Project Numbers 2.5.4 & 2.5.5

1. Project Numbers 2.5.4 & 2.5.5 Risk Assessment Based on Available Food Sources & Bluegreen Algae Dynamics Karthik Masagounder , Duane C Chapman, and Kathy Echols USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center

2. Introduction and Objectives Bioenergetics model for Asian carps • Powerful tool in fisheries management: Based on an energy balance equation (energy consumed = energy expended + energy gained). • Cooke and Hill Model (2010): AC could colonize productive embayments of GL but not open water. • Theoretical, many untested assumptions– such models REQUIRE validation • Includes only plankton, not alternative food sources

3. Introduction and Objectives • Evaluate/modify existing bioenergetics model • Assess alternative food sources not incorporated in model • Cladophora, dreissenid pseudofeces • Do Asian carps (AC) eat them? What is food value? • Assess interactions between AC and bluegreen algae, Microcystis (Using Radio-labelled 32P) - Common in the GL due to mussel’s selective filtration - Often passes through AC gut alive, due to its slime coating - May absorb nutrients in gut of AC, exacerbating blooms

4. Current Knowledge / Accomplishments to Date • Model validation: - Growth trial with catfish feed completed for juv. BHC(cold water system) & for subadult BHC - Growth trial for juvenile silver carp is underway • Alternative food sources: - Cladophora: Juv. AC preliminary test completed

5. Current Knowledge (Cont.) • Culture methods for algae spp. • Culture media for three species developed • Algal mass culture chamber built and outfitted • Mass culture now operational • Developed and validated methods for mycrocystin analysis in various carp tissues • Preliminary feeding trials of Juv. AC and bluegreens are underway.

6. Model Prediction for Juvenile Bighead Carp (~5 g) reared at ~11° C + 51.9% + 19.3% -9.7% 1.6% / d 1.1 % / d 0.5% / d % Error = (Predicted value – Observed value) × 100 / Observed value

7. Future Plans • MODEL VALIDATION: • For juv. BHC (warm/med. temp) & subadult SC (Apr – Aug 2011) • Mesocosm study (Apr- Oct 2011) • Model improvement if needed (Oct 2011 – Feb 2012) • ALTERNATIVE FOOD SOURCES: • Mass production of Algae (May 2011) • Collection & transport of pseudofeces substrate (Aug 2011) • Understanding the food value of BGA for the AC (Dec 2012) • Feeding studies with the alternative food sources (Dec 2012) • Model adequacy for the alternative food sources (Jan 2012) • Reevaluate the colonization capacity of the AC in the GL • ( Mar – May 2012)

8. Technological or Other Hurdles • Mimicking natural consumption in indoor systems with pellet food • (BHC – consumption declines – seem to be easily stressed out) • Mesocosm study with algae appear to be ideal but difficulties in quantifying food consumption • Fish may get some energy by filtering bacteria from culture water! • Silver carp easily jump out (siphoning is difficult) • Transporting alternative food source from great lakes: irradiation for VHS removal nutrient loss

9. Data Gaps • Other alternative foods not addressed • Bacteria, mussel veligers • Incomplete existing data on spatiotemporal extent of bluegreen blooms in the Great Lakes • This study will not validate bioenergetic model with large adults or address reproduction costs

10. Acknowledgments The study was funded by Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Charles Warbwritton Dr. Craig Paukert (University of Missouri-Columbia) Curt Byard Elizabeth Brothers Eric Brunson Jeffrey Beasley Joseph Deters Shannon Earhart