Invasive Carp

DNR employee spraying a boat at a courtesy decontamination site

The term "invasive carp" refers to four related fish species: bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), silver carp (H. molitrix), grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), and black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus).

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has been working to slow the spread of invasive carp since the early 2000s.

A renewed effort began in 2011 and a collaboration of state and federal agencies, conservation groups and university researchers developed the Minnesota Invasive Carp Action Plan.

This plan aims to prevent or limit the impact these species may have on Minnesota waters.

 

Invasive carp captures

Invasive carp captures must be reported to the DNR immediately. Take a photo and make arrangements with the DNR to transport the carp to the nearest fisheries office.

To keep invasive carp for personal use, download the Special Permit to Possess Prohibited Invasive Species of Carp.

Invasive carp in the United States

Grass, Bighead, Silver and Black carp were brought to the United States in the 1970s as a biological control for plants, algae and snails in aquaculture, wastewater and retention ponds.

During high water events, a few fish escaped from contained systems and became established in the lower and middle Mississippi River. Populations have expanded further to include the Ohio, Missouri and Illinois rivers.

Invasive carp in Minnesota

The first invasive carp captured in Minnesota was a grass carp in 1991 (Okamanpeedan Lake) followed by a bighead carp in 1996 (Lake St. Croix) and the first silver carp in 2008 (Mississippi River Pool 8).

No black carp have been captured in Minnesota to date in Minnesota waters.

Invasive carp captures in Minnesota and boundary waters have increased in recent years. The DNR confirmed from two to seven individual invasive carp captures each spring from 2013 to 2018. A total of 18 invasive carp were captured in 2019, 83 in 2020 and 71 in 2021. In response to the increased captures, DNR has implemented several Modified-Unified Method events (MUMs) in Pool 8 of the Mississippi River and has increased contracted commercial fishing and tagging and tracking efforts. DNR continues to monitor and respond to invasive carp using innovative, targeted techniques.

Early detection and monitoring of susceptible waters

Invasive carp sampling reports

Invasive carp resources

Funded by: Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services and the National Park Service.

Prevention and deterrence

Resources

Funded by: Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, University of Minnesota, Minnesota State University Mankato, University of Minnesota Duluth, USGS, Clean Water Land & Legacy Amendment, US Army Corps of Engineers and the National Park Service.

Resources

Questions