More Carping

Officials in Austin, Texas are proceeding with their plans to introduce grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) into Lake Austin to fight the invasive aquatic plant Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticiallata), according to this article in the Austin American-Statesman. As previously reported in this blog, tests have shown that the carp, which are also invasive species, are unlikely to escape from the lake into nearby river systems. The fish make their grand entrance this February, followed by herbicide application and mechanical hydrilla removal in the spring. They join another enemy of hydrilla, the asian hydrilla leaf mining fly (Hydrellia pakistanae), which was introduced to the lake in October 2002.

Thanks to D.V. for sending in the link to this article.