A Fisherman's Distress

“The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining."

  -Vincent van Gogh

I like to think of myself as having a strong presence on the water while fishing.  The thrill of having a large fish pulling on the line is one of a kind.  Although not good to eat as they are bottom feeders the Silver Carp puts up quite a fight when being reeled in.  Not only does this carp grow upwards to 40lbs, it can jump up 10 feet out of the water—hence the nickname: The Flying Carp.  Let me tell you a little about this species of fish and why it is causing trouble, not as much for fishermen but for other fish species.

            The Flying Carp is an invasive species, do I need to say more.  Originating from Eastern Asia the species was brought to America in the 1970s in an attempt to control algae growth.  The Silver Carp were seen as a form of technology as they were thought to best control the algae in aquaculture and municipal waste water treatment facilities.  In order to better create an efficient facility a foreign species was brought over in an attempt to change the current situation to one of better quality.  The idea of keeping the species contained was thought to have no complications but something thought to be so simple did not occur.
 

 The 40lb plankton eating fish has become an Invasive Species.  Working its way into many water sources has created an alteration in the ecosystems.  As a fisherman I know the importance of sustaining necessary nutrients for all varieties of species in waters—the diminishing of one species creates a catastrophic effect.  The Flying Carp feed on Plankton required by other species, species originating in North America, creating food competition.  This is an increasing problem for me as my fishing supply may be limited if different species become wiped out from the Flying Carp.  The prevalence of the Silver Carp has impacted the freedom-from of other fish attempting to be sustained in their natural environment because of the competition for limited food.

            How to control the Invasive Species:

1. Release sterile male fish to limit reproduction

2. Release predators into the waterways inhabited by Silver Carp

3. Release disease agents in order to create contact with the species

            In order to best combat the species the population needs to be minimized—to the point of extinction, to create an ecosystem that is self-sustaining.  Many Invasive Species are brought to the United States and become detrimental to the ecosystems.  I would like to be able to fish without the fear of my favorite fish being extinct—let alone being attacked by the Silver Carp as it jumps out of the water.



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