Using decision analysis to collaboratively respond to invasive species threats: A case study of Lake Erie grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

Movement and Space Use of Grass Carp in the Sandusky River, Ohio: Implications for Lake Erie Eradication Efforts

“…The deployment of an acoustic telemetry positioning system in select areas of the river could also provide direct information concerning Grass Carp catchability to different capture methods. This information would be beneficial for estimating Grass Carp densities in different areas of Lake Erie, which are key uncertainties influencing the expected benefits from different types of response efforts (Robinson et al 2021).…”

“…The decision analysis process included the development of a quantitative population model that was used to establish an annual removal target of 390 diploid Grass Carp; this target was associated with a population density that was expected to minimize the risk of spread and negative effects on the aquatic and terrestrial communities (DuFour et al 2021). Based on expert elicitation, the most effective and feasible response strategy for achieving this suppression goal was targeted removal efforts concentrated in areas of high catchability combined with techniques to disrupt spawning in the Sandusky River (Robinson et al 2021).…”

“…Despite targeted removal being identified as a preferred action by Robinson et al (2021), enactment of this recommendation is challenged by Grass Carp being notoriously difficult to catch with traditional capture gear and methods (Mitchell 1980; Maceina et al 1999). In late summer 2014, 10 state, provincial, and federal fishery agencies conducted a coordinated capture response exercise in the event that Silver, Bighead, or Black carp were detected in Lake Erie.…”

“…This prompted state, provincial, and federal fishery agencies in the basin to develop an adaptive response strategy for the eradication of Grass Carp from Lake Erie (Herbst et al 2021). The response strategy was informed using a multi-jurisdiction, collaborative decision analysis with regional experts to determine objectives and potential management actions for Lake Erie response efforts (Robinson et al 2021). The decision analysis process included the development of a quantitative population model that was used to establish an annual removal target of 390 diploid Grass Carp; this target was associated with a population density that was expected to minimize the risk of spread and negative effects on the aquatic and terrestrial communities (DuFour et al 2021).…”

Identifying turbulence features hindering swimming capabilities of grass carp larvae (Ctenopharyngodon idella) through submerged vegetation

“…Grass carp also have potential to increase coastal erosion and sediment transport through consumption of vegetation that would normally stabilize shoreline sediments. As a result, millions of US dollars have been invested trying control their spread (e.g., Robinson et al, 2020).…”