Geology topics

Aaron R. Cupp

Publications and source records attributed to Aaron R. Cupp.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

USGS2021

Telemetry evaluation of carbon dioxide as a behavioral deterrent for invasive carps

Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) mixed into water is being explored as a possible management strategy to deter the upstream movements of invasive carps through navigation locks and other migratory pinch-points. This study used two-dimensional acoustic telemetry to assess the effectiveness of dissolved CO 2 as a chemosensory deterrent to two carp species in a large U-shaped pond. Free-swimming movements of telemetered bighead carp ( Hypophthalmichthys nobilis ) and grass carp ( Ctenopharyngodon idella ) were documented 24 h before treatment and 24 h during treatments at 60, 121 and 213 mg/L CO 2 (mean concentrations in pond water). Several behavioral endpoints were then quantified and compared to evaluate deterrence efficacy. In general, results showed that both carp species responded similarly to CO 2 treatments. Carps consistently relocated into areas away from the injection site and made fewer attempts to re-enter CO 2 treated areas. On average, CO 2 treatments reduced mid-line crosses between untreated and treated sides of the pond by 58% at 121 mg/L CO 2 and 78% at 213 mg/L CO 2 relative to normal swimming movements recorded before treatment. Fish swim speeds increased significantly when inside the CO 2 plume during treatments during 213 mg/L CO 2 trials relative to swim speeds outside the plume, possibly indicative of active searching and avoidance responses. Overall, this study found that CO 2 altered the behavior of bighead carp and grass carp. Natural resource agencies could consider the CO 2 concentrations identified in this study to inform future applications to deter invasive carps from locations where they are at-risk to move upstream.

Journal of Great Lakes Research↗

USGS2021

Emerging control strategies for integrated pest management of invasive carps

Invasive carps are ecologically and economically problematic fish species in many large river basins in the United States and pose a threat to aquatic ecosystems throughout much of North America. Four species of invasive carps: black carp ( Mylopharyngodon piceus ), grass carp ( Ctenopharyngodon idella ), silver carp ( Hypophthalmichthys molitrix ) and bighead carp ( Hypophthalmichthys nobilis ), are particularly concerning for native ecosystems because they occupy and disrupt a variety of food and habitat niches. In response, natural resource agencies are developing integrated pest management (IPM) plans to mitigate invasive carps. Control tools are one key component within a successful IPM program and have been a focal point for development by governmental agencies and academic researchers. For example, behavioural deterrents and barriers that block migratory pathways could limit carps range expansion into new areas, while efficient removal methods could suppress established carp populations. However, control tools are sometimes limited in practice due to uncertainty with deployment, efficacy and availability. This review provides an overview of several emerging modelling approaches and control technologies that could inform and support future invasive carp IPM programs.

Journal of Vertebrate Biology↗

USGS2021

Evaluation of dissolved carbon dioxide to stimulate emergence of red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii (Decapoda: Cambaridae) from infested ponds

Invasive crayfish have adverse effects on habitats and native species. Control of invasive crayfish populations is a major challenge facing natural resource managers. This study evaluated the effectiveness and optimal conditions for the control agent carbon dioxide (CO2) which can be diffused into water to facilitate capture of red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii; RSC). The efficacy of CO2 shows promise in its use for a variety of invasive aquatic species. Here, we evaluate CO2’s ability to stimulate movements towards the shoreline and/or induce complete terrestrial emergence from outdoor ponds. Twelve pond trials were conducted using three, 0.02-ha experimental ponds at Auburn University, Alabama, USA. Silt fencing was installed on dry land around the perimeter of each pond with the lower 0.3 m of fencing accordion-folded to provide shelter and a collection point for emerging crayfish. Each pond was stocked with 100 RSC before testing. Experimental treatment ponds were then injected with gaseous CO2 using porous air diffusers, whereas control ponds (C ponds) received no CO2. Multiple water quality parameters were monitored hourly. Three independent treatment scenarios with CO2 diffusion were: crayfish captured at the end of trial only (F: final), crayfish captured hourly (H: hourly), and incorporation of continuous inflow of fresh water at a flow rate of 0.2 L/s into the central catch basin to serve as a refuge with crayfish captured hourly (R: refuge). In control ponds, crayfish were captured at the end of trial only. In F ponds, CO2 diffusion for approximately five hours caused an average of 12% of total crayfish to emerge from the water. However, capture efficiency was increased to an average of 45% of total crayfish by increasing collection frequency to every hour and netting submerged crayfish near the water edge in addition to capturing terrestrially emerged crayfish. Presence of a freshwater inflow reduced capture efficiency in R ponds relative to H ponds. Odds of capturing crayfish improved with increased water temperature, increased CO2 concentration and increased crayfish mass. Based on results, we provide a set of predictive equations as well as interactive calculators to help natural resource managers explore several environmental and treatment-related scenarios that predict changes in capture probability in small research ponds. Carbon dioxide shows promises as a tool to increase capture rate of RSC. It is not likely to be 100% effective by itself, but could be a useful component of an integrated management strategy.

