Developing and applying a population model to guide the control bigheaded carps in the Mississippi River and its sub-basins: My job at a USGS Science Center

Dr. Richie Erickson

Quantitative Ecologist, USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Science Center

Abstract

Invasive bigheaded carps currently infest the Mississippi River and its sub-basins. The species cause massive ecological and economic damage in areas they infest and can be up to 80 to 90% of the biomass in some river systems. Concern exists the species will continue to spread and cause ecological damage both within the basin and within neighboring basins such as the Great Lakes. To guide management and control of the species, researchers have developed a population model in conjunction with resource managers. During this talk, I will describe these modeling efforts. Specifically, I will describe how we have incorporating an integral projection model into a meta-population dynamics model. I will discuss the development, parameterization, and application of the model as well as future possible uses for the model with other species. Lastly, I will describe my current career with USGS.