Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
Principal Investigator: Jon Amberg
The results from this study will provide baseline data that may lead to the development of a targeted delivery system that reduces non-target species mortality when treating waters to control invasive fish species. These types of technologies have the potential to be used by fishery management agencies to control invasive fish species throughout the United Sates.
Current toxicants used to control aquatic invasive species are non-selective and applied as immersion exposures – resulting in equal exposure of native and invasive species to the toxicant. Development of a targeted delivery system which reduces non-target species exposure to the toxicant could greatly enhance selectivity and reduce effects to non-target species. Development of such delivery methodologies will require full understanding of native and invasive species gill and gut enzyme activity and physiology since a targeted delivery system will likely use an oral or gill adhesion delivery route.
This studies goal is to identify unique physiological characteristics of the digestive system of Asian carps (Hypophthalmichthys spp.) relative to that of native planktivorous fishes. Fishes will be captured using electroshocking by the Illinois Natural History Survey (ILNHS), euthanized and digestive systems and gill-arches removed. A combination of histological analysis, commercial enzymatic tests and modern molecular techniques will be used to identify special features. Any unique structure, enzyme and/or transporter identified could potentially aid in the development of a species-specific toxicant or toxicant delivery system.
Identify unique physiological characteristics of the digestive system of Asian carps (Hypophthalmichthys spp.) relative to that of native planktivorous fishes.
URL: http://www.umesc.usgs.gov/aquatic/aquatic_invasives2.html