Management of Biological Invasions↗

USGS2020

Using Markov chains to quantitatively assess movement patterns of invasive fishes impacted by a carbon dioxide barrier in outdoor ponds

Natural resource managers use barriers to deter the movement of aquatic invasive species. Research and development of new invasive species barriers is often evaluated in pond and field scales using high‐resolution telemetry data. Telemetry data sets can be a rich source of data about fish movement and behavior but can be difficult to analyze due to the size of these data sets as well as their irregular sampling intervals. Due to the challenges, most barrier studies only use summary endpoints, such as barrier passage counts or average (e.g., mean or median) fish distance from the barrier, to describe the data. To examine more fine‐scale fish movement patterns, we developed a first‐order Markov chain. We then used this model to help understand the impacts of a barrier on fish behavior. For our study system, we used data from a previous study examining how bighead and silver carp (two invasive fish species in the United States) responded to a carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) barrier in a pond.

Natural Resource Modeling↗

USGS2020

Toxicity of carbon dioxide to freshwater fishes: Implications for aquatic invasive species management

Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) has been approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency as a new aquatic pesticide to control invasive Asian carps and other aquatic nuisance species in the United States. However, limited CO 2 toxicity data could make it challenging for resource managers to characterize the potential risk to nontarget species during CO 2 applications. The present study quantified the toxicity of CO 2 to 2 native riverine fishes, bluegill ( Lepomis macrochirus ) and fathead minnow ( Pimephales promelas ), using 12‐h continuous flow‐through CO 2 exposure at 5, 15, and 25 °C water temperatures. Resulting survival indicated that bluegill (median lethal concentration [LC50] range 91–140 mg/L CO 2 ) were more sensitive to CO 2 than fathead minnow (LC50 range 235–306 mg/L CO 2 ) across all water temperatures. Bluegill were also more sensitive to CO 2 at 5 °C (LC50 91 mg/L CO 2 , 95% CI 85–96 mg/L CO 2 ) than at 25 °C (LC50 140 mg/L CO 2 , 95% CI 135–146 mg/L CO 2 ). Fathead minnow showed an opposite response and were less sensitive at 5 °C (LC50 306 mg/L CO 2 , 95% CI 286–327 mg/L CO 2 ) relative to 25 °C (LC50 235 mg/L CO 2 , 95% CI 224–246 mg/L CO 2 ). Our results show that CO 2 toxicity can differ by species and water temperature. Data from the present study may inform decisions related to the use of CO 2 as a control tool. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2247–2255. Published 2020. This article is a U.S. government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (ET&C)↗

USGS2020

Laboratory trials to evaluate carbon dioxide as a potential behavioral control method for invasive red swamp (Procambarus clarkii) and rusty crayfish (Faxonius rusticus)

Few effective strategies are available to control invasive crayfishes. Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) acts as a behavioral deterrent for invasive fishes and could be a useful crayfish control tool. The objective of this laboratory study was to quantify CO 2 concentrations that caused red swamp crayfish (RSC; Procambarus clarkii ) and rusty crayfish (RYC; Faxonius rusticus ) avoidance behavior, altered emergence behavior, and caused loss of equilibrium. Behavioral endpoints were quantified under light and dark conditions and at 10 and 24 °C. Avoidance responses from both species varied widely. Under light conditions, 35 mg/L CO 2 was needed to induce the first avoidance shuttle in both crayfish species at 10 °C. CO 2 concentrations of 42 mg/L for RYC and 46 mg/L for RSC were required for first shuttle at 24 °C. The first avoidance shuttle was induced at 37 mg/L CO 2 for RYC and 54 mg/L CO 2 for RSC at 10 °C in the dark. At 24 °C, 44 mg/L CO 2 was required for first shuttle for both species. Less CO 2 was needed to cause the last avoidance shuttle in RYC compared to RSC at both temperatures and under both lighting conditions. RSC emergence occurred at 418 ± 77 mg/L CO 2 , and loss of equilibrium occurred for both species at 1,231 ± 201 mg/L CO 2 . RYC appeared to be more sensitive than RSC to CO 2 , but behavior did not differ among light and water temperature treatments. These results demonstrate that CO 2 alters crayfish behavior. The CO 2 concentrations identified during this study may inform field testing to develop CO 2 as a potential control tool for invasive crayfishes.

