TRIPLOID CARP RELEASE
1,995 Triploid Carp were released
Biological controls are an important component of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach and provide longer-term solutions without relying entirely on chemicals. Triploid grass carp are a prime example of this, and nearly 2,000 were released in select freshwater canals in and around Greater Port Charlotte. These plant-eating carp are called triploid because they have an extra set of chromosomes, which prevents them from reproducing. This is important because excessive numbers could result in overconsumption of vegetation and outcompeting native wildlife. Canals were selected according to specific criteria. They needed to be isolated from other bodies of water to prevent the fish from moving into non-target areas. Additionally, canals chosen had pre-identified issues with submersed vegetation such as hydrilla, chara, ambulia, and East Indian hygrophila. While hydrilla and chara are the preferred food sources for the carp, they will also consume the other listed plants. Results are typically visible within a year and can last up to five years, barring any losses to predators or natural disasters. As the fish age, their feeding activity decreases. The releases required an all-hands-on-deck effort, with crews moving from site to site to introduce the carp into their new habitats. The MAWC team did an awesome job making this process run as efficiently and smoothly as possible!
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