Cass Docherty, former MSc Student

Thesis Title:

Establishment, spread and impact of Prussian Carp (Carassius gibelio), a new invasive species in Western North America. (link)

Research Description:

The Prussian Carp (Carassius gibelio) is one of the most devastating invasive species in Eurasia. Recently, Prussian Carp were genetically confirmed in Alberta, Canada. It is likely that the Prussian Carp may have gone unnoticed in western North American as they are morphologically similar to the Goldfish (Carassius auratus). The arrival of Prussian Carp in western North America poses concerns for many native freshwater species.

The objectives of this study were to assess the severity of Prussian Carp’s invasion in western North America by: 

• mapping Prussian Carp distribution and rate of spread since its initial arrival; 
• analyzing the impact of Prussian Carp on native fish species; 
• identifying environmental parameters that predict Prussian Carp presence. 

Given the proximity to the Missouri/Mississippi drainages, agencies throughout North America should be aware of this invasive species and the potential impacts on native biota.