Skip to main content
ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Davis, California » Sustainable Agricultural Water Systems Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #392367
Research Project: A Systems Approach to Improved Water Management for Sustainable Production

Location: Sustainable Agricultural Water Systems Research

Title: Perceptions on the genetic biocontrol of invasive carp

Author
item SMANSKI, MICHAEL - University Of Minnesota
item ERICKSON, SAM - University Of Minnesota
item LHEWA, PEMA - University Of Minnesota
item RUNDQUIST, KASEY - University Of Minnesota
item SCHULTZ, SAYARD - University Of Minnesota
item Levers, Lucia

Submitted to: Biological Control
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/27/2023
Publication Date: 7/29/2023
Citation: Smanski, M., Erickson, S.E., Lhewa, P., Rundquist, K., Schultz, S., Levers, L.R. 2023. Perceptions on the genetic biocontrol of invasive carp. Biological Control. 2023.07.27.550879. https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.07.27.550879.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.07.27.550879

Interpretive Summary: Invasive species threaten environmental and agricultural systems worldwide. Numerous control methods exist, but there are concerns that the public perception of genetic, biological, and chemical controls will render them non-usable. Here we surveyed over 1300 people about their perceptions of risks, benefits, and comfort with existing and proposed control of an invasive species, common carp. We found a high level of support for genetic bio-control. This indicates that genetic control may be better perceived than originally thought.

Technical Abstract: Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is an invasive species that damages native aquatic ecosystems. Advances in genetic engineering in the past decades have led to novel genetic control methods that have the potential to aid in the control of carp and other invasive species. Research and development of these technologies is proceeding in parallel with outreach activities that aim to inform and engage the public. Public perceptions on the ethics, economics, and policy decisions surrounding the possible application of genetic control technologies are important in decision-making processes. Here we report results from a survey of more than 1300 adults that measures the perceptions of risks, benefits, and overall comfort with a panel of existing and proposed carp control methods. We find a high level of support for genetic bio-control compared to other biological and chemical approaches, driven largely by perceptions of its effectiveness and safety to native fish species.