Development of sampling techniques for black carp to aid assessment of natural reproduction, distribution, and ecological impacts

This funding opportunity is in support of the prevention of invasion and establishment of Black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus)in North American waters as they progress towards the Great Lakes. The invasion and captures of Black carp, one of four species of Asian carp, has grown over the years and specifically in 2016 has significantly caused concerns with the increased number of adults being caught as well as direct evidence of reproduction in the wild. This opportunity calls for a better understanding of the demographics of the invading population, a continuance of the programs implemented to collect information on the species, and evaluation of gears to capture individuals of all life stages. This is a notice of intent to award a single source grant to the Southern Illinois University (SUI) without competition under justification 505DM 2.14.B.1. Competition for the award is not practical as SIU has unique relationships with commercial fishers and access to specific and unique otolith microchemistry equipment that would help to determine the evidence of natural reproduction in the river. SIU has been the lead in Black Carp research, monitoring, and development of gears to detect this rare invasive species.