Biological Invasions↗

USGS2019

Chemical controls for an integrated pest management program

Chemical controls ranging from natural products to synthesized chemicals are widely used in aquatic pest management activities. Chemicals can be used to lure organisms to traps or can cause direct mortality by altering the physiological function of an organism. Much of what is known about controlling pests with chemicals is from research done on terrestrial pesticides. This paper focuses on how chemicals might be used as aquatic pesticides to control or eradicate aquatic invasive species. Current control tools are described, as are new technologies designed to selectively target the pest to reduce risks to nontarget organisms and the environment.

North American Journal of Fisheries Management↗

USGS2018

Investigating the mixing efficiencies of liquid-to-liquid chemical injection manifolds for aquatic invasive species management

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) have spread throughout the United States via major rivers and tributaries. Locks and dams positioned along affected waterways, specifically lock chambers, are being evaluated as potential management sites to prevent further expansion into new areas. Recent research has shown that infusion of chemicals (e.g., carbon dioxide) into water can block or kill several invasive organisms and could be a viable option at navigational structures such as lock chambers because chemical infusion would not interfere with vessel passage or lock operation. Chemical treatments near lock structures will require large-scale fluid-mechanic systems and significant energy. Mixing must extend to all stagnation regions within a lock structure to prevent the passage of an invasive fish. This work describes the performance of both wall- and floor-based CO 2 -infused-water to water injection manifolds targeted for lock structures in terms of mixing time, mixing homogeneity, injection efficiency, and operational power requirements. Both systems have strengths and weaknesses so selection recommendations are given for applications such as open systems and closed systems.

Journal of Fluids Engineering↗

USGS2018

Assessment of carbon dioxide piscicide treatments

Few chemicals are approved to control or eradicate nuisance fish populations in the United States. Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) is currently being developed and studied as a new piscicide option for nonselective population control. This study evaluated dry ice (solid state CO 2 ) as a simple CO 2 delivery method during winter piscicide applications. Nonnative Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix , Bighead Carp H. nobilis , and native Fathead Minnow Pimephales promelas were overwintered together in ice‐covered ponds treated with 25 kg dry ice/100,000 L (low treatment) or 50 kg dry ice/100,000 L (high treatment). Overwinter fish survival was significantly reduced in ponds treated with dry ice relative to untreated control ponds. Fathead Minnows were less susceptible to CO 2 exposure than the carps, with 26–96% survival in low‐treatment ponds and 4–68% survival in high‐treatment ponds. Silver Carp and Bighead Carp were more sensitive to CO 2 treatments and no individuals of either species survived in ponds with the high‐treatment level. Water samples were also collected in all ponds throughout this study, and we observed notably higher Silver Carp and Bighead Carp environmental DNA (eDNA) concentrations in dry‐ice‐treated ponds relative to untreated control ponds. Distinct changes in eDNA trends correlated with fish mortality, and results indicate that eDNA sampling could be a useful indicator of piscicide efficacy. This study demonstrates that CO 2 administered as dry ice is an effective under‐ice piscicide method.

North American Journal of Fisheries Management↗

USGS2018

Effects of formaldehyde on nitrification in biofilters of small‐scale recirculating systems

Florfenicol (Aquaflor®) is the only U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drug for treating diseased fish reared in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). Treating diseased fish in RAS is challenging because of the potential to damage nitrifying bacteria in the biofilters. Impaired nitrification can lead to concentrations of ammonia and nitrite that compromise fish welfare. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of a FDA‐approved parasiticide and fungicide, Parasite‐S ® (formalin), on biofilter nitrification. Stable biofilters were exposed once to 0, 9.25, 18.5, 37, or 55.5 mg/L formaldehyde. Total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) and nitrite nitrogen were monitored daily before and throughout the study to quantify biofilter function. Formaldehyde concentrations ≥37 mg/L increased TAN and nitrite nitrogen concentrations, and nitrification did not recover to pre‐exposure concentrations up to 8 day postexposure. On the basis of those results, a second trial was conducted. Stable biofilters were exposed once or on four consecutive days to 9.25 or 18.5 mg/L formaldehyde. Biofilters repeatedly exposed to formaldehyde showed signs of impairment and had variable recovery relative to single exposures. Results of this study may help identify formaldehyde concentrations that can be safely applied to RAS when treating diseased fish.

