Informing Common Carp Removal and Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Restoration in Lake Mattamuskeet
Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) are one of the most widely introduced and ecologically
disruptive aquatic species in the world. During foraging, Common Carp uproot submerged aquatic vegetation, alter nutrient dynamics, and re-suspend sediment
into the water column, which can drastically reduce water quality and clarity and restructure entire aquatic ecosystems. Carp removal has been shown to reverse
state shifts, but the growing consensus is that an adaptive, multifaceted approach that increases ecological resilience in addition to reducing stressors
is needed for successful restoration. Transplanting submerged aquatic vegetation following carp removal offers one strategy that can help reestablish nativereestablish native species in
systems where seed banks have been depleted. The aim of this project is to inform Common Carp removal and vegetation restoration efforts in Lake Mattamuskeet, a large (16,314-ha) and
shallow (~1-m), hypereutrophic lake located in the Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge in eastern North Carolina.
Population characteristics and Removal Feasibility of Common Carp
This first component of this study informs Common Carp removal in Lake Mattamuskeet by characterizing critical baseline population characteristics, estimating biomass, and simulating population-level responses to harvest using age-structured models.
Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) Restoration
The second component of this study informs submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) restoration efforts in Lake Mattamuskeet by evaluating the establishment, overwinter survival, and growth potential of three native, macrophyte species [Vallisneria americana (submerged), Najas guadalupensis (submerged), Nymphaea odorata (floating-leaf)] when planted alone and together, and measure localized water quality parameters that may impact transplantation success.
Lake Mattamuskeet Watershed Restoration Plan
Lake Mattamuskeet is North Carolina's Largest natural lake and an important natural and cultural landmark for Eastern North Carolina. Recently, the lake experienced a total loss of submerged aquatic vegetation and was listed on the State 303(d) List for Impaired Waters for high nutrient levels and harmful algae blooms. To address these issues, Hyde County, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the North Carolina Coastal Federation developed a Watershed Restoration Plan that addresses issues of concern including poor water quality, Common Carp biomass, SAV loss, and chronic and persistent flooding on the surrounding landscape.
1 million-dollar FY23 Large Invasive Species Grant
After defending my thesis, I had the opportunity to collaborate with biologists from the Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge and NC Wildlife Resources Comission on a $1 million dollar federal RFP to remove Common Carp from Lake Mattamuskeet. The grant was awarded in early 2021 and the funds will be available starting FY23.
Speaking Mattamuskeet
In 2018, I wrote an article for the NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) Alumni Magazine about one of the most critical components of my thesis research at Lake Mattamuskeet- science communication.