Asian Carp Research Articles

Effect of Temperature on Black Carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) Age at Sexual Maturity

ABSTRACTBlack Carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) is one of the four invasive Asian Carp species (Bighead Carp, Hypophthalmichthys nobilis; Grass Carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella; and Silver Carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) in North America. As benthic predators, Black Carp poses ecological risks to unionids within the Great Lakes and could bring other changes to local benthic communities. One means of assessing invasion risk and potential impact is to determine how critical life history characteristics depend on environmental conditions in new regions. Age at sexual maturity is negatively correlated to the maximum per capita population growth rate and thus can be used to estimate potential population growth for invasive species. Previous studies have found a significant negative relationship between age at maturity and temperature for all three other Asian Carp species, but not for Black Carp. With a more comprehensive dataset, we demonstrate that the same relationship exists for Black Carp. Winter duration is the best predictor of Black Carp age at maturity, followed by average winter air temperature. This significant relationship between age at maturity and temperature was not altered in artificial growing environments. Our results suggested that for Black Carp, temperatures in the winter months are more important for its energy accumulation and maturation and may determine invasion risk in northern locations, such as tributaries of the Great Lakes.

Asian Carp: Generation Z prefer Transparency over Branding

Asian carp is an invasive species of fish in the Midwest and southern United States. Asian carp has been rebranded as “Copi” for human consumption. Copi is nutritious and a great source of protein and omega 3 fatty acids, and costs much less than most other domestic fish. The purpose of this study was to evaluate sensory perceptions and attitudes of Generation Z college students to the newly branded fish. The study utilized a quasi-experimental design carried out with three treatment groups to observe the effects of product rebranding on the taste perception of Asian Carp, rebranded as Copi. Sensory analysis results indicated no significant differences in the three treatment groups (white fish-control, Copi-experimental, and Asian carp-experimental). In fact, Asian carp had higher mean scores than the control, as well as the newly branded Copi. The importance of Health, Environment, and Local Foods had significant effects on students’ willingness to buy sustainable, local fish. The results of this study are important for marketing Copi, aka Asian carp for human consumption. Keywords: Asian carp, sensory analysis, Copi, Gen Z, branding

Exploring the vibration attenuation capabilities of fish surface mucus films: a novel biomimetic model for underwater vehicle drag reduction

Abstract This groundbreaking research delves into the ability of naturally occurring mucus films on fish surfaces to attenuate vibrations, utilizing nanomechanical systems for a comprehensive analysis. The mucus samples were collected from healthy Asian carp. We grouped the test subjects based on the varying durations of mucus adsorption on the fish scales: 1, 5, 10, and 30 minutes, with the bare scale serving as a benchmark. To evaluate the mucus film’s mechanical characteristics, we employed a nano-indentation tester, while a customized vibration excitation apparatus assessed its vibration attenuation capabilities. Our results indicate that the mucus film adheres to the fish scales via electrostatic forces, forming a smooth inner layer. As the adsorption time increases, the accumulation of additional proteins leads to a thicker outer layer. Remarkably, this outer layer exhibits significant vibration attenuation, assisting Asian carp in mitigating turbulence resistance and enhancing their swimming prowess.

Assessing Prospects of Integrating Asian Carp Polyculture in Europe: A Nature-Based Solution under Climate Change?

Aquaculture’s role in addressing food security has grown, with a spotlight on Asian carp species. Polyculture, i.e. cultivating multiple fish species in a single system, is being increasingly adopted for its resource efficiency and economic benefits. This practice for Asian fish for food and ornamental purposes is gaining traction in Europe despite their invasive potential. Rising temperatures due to climate change offer an opportunity for thermophilic Asian carps (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Aristichthys nobilis). Using GIS modeling (Maxent), we identified the possible settlement of Asian carp in Northern Europe amidst climate change. We analyzed carp global distribution centers, assessed the potential carp spread in Europe, and evaluated their potential suitability for polyculture systems. By 2050, H. molitrix may extend its range to 58–62° N latitude, with a potential 1.7-fold habitat increase, while A. nobilis, which are more heat-tolerant, may move north to 52–58° N latitude, with a 1.3-fold potential increase. Despite the slight ecological differences in their native habitats, niche modeling indicates that these carp can occupy similar niches in Europe (proven statistically). The eventuality of using Asian species for polyculture in Europe presents both opportunities and challenges in the face of a changing climate as long as invasion risks are prevented. Envisaging such polyculture, yet very carefully for the protection of ecosystems, can help food security.