Aquaculture Research↗

USGS2018

Field evaluation of carbon dioxide as a fish deterrent at a water management structure along the Illinois River

Construction of a water management structure (WMS) in the levee surrounding The Nature Conservancy’s Emiquon Preserve (Havana, Illinois, USA) created a new hydrological connection and potential aquatic invasive species pathway between the Illinois River and a large conservation wetland complex. Site managers need a control tool that deters the upstream passage of non-native fishes into the wetland lakes, but does not interfere with normal gate operation and water discharge. This short field study evaluated carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) injected into water as a non-obstructive method to reduce fish abundance near the WMS culverts. We quantified relative fish abundance using underwater sonar with and without injection of CO 2 into culverts during three discharge events: no flow (0 m 3 /s), restricted flow (0.9 m 3 /s), and unrestricted flow (3.2 m 3 /s). Overall, CO 2 reached or exceeded our target concentration of 100 mg/L during no flow and restricted flow, and fish abundance was 70–95% lower at culvert entrances relative to untreated control days. The target CO 2 level was not reached during unrestricted flow and fish abundance was not reduced during CO 2 injection. Atmospheric CO 2 concentrations were inconsequential and unaffected by CO 2 treatments throughout testing. Results from this initial field study provide several considerations for CO 2 as a fish deterrent in natural environments.

Illinois↗

USGS2017

Carbon dioxide as an under-ice lethal control for invasive fishes

Resource managers need effective tools to control invasive fish populations. In this study, we tested under-ice carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) injection as a novel piscicide method for non-native Silver Carp ( Hypophthalmichthys molitrix ), Bighead Carp ( Hypophthalmichthys nobilis ), Grass Carp ( Ctenopharyngodon idella ), Common Carp ( Cyprinus carpio ) and native Bigmouth Buffalo ( Ictiobus cyprinellus ). Fish were held overwinter in nine outdoor ponds (0.04 ha surface area; 340,000 L volume) treated with no CO 2 (control), 43.5–44.0 kg CO 2 (low treatment), and 87.5–88.5 kg CO 2 (high treatment). Ponds were harvested immediately after ice-out to assess survival and condition. Resulting survival in low (mean = 32%) and high (mean = 5%) CO 2 -treated ponds was significantly lower than untreated control ponds (mean = 84%). Lethal efficacy varied across species with no Bighead Carp, Silver Carp, or Bigmouth Buffalo surviving the high CO 2 treatment. External infections were observed more frequently after CO 2 treatments (means = 49–67%) relative to untreated ponds (mean = 2%), suggesting a secondary mechanism for poor survival. This study demonstrates that CO 2 can be used as a lethal control for invasive fishes, but effectiveness may vary by species and CO 2 concentration.

Biological Invasions↗

USGS2017

Potential implications of acoustic stimuli as a non-physical barrier to silver carp and bighead carp

The effectiveness of an acoustic barrier to deter the movement of silver carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (Valenciennes ) and bighead carp, H. nobilis (Richardson) was evaluated. A pond (10 m × 5 m × 1.2 m) was divided in half by a concrete-block barrier with a channel (1 m across) allowing fish access to each side. Underwater speakers were placed on each side of the barrier opening, and an outboard motor noise (broadband sound; 0.06–10 kHz) was broadcast to repel carp that approached within 1 m of the channel. Broadband sound was effective at reducing the number of successful crossings in schools of silver carp, bighead carp and a combined school. Repulsion rates were 82.5% (silver carp), 93.7% (bighead carp) and 90.5% (combined). This study demonstrates that broadband sound is effective in deterring carp and could be used as a deterrent in an integrated pest management system.

Fisheries Management and Ecology↗

USGS2017

Live transport of Yellow Perch and Nile Tilapia in AQUI-S 20E (10% Eugenol) at high loading densities

Fish transport costs are a substantial portion of the operational expenses for aquaculture facilities in the USA. Safely transporting higher loading densities of fish would benefit haulers by increasing efficiency and reducing costs, but research evaluating transport for individual species is generally lacking. In this study, Yellow Perch Perca flavescens and Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus were transported for 6 h immersed in water containing AQUI-S 20E (10% eugenol) at fish loading densities of 240 g/L (2 lb/gal) for perch and 480 g/L (4 lb/gal) for tilapia. Survival was quantified for fish transported in AQUI-S 20E concentrations of (1) control or 0 mg/L of water, (2) 100 mg/L, or (3) 200 mg/L. Yellow Perch had 98–100% survival, and Nile Tilapia had 100% survival up to through 14 d after transport across all AQUI-S 20E levels, including the control. Eugenol concentrations decreased rapidly in transport tank water, and fish showed no signs of sedation by the end of transport. We conclude that live transport of Yellow Perch and Nile Tilapia at higher loading densities resulted in high survival regardless of the AQUI-S 20E concentrations we tested.

