St. Croix 360

River stories to inspire stewardship.

  • Share News
  • Event Calendar
  • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
  • Support

Search for invasive carp finds no fish

New video and other updates show efforts the DNR is making to determine extent of invasive carp problem.

By Greg Seitz | August 22, 2011 | 2 minute read

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Print
  • More
  • LinkedIn
  • Tumblr
  • Pocket
  • Telegram

Crews from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources spent all last week looking for Asian carp in the St. Croix River, but did not capture any of the invasive fish. The search was a response to the recent announcement that DNA testing suggests the carp are established in the river.

In a press release, the DNR stated that crews spent time both near the dam at St. Croix Falls, and at the mouth of the river at Prescott, WI:

On Aug. 15 and Aug. 16, crews sampled sections of the river below the St. Croix Falls dam. This is where 22 out of 50 environmental DNA (eDNA) samples taken in June suggested the presence of silver carp, an invasive species.

From Aug. 17 to Aug. 19, fisheries crews searched the lower reaches of the river near Prescott, Wis., where a bighead carp, another Asian species, was caught by a commercial fisherman in April.

Video of the search shows the agency staff retrieving nets — and native fish, like sauger, freshwater drum and a bluegill, but no silver, bighead or other invasive Asian carp species.

Anglers, public agencies, boaters and many others who care about the St. Croix are worried about Asian carp because the fish can out-compete native fish, and because bighead carp are notorious for leaping out of the water as boats pass, often harming boaters.

Search to continue

The hunt for carp will switch from DNR staff last week to a commercial angler this week:

Starting Tuesday, Aug. 23, a commercial fisherman hired by the DNR will begin using large nets to try to capture Asian carp in the St. Croix. The gear is larger than what DNR fisheries crews typically use. The fisherman may also use large seine nets. Both techniques have been effective in catching Asian carp. The contract for the commercial operation was expedited in response to the positive eDNA results announced earlier this month.

Conservation news on St. Croix 360 is supported by the St. Croix River Association, which works to protect, restore and celebrate the St. Croix River and its watershed.

Related articles:

Follow

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Features

Two inches and 6,000 gallons: A swollen century on the St. Croix River

Cold comfort

New preserve will let students, community, and anglers experience the Kinnickinnic River

St. Croix 360 is now 100% supported by readers.

Click here to contribute →

 

Latest News

River Falls reservoir drawn down for good after dam damaged by flood

City on lower St. Croix considers housing ordinance in conflict with river rules

St. Croix forestry conference will connect people working for watershed woods

Guided walks will feature Women in Conservation careers

St. Croix Valley Foundation awards more than $47,000 in arts grants

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

About

St. Croix 360 builds support for river stewardship, and connects people and organizations. It is an independent news source produced by Greg Seitz, with past support from the St. Croix River Association.

Donate to St. Croix 360 today »

Story of 360

One of the biggest challenges facing the St. Croix River is harmful blooms of algae in in the lower river, due to excess nutrients in runoff. The goal is to restore the river by reducing phosphorus levels to 360 tons/year. Learn more »

Share Your News

St. Croix 360 is powered by a broad community of St. Croix River-loving people. Please visit our submission page to send tips, press releases, and other news.

Submit an Event

Lower St. Croix: St. Croix 360 partners with online calendar St. Croix Splash.

  • Submit your events to Splash.
  • Share it with St. Croix 360 for promotion.

For events elsewhere in the watershed, contact St. Croix 360 directly.

St. Croix 360 Syndication

To help increase awareness of the St. Croix River, news organizations and other outlets are free to share St. Croix 360 content, as long as you follow a few simple rules.

Republish St. Croix 360 stories »

Partners

  • St. Croix River Association
  • St. Croix Watershed Research Station
  • ArtReach St. Croix
  • You and all St. Croix 360's readers!
Handcrafted in May Township, Minnesota. Please contribute today »
loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.