Linking Adult Reproduction and Larval Density of Invasive Carp in a Large River

Identifying how temporal variation in the environment affects reproductive success of invasive alien species will aid in predicting future establishment and tracking dynamics of established populations. Asian carp Hypophthalmichthys spp. have become a nuisance in recent years in the Mississippi River basin. Their populations are apparently expanding, indicating favorable conditions for reproduction. During 2004 and 2005, we quantified mean density of Asian carp larvae, mean monthly gonadosomatic index (GSI) of adult males and females, and number of eggs within mature females in the lower Illinois River, a major tributary of the Mississippi River. A flood (water velocity ≥ 0.7 m/s) and drought (\u3c0.2 m/s) occurred during apparent spawning in 2004 and 2005, respectively. During 2004, Asian carp larvae were found during 32% of sampling weeks; mean GSI and fecundity were relatively low for adults, probably reflecting partially spawned individuals and perhaps low reproductive investment. During the drought of 2005, larval stages were present during only one (5%) of the sampling weeks, whereas mean GSI and fecundity of adults were high through summer. Females resorbed their eggs instead of spawning during this year. Spawning conditions during low water periods appear to be unsuitable for Asian carps, inhibiting adult spawning and yielding few larvae. Spawning conditions during 2004 were better but still yielded low densities of larvae relative to native fishes. Reproduction in the lower Illinois River appears to be linked to river flow and its impact on adult spawning decisions, but conditions for strong year-class production (i.e., high larval densities) may be rarer than previously expected

Movement and Habitat Selection by Invasive Asian Carps in a Large River

We evaluated the habitat use and movements of 50 adult bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and 50 silver carp H. molitrix by means of ultrasonic telemetry during spring–summer 2004 and 2005 to gain insight into the conditions that facilitate their establishment, persistence, and dispersal in the lower Illinois River (river kilometer 0–130). Movement and habitat use were monitored with stationary receivers and boat-mounted tracking. The relative availability of four macrohabitat categories (main channel, island side channel, channel border, and connected backwater) was quantified to determine selection; discriminant function analysis was used to evaluate changes in physical characteristics within each category. A flood pulse occurred in spring through early summer of 2004 but not 2005. Movement rates (km/week) of both species were positively correlated with flow but not with temperature. Including data from stationary receivers greatly increased estimates of daily movement. During low summer flow, both species typically selected channel borders and avoided the main channel and backwaters. Both species rarely occupied depths over 4 m, regardless of abiotic conditions. Flood pulses appear to trigger dispersal, while habitat use is only specific during low summer flow. Thus, movement prevention efforts (e.g., dispersal barriers) will require particular vigilance during late-winter or spring flooding, and controlled removal (e.g., harvest) should be directed toward selected habitats during summer

Novel internal measurements of ion cyclotron frequency range fast-ion driven modes

Novel internal measurements and analysis of ion cyclotron frequency range fast-ion driven modes in DIII-D are presented. Observations, including internal density fluctuation (˜n) measurements obtained via Doppler backscattering, are presented for modes at low harmonics of the ion cyclotron frequency localized in the edge. The measurements indicate that these waves, identified as coherent ion cyclotron emission (ICE), have high wave number, k⊥ρfast1, consistent with the cyclotron harmonic wave branch of the magnetoacoustic cyclotron instability, or electrostatic instability mechanisms. Measurements show extended spatial structure (at least ∼1/6 the minor radius). These edge ICE modes undergo amplitude modulation correlated with edge localized modes (ELM) that is qualitatively consistent with expectations for ELM-induced fast-ion transport

Assessment of Asian carp spawning potential in tributaries to the Canadian Lake Ontario basin

This is an accepted manuscript of an article published in the Journal of Great Lakes Research.Urgent action is needed to prevent the successful establishment of four invasive fish species, collectively known as Asian carps, within the Great Lakes basin. Preliminary assessments of spawning potential of Great Lakes tributaries are needed to effectively allocate resources to early-detection programs and more detailed hydrodynamic modelling. Previous preliminary assessments determining the Asian carp spawning potential of tributaries potentially masked temporal variations in stream temperature and velocity. A preliminary assessment was developed that incorporates both the spawning biology of Asian carps and the hydrodynamics of tributaries, based on data at a higher temporal resolution than used previously, to determine the spawning potential of a tributary. The assessment was conducted on eight Lake Ontario tributaries, based on in-situ temperature and velocity data from 2009 to 2014. Two tributaries were found to be suitable using mean data across the assessed time frame; however, inter-annual suitability varied greatly and six tributaries were found to be suitable in at least one of six years over the study period. The assessment highlights previously unexplored inter-annual variation in suitability and provides a method using existing data to identify suitable tributaries for more detailed analyses involving hydrodynamic modelling. This approach can be used as a heuristic first step to inform management actions, such as early-detection and rapid-response programs, to prevent Asian carp spawning in the Canadian Great Lakes basin.This work was supported by the NSERC CREATE Great Lakes Program, DFO Asian Carp Program, and NSERC Discovery Grant to Nicholas E. Mandrak