A Novel Tool to Selectively Deliver a Control Agent to Filter-Feeding Silver and Bighead Carp

Abstract

Publishers: U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Department of the Interior

The 2024 U.S. Geological Survey report by Sauey et al. presents a breakthrough in invasive fish management: a novel microparticle-based method for delivering the pesticide Antimycin-A specifically to filter-feeding silver and bighead carp. These invasive carp species cause significant ecological and economic damage in U.S. freshwater ecosystems, yet existing chemical control methods lack selectivity, often harming native species.

To address this, researchers developed wax-encapsulated microparticles designed to exploit the unique filter-feeding behavior of silver and bighead carp. Laboratory and pond trials demonstrated that these microparticles could cause high mortality rates in the target carp species while minimizing effects on native fish like largemouth bass and bluegill. In experimental settings, silver and bighead carp experienced up to 100% mortality at higher doses, whereas largemouth bass showed minimal response.