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

• Published in: Fisheries management and ecology Vol. 24; no. 3; pp. 208 - 216
• Main Authors: Murchy, K. A., Cupp, A. R., Amberg, J. J., Vetter, B. J., Fredricks, K. T., Gaikowski, M. P., Mensinger, A. F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.06.2017
• Subjects: Acoustic noise; Agricultural practices; Barriers; behaviour; Broadband; Carp; Concrete; Concrete blocks; Fish; Freshwater fishes; Hypophthalmichthys molitrix; Hypophthalmichthys nobilis; Integrated pest management; invasive species; management; Motor task performance; Noise; Pest control; Schools; Sound; Underwater
• ISSN: 0969-997X; 1365-2400
• DOI: 10.1111/fme.12220

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.