In a mind-boggling video showing a massive explosion of invasive Asian carp, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources showed what it is up against in its battle to keep the unwanted fish from entering Lake Barkley.
Three state fisheries staff members in a boat equipped with electro-shocking equipment traveled up the Cumberland River toward Barkley Dam and waited for the countdown before sending a charge into the water.
The water then erupted with sound-sensitive Asian carp in unfathomable numbers:
The staff members collected the fish as part of a study and project that includes an experimental Bio-Acoustic Fish Fence designed to deter Asian carp from entering Lake Barkley in western Kentucky, according to Kentucky.gov.
The BAFF casts a barrier of bubbles, sound and light to deflect the noise-sensitive Asian carp from entering an area.
“Asian carp are sensitive to sound and disturbances in the water,” Ron Brooks, director of fisheries for the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, told Kentucky.gov. “The barrier, along with commercial fishing efforts already underway, aim to significantly reduce the number of Asian carp in Kentucky and Barkley lakes.
“We’re anxious to get this test underway because it has the potential to be a real game-changer in the battle against Asian carp.”
Joining Kentucky Fish and Wildlife in the project are the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
Officials hope to have the project operational by fall.
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“Asian carp can outcompete native species for food,” Kentucky.gov wrote. “One mature female Asian carp can produce more than 1 million eggs each year.”
From AP via the Lexington Herald Leader:
The Paducah Sun reports the bio-acoustic fish fence at Barkley Dam in western Kentucky will be evaluated over the course of the next three years, although officials hope to see some preliminary results next year…
David Lambert is with Fish Guidance Systems, which is installing the fence. He says if it’s successful, the fence can be installed at other places along the Mississippi River Basin where Asian carp are a concern.
As for the fish collected in the video?
“According to our Fisheries Director, Ron Brooks, these carp were stunned, harvested and sold to buyers who make fertilizer, fish bait and even food products for humans,” Dave Baker of the KDFWR told USA Today/For The Win Outdoors
Photo of exploding Asian carp and the Bio-Acoustic Fish Fence courtesy of Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.
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