### Water-quality sampling plan for evaluating the distribution of bigheaded carps in the Illinois Waterway

By: James J. Duncker**Paul J. Terrio**

                            https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20171019

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#### Abstract

First posted February 27, 2017

**For additional information, contact:**
Director, Illinois Water Science Center 405 N. Goodwin Avenue Urbana, IL 61801-2347 Phone: (217) 328-8747 http://il.water.usgs.gov/

The two nonnative invasive **bigheaded carp** species (bighead carp *Hypophthalmichthys nobilis* and silver carp *H. molitrix*) that were accidentally released in the 1970s have spread widely into the rivers and waterways of the Mississippi River Basin. First detected in the lower reaches of the Illinois Waterway (IWW, the combined Illinois River-Des Plaines River-Chicago Area Waterway System) in the 1990s, bighead and silver carps moved quickly upstream, approaching the Chicago Area Waterway System. The potential of substantial negative ecological and economic impact to the Great Lakes from the presence of these species is a concern. However, since 2006, the population front of bigheaded carps has remained in the vicinity of Joliet, Illinois, near river mile 278. This reach of the IWW is characterized by stark changes in habitat, water quality, and food resources as the waterway transitions from a primarily agricultural landscape to a metropolitan and industrial canal system. This report describes a 2015 plan for sampling the IWW to establish water-quality conditions that might be contributing to the apparent stalling of the population front of bigheaded carps in this reach. A detailed description of the study plan, **Lagrangian-style sampling** approach, selected analytes, sampling methods and protocols are provided. Hydrographs from streamflow-gaging stations show IWW conditions during the 2015 sampling runs.

#### Suggested Citation

Duncker, J.J., and Terrio, P.J., 2017, Water-quality sampling plan for evaluating the distribution of bigheaded carps in the Illinois Waterway: U.S. Geological Survey Open File Report 2017–1019, 9 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20171019.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

#### Study Area

#### Table of Contents

- Abstract 
- Introduction
- Plan of Study
- Summary
- References Cited
- Glossary

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