Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Ecosystem Impacts

Carp (Cyprinus carpio) are alien fish
typically associated with degraded freshwater
ecosystems. This study explored local impacts of
carp and landscape patterns in carp distribution to
develop conceptual models of ecological impact by
carp. Field experimentation showed that carp impacts
are more carp size-dependent than previously
described (eg in determining total algal biomass).
Additionally, patterns of carp distribution, biomass
density and recruitment were explored among the
rivers of New South Wales (Australia) in relation to
their physical habitat. The populations with a size
structure and biomass density most likely to cause
ecological degradation occurred at altitudes from
200 to 500 m. Furthermore, the regulation of river
flows does not always favour carp recruitment,
especially during drought. Nevertheless, invasion by
alien carp in Australia and elsewhere in the world
is most successful in streams with formerly highly
variable flows that are now subject to flow
regulation. Furthermore, carp often enhance their
advantage in these waters through habitat
modification.

Autorentext

Dr. Patrick Driver has been managing and researching Australian
fresh waters since 1990. He is currently the program coordinator
of an environmental monitoring program (Integrated Monitoring of
Environmental Flows, New South Wales, Department of Water and
Energy) and is a research partner with the eWater Cooperative
Research Centre.

Klappentext

Carp (Cyprinus carpio) are alien fish
typically associated with degraded freshwater
ecosystems. This study explored local impacts of
carp and landscape patterns in carp distribution to
develop conceptual models of ecological impact by
carp. Field experimentation showed that carp impacts
are more carp size-dependent than previously
described (eg in determining total algal biomass).
Additionally, patterns of carp distribution, biomass
density and recruitment were explored among the
rivers of New South Wales (Australia) in relation to
their physical habitat. The populations with a size
structure and biomass density most likely to cause
ecological degradation occurred at altitudes from
200 to 500 m. Furthermore, the regulation of river
flows does not always favour carp recruitment,
especially during drought. Nevertheless, invasion by
alien carp in Australia and elsewhere in the world
is most successful in streams with formerly highly
variable flows that are now subject to flow
regulation. Furthermore, carp often enhance their
advantage in these waters through habitat
modification.