Lessons learned from eDNA adoption in the management of bigheaded carps in Chicago IL USA Area Waterways

AbstractThe Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS) connects the Great Lakes watershed with the Mississippi watershed via canals that withdraw water from Lake Michigan. From 2009 through 2011, collaborators and I provided research, development, and application of eDNA to invasive species management in the CAWS in cooperation with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The research team's approach was a high‐stakes test of a novel combination of proven technologies (field sampling techniques and laboratory genetics). In the first application of eDNA to a large scale, urgent management goal, we quickly discovered eDNA of two species of bigheaded carps in parts of the waterway where traditional tools had not captured fish. The central research question was whether the sensitivity (probability of detecting a fish when it was present) of eDNA was higher than that of traditional fish sampling tools (e.g., nets, electrofishing). The effort was part of what became a very large, complex, on‐going initiative to reduce access by invasive species to Lake Michigan. This immediately garnered much attention, initiating a dialog about the reliability of eDNA, public discussion about the benefits and costs of the CAWS, and skepticism from industries that use the CAWS. Government agencies formed the Asian Carp Rapid Response Workgroup, which eventually became the Invasive Carp Regional Coordinating Committee (ICRCC). The ICRCC continues its coordinating role on the use of eDNA and other management responses in the CAWS. With the benefit of hindsight, I draw several lessons from the experience that may help in other settings where eDNA is now being deployed with increasing confidence and acceptance; evaluate the on‐going CAWS surveillance and management effort; and recommend strengthening the current approach by broadening and deepening participation in a collaborative governance approach. Stronger public‐private partnerships would accelerate research, development, commercialization, and application of eDNA analysis to the benefit of society.

Laser constructed vacancy-rich TiO2-x/Ti microfiber via enhanced interfacial charge transfer for operando extraction-SERS sensing

Semiconductor-molecule surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), especially the stronger interfacial charge transfer process (ICTP), represents a frontier in the field of SERS with spectral reproducibility and unparalleled selectivity. Herein, through a laser microfabrication method in situ, the free-standing, super hydrophilic and vacancy-rich TiO2-x/Ti is successfully synthesized. Using blue TiOx/Ti (B-TiOx/Ti) as pre-concentrated substrate, a nanomolar-level limit of detection of 12 nmol/L at 1385 cm–1, is confirmed using crystal violet (CV) bacteriostat as a model under 532 nm excitation. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that the SERS enhancement mechanism is via the moderate adulteration of oxygen vacancy, which leads to a narrow value of band gap and increases the ICTP of substrate to molecules. Using a hand-held extractor assembled with B-TiOx/Ti microfiber, the operando analysis of mixtures distributed information excited in different parts of Asian carp is facilely achieved. This work guides the controlled synthesis of vacancy-rich TiO2-x/Ti nanostructure and its application in ultrasensitive extraction-SERS detection. It also provides the direction for the rapid and operando transmission of biological information with temporal and spatial concentration distribution in human tissues by highly sensitized materials.

Comparative analysis of asian carps parvalbumin reveals the divergence pattern of major fish allergen.

Asian carps, a popular freshwater fish globally, are valued for their flavor and serve as a crucial protein source, especially for infants. However, grass carp parvalbumin is highly allergenic, surpassing the allergenicity of fish like salmon and cod. The allergenic potential of parvalbumin in other Asian carps remains unknown, underscoring the need for allergen identification to improve the precision of fish allergy diagnosis and treatment. To identify all parvalbumin homologs in Asian carps and investigate the role of gene divergence in allergenic homolog formation. Three annotated genomes of Asian carp, including grass carp, black carp and bighead carp, were constructed using a hybrid assembly approach. Through sequence homology at the genomic level, all the homologs of major fish allergens were identified. Bioinformatics tools were then employed to reveal the gene structures, expression levels, and protein conformations of parvalbumin. Grass carp genome analysis showed nine parvalbumin homologs, with Cid_PV2 most similar to Cten i 1. Bighead and black carp genomes had ten homologs, including potentially allergenic Mpi_PV7 and Hno_PV7. Tissue-specific expression patterns revealed alternative usage of parvalbumin homologs. Gene duplication events expanded parvalbumin copies in bony fish, with two gene clusters identified in Asian carp genomes. All the homologs of Asian carps' parvalbumin were accurately identified and gene divergence contributed to the formation of allergenic homologs. Together with a comprehensive gene sequence profile of carps' parvalbumin, those could be applied to achieve a more precise clinical diagnostic test.

