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Uncovering the global adventure of silver carp: How did it spread from China to 88 countries?
Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) is a freshwater fish native to China and eastern Siberia. Although threatened in its natural habitat, this fish is widely farmed in China and is known as one of the "four major carps." Silver carp is second only to grass carp in terms of farming volume. It has been introduced and spread to at least 88 countries around the world, becoming part of local waters. However, such expansion has not only altered ecosystems, but has also made it an invasive species in some areas.
Silver carp is a filter feeder that can effectively filter phytoplankton and other small organic matter from the water.
Biological characteristics of silver carp
Silver carp typically reach a length of 60 to 100 cm, a maximum of 140 cm, and can weigh up to 50 kg. The fish's specialized diet allows it to filter tiny particles from the water and feed on phytoplankton and other small aquatic organisms. Silver carp have been introduced into waters around the world over the past few decades due to their filtering abilities, with the primary purpose of this decision being to improve water quality and strengthen the management of aquatic ecosystems.
Ecological impacts and challenges
The introduction of silver carp has brought challenges to the ecosystems in some areas. In North America, silver carp compete with native plankton and pose a threat to native fish, especially sturgeon, buffalo, and other native species. The positive effects of the presence of silver carp on water quality have also been shown to be limited in some cases, especially when blue-green algae are present.
Some blue-green algae, such as Microcystis, can survive in the digestive system of silver carp and increase the pollution level of the water as they reproduce further.
Silver carp fishing and sport fishing
Due to its special filtering properties, silver carp is difficult to catch using traditional fishing methods. Instead, fishermen developed specific fishing methods, such as the "suspension method," which uses large dough balls and several small hooks to catch the fish. Additionally, in the United States, many people use bow and arrow fishing to challenge this type of fishing, which is known as "leaping" fish.
Global spread of silver carp
Silver carp was introduced to North America in the 1970s and can be found in rivers in many parts of the United States, such as the Mississippi River, Illinois River and Ojai River. However, as silver carp escaped into natural waters, these fish gradually evolved into invasive species, leading to a decline in local biodiversity. Especially in the Mississippi River, the spread of silver carp is even more rapid due to the lack of natural barriers.
Future Outlook
With the in-depth study of the ecological impact of individual silver carp, protection work has gradually received attention. Various measures to control its population are being explored, including deploying new types of fish barriers and adjusting water flow rates to cope with the reproduction and spread of this fish. Although the presence of silver carp in some areas may bring economic benefits, its impact on the original ecosystem remains an unresolved problem.
It will take time to prove whether measures to capture and control silver carp can truly protect our waters.
As more countries around the world face the challenge of silver carp spread, future solutions will likely rely on effective management systems that monitor its ecological impacts. Can we find a balanced path to protect the ecology and utilize resources?
