In 2018, USGS and partners completed an incredible feat against a harmful aquatic invasive species when over 240,000 pounds of invasive Silver Carp and Bighead Carp were removed from Creve Coeur Lake in Maryland Heights, Missouri.
Can I eat Asian carp?
Invasive carp of all types have white, firm, mild flesh, which is excellent table fare, but all Invasive carp also have intramuscular bones in the filets that many people find undesirable. Invasive carp feed low on the food web, are fast growing, are low in fat in the filets, and are not usually bottom feeders — all properties of fish that are lower in contaminants. Like any fish taken from inland waters, however, be aware of restrictions on consuming fish from any particular waterway. For instructions on how to deal with the bones in invasive carp filets and preparing Flying Carp Wings, see Flying Fish, Great Dish part 1 and part 2.
Learn more: Invasive Species We Study: Invasive Carp
Related
Are invasive carp dangerous?
Is it possible to eradicate Invasive carp once they are in an area?
What are Invasive Carp?
In 2018, USGS and partners completed an incredible feat against a harmful aquatic invasive species when over 240,000 pounds of invasive Silver Carp and Bighead Carp were removed from Creve Coeur Lake in Maryland Heights, Missouri.
Josh Schloesser, a MS student at the Kansas Unit holding a grass carp collected while sampling with the USFWS on the Missouri River. Josh is working closely with the FWS and other agencies to develop sampling protocols for Missouri River fishes.
Josh Schloesser, a MS student at the Kansas Unit holding a grass carp collected while sampling with the USFWS on the Missouri River. Josh is working closely with the FWS and other agencies to develop sampling protocols for Missouri River fishes.
U.S. Geological Survey scientists encounter Asian flying carp on the Yazoo River, Mississippi.
U.S. Geological Survey scientists encounter Asian flying carp on the Yazoo River, Mississippi.

Over the last several decades, non-native species have continued to invade sensitive ecosystems in the United States. Two high-profile species, Asian carp in the Midwest and Burmese pythons in the Everglades, are the focus of much attention by decision makers, the public and the media.
Over the last several decades, non-native species have continued to invade sensitive ecosystems in the United States. Two high-profile species, Asian carp in the Midwest and Burmese pythons in the Everglades, are the focus of much attention by decision makers, the public and the media.
Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) jumping out of the Illinois River.
Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) jumping out of the Illinois River.
Silver carp are a large a troublesome invasive species from Asia found in the great rivers of the central United States. Silver carp have been observed to jump in response to rocks thrown in the water, passing trains, geese taking off from the water, or just when they unexpectedly find themselves in a tight place.
Silver carp are a large a troublesome invasive species from Asia found in the great rivers of the central United States. Silver carp have been observed to jump in response to rocks thrown in the water, passing trains, geese taking off from the water, or just when they unexpectedly find themselves in a tight place.
Bighead carp are a large and troublesome invasive species from Asia found in the great rivers of the central United States.
Bighead carp are a large and troublesome invasive species from Asia found in the great rivers of the central United States.
Science and innovation for battling invasive carp
"Modified Unified Method" of carp capture
USGS science and technology help managers battle invading Asian carp
Identify potential lock treatment options to prevent movement of aquatic invasive species through the Chicago Area Waterways System (CAWS)
Asian carp behavior in response to static water gun firing
Related
Are invasive carp dangerous?
Is it possible to eradicate Invasive carp once they are in an area?
What are Invasive Carp?
In 2018, USGS and partners completed an incredible feat against a harmful aquatic invasive species when over 240,000 pounds of invasive Silver Carp and Bighead Carp were removed from Creve Coeur Lake in Maryland Heights, Missouri.
In 2018, USGS and partners completed an incredible feat against a harmful aquatic invasive species when over 240,000 pounds of invasive Silver Carp and Bighead Carp were removed from Creve Coeur Lake in Maryland Heights, Missouri.
Josh Schloesser, a MS student at the Kansas Unit holding a grass carp collected while sampling with the USFWS on the Missouri River. Josh is working closely with the FWS and other agencies to develop sampling protocols for Missouri River fishes.
Josh Schloesser, a MS student at the Kansas Unit holding a grass carp collected while sampling with the USFWS on the Missouri River. Josh is working closely with the FWS and other agencies to develop sampling protocols for Missouri River fishes.
U.S. Geological Survey scientists encounter Asian flying carp on the Yazoo River, Mississippi.
U.S. Geological Survey scientists encounter Asian flying carp on the Yazoo River, Mississippi.

Over the last several decades, non-native species have continued to invade sensitive ecosystems in the United States. Two high-profile species, Asian carp in the Midwest and Burmese pythons in the Everglades, are the focus of much attention by decision makers, the public and the media.
Over the last several decades, non-native species have continued to invade sensitive ecosystems in the United States. Two high-profile species, Asian carp in the Midwest and Burmese pythons in the Everglades, are the focus of much attention by decision makers, the public and the media.
Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) jumping out of the Illinois River.
Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) jumping out of the Illinois River.
Silver carp are a large a troublesome invasive species from Asia found in the great rivers of the central United States. Silver carp have been observed to jump in response to rocks thrown in the water, passing trains, geese taking off from the water, or just when they unexpectedly find themselves in a tight place.
Silver carp are a large a troublesome invasive species from Asia found in the great rivers of the central United States. Silver carp have been observed to jump in response to rocks thrown in the water, passing trains, geese taking off from the water, or just when they unexpectedly find themselves in a tight place.
Bighead carp are a large and troublesome invasive species from Asia found in the great rivers of the central United States.
Bighead carp are a large and troublesome invasive species from Asia found in the great rivers of the central United States.