Use of Depth-Sensitive Transmitters and Fish Translocation to Study Asian Carp Behavior at a Mississippi River High-head Dam

Asian carp populations continue to expand their range in North America, necessitating efforts to limit the spread and establishment of reproducing populations. Potential control measures include the installation of deterrents (e.g., electric, acoustic) and targeted harvest to limit propagule pressure. Mississippi River Lock and Dam 19 (LD19) is a high-head dam that serves as a population ‘pinch-point’ because the main channel spillway gates are impassable and passage through the lock chamber is the only means by which fish can complete upstream migrations. As such, LD19 represents a location that could be a pivotal control point for minimizing the spread of invasive carps in the Upper Mississippi River. Our objectives were to use acoustic telemetry arrays to study Asian carp behavior at LD19 and to identify factors or conditions that facilitate upstream passage through the lock chamber. We deployed depth-sensor transmitters in Asian carps to obtain information about the behavior and occupancy within different depths in the downstream lock approach, lock chamber, and upstream lock approach. We also translocated Asian carps that we captured upstream of LD19, tagged, and released downstream into Pool 20. These translocated fish have demonstrated a higher rate of upstream passage relative to Asian carps collected and tagged in Pool 20 and are providing insight on how fish passages relate to lock operation and river traffic. These data are being used to guide the design and installation of an experimental underwater Acoustic Deterrent System at LD19.