Asian Carp

In this Feb. 9, 2010 file photo, two Asian carp are displayed on Capitol Hill in Washington, during a Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment hearing on preventing the induction of the carp, a aquatic invasive species into the Great Lakes. Some worry that spring floods along the Mississippi River may be spreading the Asian carp downstream. Duane Chapman, a U.S. Geological Survey biologist and Asian carp expert, says the fish are likely to show up in places where Mississippi floodwaters intruded. They can weigh up to 100 pounds grow 4 feet long and live for 25 years. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)

(Manuel Balce Ceneta)

ALLEGAN, MI — Genetic material of Asian carp has been found in samples collected from the Kalamazoo River near Allegan, downstream from Calkins Dam, said Tammy Newcomb, senior water policy adviser for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

The location where the material was found is roughly 20 miles upstream from where the Kalamazoo River flows into Lake Michigan near Saugatuck.

The MDNR and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Tuesday that DNA from silver carp was detected in one of 200 samples taken in July the Kalamazoo River in Allegan County.

Officials say the discovery marks the first time environmental DNA for silver carp has been found in Michigan's Great Lakes waters outside of Maumee Bay in Lake Erie.

Newcomb emphasized there is "no evidence that a population of silver carp or bighead carp is established."

The silver carp is one of the Asian species threatening to invade the Great Lakes and compete with native fish for food.

Newcomb said water samples collected in the same location in June were all negative for Asian carp DNA. However, of the 200 samples collected in July, one tested positive, she said.

Environmental DNA samples are one line of evidence, and can be from a live fish or other contamination sources such as bird droppings or boats, she said.

"We are asking people out on the water be looking for silver or bighead carp" and report any unusual findings, on the Kalamazoo River or elsewhere, she said.

The findings indicate the presence of genetic material of silver carp, such as scales, feces or mucous that can enter water bodies via boats, fishing gear and the droppings of fish-eating birds. The lower Kalamazoo River is popular for recreational activities including fishing and boating, activities that may increase the possibility of eDNA entering the river without the presence of a live silver carp, according to a news release from the DNR.



"Although not conclusive, this finding heightens our vigilance and sets into motion a specific response," said MDNR Director Keith Creagh. "We will work with our partner organizations and anglers on next steps to protect the Great Lakes and its tributaries against this significant threat."



More sampling is underway, and the DNR plans To increase the presence of DNR staff along the Kalamazoo River to help anglers to report any Asian carp sightings.

The department will also place information in local bait shops to broaden public awareness.

"At the state's request, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is providing all the resources and technical expertise we have available," said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Deputy Regional Director Charlie Wooley. "The Service is committed to working in a coordinated, landscape-level, approach to prevent the establishment of self-sustaining populations of Asian carp in the Great Lakes."