Candlewood Carp
Throughout the summer of 2017, I will be working with Dr. Theodora Pinou of Western Connecticut State University, Larry Marsicano of the Candlewood Lake Authority, and fellow student Luke Mueller of the University of New Hampshire to track 50 Triploid Grass Carp at 63 sites in Candlewood Lake.
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We are tracking Triploid (sterile) Grass Carp in Candlewood Lake to test their effectiveness in combating the population of invasive Eurasian Milfoil. Fifty carp were introduced into the lake in 2015 with surgically implanted radio tags, each with a unique signal. The fish were released from various points on the lake where the population of Milfoil was high. We hope to observe the carp active within the Milfoil beds to prove that they are indeed helping to curb the growth of the Eurasian Milfoil beds.
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This summer from May through the end of July, I will be documenting our study of these fifty carp via a weekly blog. I hope to not only record my findings, but to spread awareness of the importance of the carp's impact on our local ecosystem to the community.
Eurasian Water Milfoil is an invasive species to North America. It was accidentally introduced from Europe. It is present in many fresh water lakes throughout the continental United States. The Milfoil is dangerous to ecosystems as its population can increase exponentially in nutrient rich bodies of water and crowd out native plant species. The Milfoil forms immense weed beds which can be present in up to about 15 feet of water which can also be dangerous to boaters and swimmers in recreational lakes.
In ideal conditions, such as in Candlewood Lake, Eurasian Milfoil can overtake the entire body of water, due to the fact that it can reproduce via stem fragmentation. This means that if a small piece breaks off of the mother plant, that piece can grow roots and eventually grow in a new location.
What Is The Project About?
What Is Eurasian Milfoil?
What Can The Carp Do?
A total of 3,816 Triploid Grass Carp were added to Candlewood Lake in 2015 from nine different release sites, 50 of which were tagged. Milfoil is the predominant part of the carp's diet. More carp will be added to the lake this year. If the carp thrive in the lake environment, they should be able to dramatically reduce the Eurasian Milfoil population in Candlewood Lake.
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It is important to note that although Grass Carp are not native to North America, they are all sterile males so that they cannot reproduce and impact the ecosystem of Candlewood Lake.