MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and neighboring state and federal agencies will conduct an intensive invasive carp removal effort in Pool 8 of the Mississippi River near La Crosse beginning April 5. The innovative Modified Unified Method (MUM) combines netting and herding techniques to drive and concentrate invasive carp from a large area of water into a small zone for removal.
This is the first time MUM has been used in Wisconsin or Minnesota waters, including the first time it has been used anywhere across the country as an early detection and rapid response technique. The DNR is working with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR), which is leading the operation, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
This MUM exercise is part of a response to 39 silver carp and 12 grass carp that were captured in Pool 8 in March 2020. The goal is to remove invasive carp present in Pool 8, curb the potential for invasive carp reproduction and to prevent their establishment in the Upper Mississippi River Basin. The operation will also yield more detailed information about any current invasive carp presence in Pool 8.
“Our expectation is that this innovative and aggressive approach will not only remove invasive carp from this area, but also help develop the technique for early detection and rapid response to any new invasions,” said Carli Wagner, MNDNR Invasive Species Specialist. “Through this highly collaborative joint operation, we’re filling a gap in the toolbox for invasive carp response efforts.”
This thorough search and removal effort will last seven to 10 days. Progressive areas of Pool 8 will be closed for one to three days during this time, temporarily suspending commercial fishing and recreational use of portions of Pool 8. The