North American Journal of Aquaculture↗

USGS2017

Acoustic deterrence of bighead carp ( Hypophthalmichthys nobilis ) to a broadband sound stimulus

Recent studies have shown the potential of acoustic deterrents against invasive silver carp ( Hypophthalmichthys molitrix ). This study examined the phonotaxic response of the bighead carp ( H. nobilis ) to pure tones (500–2000 Hz) and playbacks of broadband sound from an underwater recording of a 100 hp outboard motor (0.06–10 kHz) in an outdoor concrete pond (10 × 5 × 1.2 m) at the U.S. Geological Survey Upper Midwest Environmental Science Center in La Crosse, WI. The number of consecutive times the fish reacted to sound from alternating locations at each end of the pond was assessed. Bighead carp were relatively indifferent to the pure tones with median consecutive responses ranging from 0 to 2 reactions away from the sound source. However, fish consistently exhibited significantly (P < 0.001) greater negative phonotaxis to the broadband sound (outboard motor recording) with an overall median response of 20 consecutive reactions during the 10 min trials. In over 50% of broadband sound tests, carp were still reacting to the stimulus at the end of the trial, implying that fish were not habituating to the sound. This study suggests that broadband sound may be an effective deterrent to bighead carp and provides a basis for conducting studies with wild fish.

Journal of Great Lakes Research↗

USGS2017

Responses of invasive silver and bighead carp to a carbon dioxide barrier in outdoor ponds

Resource managers need for effective methods to prevent the movement of silver ( Hypophthalmichthys molitrix ) and bighead carp ( H. nobilis ) from the Mississippi River basin into the Laurentian Great Lakes. In this study, we evaluated dissolved carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) as a barrier and deterrent to silver (278 ± 30.5 mm) and bighead (212 ± 7.7 mm) carp movement in continuous-flow outdoor ponds. As a barrier, CO 2 significantly reduced upstream movement but was not 100% effective at blocking fish passage. As a deterrent, we observed a significant shift away from areas of high CO 2 relative to normal movement before and after injection. Carbon dioxide concentrations varied across the pond during injection and reached maximum concentrations of 74.5±1.9 mg/L CO 2 ; 29 532 – 41 393 µatm at the site of injection during three independent trials. We conclude that CO 2 altered silver and bighead carp movement in outdoor ponds and recommend further research to determine barrier effectiveness during field applications.

Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences↗

USGS2017

Using dissolved carbon dioxide to alter the behavior of invasive round goby

Fisheries managers need effective methods to limit the spread of invasive round goby Neogobius melanostomus in North America. Elevating carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) in water at pinch points of rivers (e.g., inside locks) is one approach showing potential to deter the passage of invasive fishes, such as bigheaded carps Hypophthalmichthys spp., but the effectiveness of this method to alter round goby behavior has not been determined. The goal for this study was to determine CO 2 concentrations that alter round goby behavior across a range of water temperatures. Free-swimming avoidance (voluntary response) and loss of equilibrium (involuntary response) were quantified by exposing round goby to increasing CO 2 concentrations at 5, 15, and 25 °C using a shuttle box choice arena and static tank. Water chemistry was measured concurrent with behavioral endpoints and showed that round goby avoided a threshold of 99–169 mg/L CO 2 (79,000–178,000 µatm) and lost equilibrium at 197–280 mg/L CO 2 (163,000–303,000 µatm). Approximately 50% lower CO 2 concentrations were found to modify behavior at 5 °C relative to 25 °C, suggesting greater effectiveness at lower water temperatures. We conclude that CO 2 modified round goby behavior and concentrations determined in this study are intended to guide field testing of CO 2 as an invasive fish deterrent.

Management of Biological Invasions↗

USGS2017

USGS Integration of New Science and Technology, Appendix A

This product summarizes the USGS plans for integration of new science and technology into Asian Carp control efforts for 2017. This includes the 1) implementation and evaluation of new tactics and behavioral information for monitoring, surveillance, control and containment; 2) understanding behavior and reproduction of Asian carp in established and emerging populations to inform deterrent deployment, rapid response, and removal efforts; and 3) development and evaluation of databases, decision support tools and performance measures.

Report↗