Research Document - 2004/103

Risk Assessment for Asian Carps in Canada

By Mandrak, N.E., Cudmore, B.

Abstract

There are five species collectively known as the Asian carps: grass carp, bighead carp, silver carp, largescale silver carp and black carp. Four of these species (grass, bighead, silver, and black carps) have been introduced worldwide for aquaculture purposes. Subsequent to introduction into the southern United States, three species have become established in the wild (grass, bighead and silver carps). Two of these species, bighead and silver carps, have been dispersing rapidly up the Mississippi River basin, wreaking ecological havoc along the way. As there are numerous connections between the Mississippi basin and Canadian watersheds, including the Great Lakes, there is considerable concern about their potential ecological impacts if introduced and established in Canada. In addition to natural dispersal, these species may also be introduced into the Canadian wild through the live food fish trade. Canada represents over 50% of the market for grass and bighead carps cultured in the United States. The Canadian government conducted a risk assessment to determine the ecological risk of Asian carps in Canada. This assessment included evaluating the risk of survival, reproduction and spread of these species, as well as their pathogens, parasites or fellow travelers (e.g. other invasive species) should they be introduced into Canada. These components were assessed in an expert workshop using best available information on their biology, potential vectors of introduction, and impacts in both native and introduced ranges. The assessment concluded that the risk of impact was high in, at least, some parts of Canada, including the southern Great Lakes basin by four Asian carp species.

Complete document (PDF, 2147 KB)

Accessibility Notice

This document is available in PDF format. If the document is not accessible to you, please contact the Secretariat to obtain another appropriate format, such as regular print, large print, Braille or audio version.