Asian Carp Eggs Discovered Near Wisconsin: Invasive Species Spreads Further North

The Asian Carp population has been closely monitored by scientists and environmentalists over the past few months because of their growing presence in the Mississippi River as well as the threat they pose to the nearby ecosystems.

The aggressive fish species have been traveling up the Mississippi River for decades, ever since they first escaped from aquaculture operations down South in the 1970s. They pose a threat for a few reasons: they grow up to be 110 pounds and are sometimes too big for predators to keep in check; they eat an excessive amount of plankton and other aquatic vegetation; and their presence impacts other water species and interrupts recreational water activities.

Measures have already been taken to halt the spread of the Asian carp, but it might be too late. The National Wildlife Federation announced earlier this year that they hope to use preventative technology to keep the fish from moving farther north, especially into the Great Lakes through the Chicago Waterway System. Additionally, the city of Chicago proposed an $18 billion bill in February to prevent the carp from inhabiting the Great Lakes because of the threat they pose to other aquatic life as well as local fisherman and boaters.

Now, the U.S. Geological Survey has reported they have found Asian carp eggs and late-stage embryos in the upper Mississippi River in Lynxville, Wisconsin, which is 250 miles north of the previously known reproductive areas. They also found carp eggs in seven locations between Iowa and Wisconsin, further pointing toward a spread up north.

This could be a growing issue of concern because if the scientists cannot figure out how the eggs got to these areas, then they'll be unable to prevent their spread up the Mississippi. Scientists and environmentalists are especially worried about the carp reaching the Great Lakes. If not resolved soon, experts could be facing an even more difficult challenge, which would be getting the carp out of the Great Lakes region.

To read more about the invasive Asian carp, visit this National Geographic article.