Evaluating the efficacy of using GPS satellite transmitters to assess movement of bigheaded carp in a riverine system

Abstract

We have evaluated the feasibility of using GPS satellite transmitters on invasive bigheaded carp species, silver carp and bighead carp, that could determine patterns of movement, identify potential feeding and spawning areas, and inform a comprehensive monitoring and commercial removal program in the Illinois River Waterway system in the United States. Despite a wealth of information on bigheaded carp movement from acoustic and radio telemetry, a finer‐scale approach to understand habitat use and daily surfacing trends in movement would strengthen management efforts. Custom Fastloc™‐GPS data‐logging transmitters (with radio telemetry capability) manufactured by Sirtrack™ were tethered to adult bigheaded carp in field experiments. Sixteen field‐deployed transmitters were recovered and yielded 490 individual GPS waypoints when transmitters were attached to fish. We observed movement rates within the Dresden Island Reach of the Illinois River Waterway of approximately 16 river km, and movement in and out of backwater habitats and the warm‐water discharge of a nuclear generating station. We have demonstrated the use of this technology to monitor bigheaded carp and will use the information gained from this study to inform future work with remotely accessed, real‐time, Argos satellite linked prototypes. Fine‐scale accuracies, fast acquisition speeds and the ability to gather real‐time data make this a promising tool and is one the first uses of GPS technology to track fish movement in a riverine system. Continued exploration to improve tag retention efficiency will enhance its utility for continued invasive carp management.