Documenting Presence and Movements of Piscivorous Birds along the Illinois River and within the Chicago Area Waterway System
Abstract
This technical report summarizes research conducted on piscivorous birds along the Illinois River and in the Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS) to assess the potential role of these birds as vectors of invasive carp (bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys noblis) and silver carp (H. molitrix)) DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). To prevent invasive carp from invading the Great Lakes, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has spent considerable time and resources constructing electrical barriers in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal around Romeoville, IL, just south of the Chicago metropolitan area. Since the construction of these barriers, intensive monitoring of fish populations and invasive carp environmental DNA (eDNA) have been used to document the possible presence of carp above the barrier. The Asian Carp eDNA Calibration Study (ECALS) was designed to improve our understanding and interpretations of eDNA monitoring efforts in the Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS). Existing online bird population data sources were analyzed, and 30 Double-Crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) were captured and satellite-tagged. The results from these projects are evidence that piscivorous birds are likely contributingat least in partto the presence of invasive carp DNA in the Chicago Area Waterway System.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 31, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1037435
Entities
People
- Anthony M. Friona
- Brian S. Dorr
- Katie Hanson-dorr
- Michael P. Guilfoyle
- Richard A. Fischer