Results of Fisheries and Oceans Canada's 2019 Asian carp early detection field surveillance program

In 2019, Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Asian Carp Program continued early detection surveillance for Asian carps in Canadian waters of the Laurentian Great Lakes. A total of 1 197 field sites were sampled at 36 locations using seven gear types. These locations included 35 early detection locations and a scout site. A total of 57 027 fishes were caught representing 86 species. Buffalo (Ictiobus spp.) and Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) were used as surrogate species to assess the effectiveness of gear types. A total of 864 buffalo and 1 876 Common Carp were caught. Trammel nets, boat electrofishing and trap nets were the most effective at capturing these surrogate species. An additional 105 field sites were sampled at three locations for larval fishes and eggs using two gear types. A total of 18 551 larval fishes were caught. No Asian carps were caught during the 2019 early detection surveillance efforts. Surveillance for Asian carps will continue in 2020, with an emphasis on the lower Great Lakes where the threat of arrival remains highest.