Feature

Making common carp less common

A carp, halfway out of the water, with a tailing splash.

Common carp are too common, say researchers at the University’s Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC). An invasive species and voracious feeders, they cause losses of vegetation in more than 70 percent of lakes in southern Minnesota and interfere with native species’ ability to thrive. Ridding lakes of this species would greatly improve water quality.

 

At MAISRC, the search is on for a weapon that will kill only the carp, such as a virus that specializes in them. They’re asking the public to call the center if they notice any fish kills in state waters.