Mapping of Movements of Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix using GIS in the Lower Cumberland River and Lower Tennessee River
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
Biology
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Timothy Spier; Dr. Haluk Cetin
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
The introduction of exotic fishes in freshwater environments has induced significant ecological and economic changes. Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix are an invasive species in the United States native to large rivers in eastern Asia. This species is expanding its range throughout the Mississippi River basin, beginning with the Cumberland River and Tennessee River drainage. Although Silver Carp movement patterns have been studied in other parts of the Cumberland River and Tennessee River drainages, the lowermost portion of both rivers below Barkley dam and Kentucky dam is a unique environment in which the movement of Silver Carp has not yet been closely studied. Understanding the movement patterns of Silver Carp and native Planktivores in the lower part of these rivers is important for understanding the factors, which influence fish dam crossing and migrations. We used acoustic tags to track multiple fish species in the lower Cumberland River and lower Tennessee River and a Geographic Information System (GIS). Contrary to our expectations, Silver Carp were found more often near the mouth of each river instead of near the dam. Movement of the fishes was influenced by discharge and temperature, but their response to these parameters was different in each river. These data can be used to assist barrier operation and management to prevent Silver Carp from passing into Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake.
Fall Scholars Week 2023 Event
Earth and Environment Sciences Poster Session
Mapping of Movements of Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix using GIS in the Lower Cumberland River and Lower Tennessee River
The introduction of exotic fishes in freshwater environments has induced significant ecological and economic changes. Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix are an invasive species in the United States native to large rivers in eastern Asia. This species is expanding its range throughout the Mississippi River basin, beginning with the Cumberland River and Tennessee River drainage. Although Silver Carp movement patterns have been studied in other parts of the Cumberland River and Tennessee River drainages, the lowermost portion of both rivers below Barkley dam and Kentucky dam is a unique environment in which the movement of Silver Carp has not yet been closely studied. Understanding the movement patterns of Silver Carp and native Planktivores in the lower part of these rivers is important for understanding the factors, which influence fish dam crossing and migrations. We used acoustic tags to track multiple fish species in the lower Cumberland River and lower Tennessee River and a Geographic Information System (GIS). Contrary to our expectations, Silver Carp were found more often near the mouth of each river instead of near the dam. Movement of the fishes was influenced by discharge and temperature, but their response to these parameters was different in each river. These data can be used to assist barrier operation and management to prevent Silver Carp from passing into Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake.