in the Great Lakes and Upper Mississippi River Basins
Speakers: Patrick Kocovsky, Matthew Acre, Marybeth Brey, Andrea Fritts, Corbin Hilling, Ryan Jackson, James Roberts, and Stephen Spear, U.S. Geological Survey
Abstract: The USGS conducts research in support of management of Grass Carp within an integrated pest management framework following the Department of the Interior’s Invasive Species Strategic Plan and the USGS Invasive Carp Strategic Framework. USGS scientists are researching: early life history to inform locations and hydraulic conditions when spawning occurs; several deterrents that affect adult movement and spawning and have the potential to reduce egg hatching; and behavior and seasonal movement of Grass Carp to inform deterrent locations. Research is conducted in collaboration with state management agencies and several task groups, committees, and commissions that establish priorities for Grass Carp Management.
Biography: Patrick Kocovsky is the Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager for the US Geological Survey, which includes administration of the USGS Invasive Carp research program. Prior to his current role, Patrick was a researcher on Lake Erie, where he led development of the Grass Carp research program and conducted research on several fish species on Lake Erie. Patrick completed his graduate degrees at Penn State University and BS at Colorado State University.
Ongoing response efforts for Grass Carp in the Laurentian Great Lakes
Speaker: Ryan Young, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Abstract: Invasive Grass Carp were first introduced to the Great Lakes in the 1980s and have since been captured in every basin except Lake Superior. Successful reproduction in Grass Carp has only been confirmed in the Lake Erie basin; however, managers do not consider the population to be established. Foraging from abundant Grass Carp may cause substantial ecological and economic damage, adversely affecting vegetated habitats, fish communities, and fisheries of the Great Lakes. To address the threats of Grass Carp, the Lake Erie Committee and Great Lakes Fishery Commission developed an adaptive response strategy in 2018 (for 2019-2023) that was revised with new information in 2023 (for 2024-2028), which includes short-term response efforts necessary to prevent Grass Carp from attaining densities that cause adverse impacts. Dedicated Grass Carp “strike teams” administered through various institutions (Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, University at Buffalo, University of Toledo, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) implement year-round response efforts. I will provide an overview of the Grass Carp Response Program and highlight key findings from relevant research and management occurring across the Great Lakes.
Biography: Ryan Young is a Fish Biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Alpena Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office at the Detroit River Substation in Trenton, Michigan. He has worked as the Grass Carp Response Program lead on Lake Erie since 2018. Prior to joining the Service, Ryan worked for many natural resource institutions, including the University of Michigan, University of Illinois, U.S. Geological Survey, Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Michigan State University, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. He has two bachelor’s degrees (Fisheries and Wildlife Management; Entomology), a master’s degree (Natural Resources and Environment), and is a Certified Fisheries Professional (American Fisheries Society). Ryan loves spending time with friends and family, especially his wife and two kids. He also enjoys the great outdoors.
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