Histopathological evaluation of the infection elicited by three species of Myxobolus (Cnidaria: Myxosporea), with identification of Myxobolusxiaoganensis n. sp. isolated from the silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix

Several parasites infecting the Asian carp species have been broadly spread along with the global fish trade. However, the diversity of specific parasite groups and their pattern of parasitism remain insufficiently elucidated even in their native regions. Here, we conducted a holistic identification and histological analysis of three Myxobolus species. The oblate myxospores of the first isolates were found infecting the spleen of silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, measuring 6.4 ± 0.4 (5.4–7.1) μm in length, 8.2 ± 0.4 (7.5–9.0) in width, and 5.9 ± 0.3 (5.2–6.2) in thickness. They were morphologically distinct from other congeners and regarded as a novel species, Myxobolus xiaoganensis n. sp. For the second isolates, we associated the formation of round plasmodia on the gill raker of silver carp with Myxobolus allotypica Chen, 1998. The third isolates, encapsulated in the intestinal serosa membrane of the grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella, was proved to be conspecific to Myxobolus huasaensis Chen, 1998. While M. xiaoganensis n. sp. and M. huasaensis exhibited distinct origins, with genetic differences exceeding 4% from other congeners, M. allotypica displayed complete genetic congruence with an item available in Genbank. Histologically, myxospores of M. xiaoganensis n. sp. were scattered in the spleen, and the branchial and intestinal infections of M. allotypica and M. huasaensis were determined, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated a non-monophyletic origin of both the Thelohanellus and Myxobolus genera, with a remarkable association of host affinity with myxosporean clustering.

Erratum: Stakeholders and Invasive Asian Carp in the Great Lakes

Correction| May 24 2023 Erratum: Stakeholders and Invasive Asian Carp in the Great Lakes Shannon Orr Shannon Orr 1Political Science, Bowling Green State University, OH, USA Email: skorr@bgsu.edu Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar Email: skorr@bgsu.edu Case Studies in the Environment (2023) 7 (1): 1422170c. https://doi.org/10.1525/cse.2023.1422170c Connected Content This is a correction to: Stakeholders and Invasive Asian Carp in the Great Lakes Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Peer Review Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Cite Icon Cite Search Site Citation Shannon Orr; Erratum: Stakeholders and Invasive Asian Carp in the Great Lakes. Case Studies in the Environment 23 January 2023; 7 (1): 1422170c. doi: https://doi.org/10.1525/cse.2023.1422170c Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentCase Studies in the Environment Search Keywords: Asian carp, stakeholders, environmental policy The manuscript contains the statement, “Since that time, they have been slowly swimming their way north and can now be found in 46 states, and most worrisome, just a few miles away from the Great Lakes—the largest freshwater ecosystem in the world with a commercial fishing industry worth more than US$7 billion” (p. 1). There have been recorded captures of grass carp in all of the Great Lakes except for Lake Superior [1]. However, there has only been three captures of any other type of carp (Bighead) and thus doesn’t fit the description. Not all have swum there; some were introduced [2]. The sentence should state, “Grass carp can now be found in 46 states, and most worrisome, in the Great Lakes—the largest freshwater ecosystem in the world with a fishing industry worth more than US$7 billion.” The manuscript contains the statement, “Such hopes however proved... View Original Article You do not currently have access to this content.

Predicting the age at maturity of Asian carp using air temperature

AbstractAsian carp (bighead carp, Hypophthalmichthys nobilis; grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella and silver carp, H. molitrix) are a group of invasive species that are predicted to cause ecological effects if they invade the Great Lakes basin. Although Asian carp age at maturity is known to be an important factor in the risk of establishing a population, there is relatively little maturity data for North America. We found that air temperature can be used to predict the age at maturity of Asian carp. Nonlinear regressions using mean annual air temperature and annual degree days to predict age at maturity explain 60% and 62% of the variation respectively. These models predict that maturation is possible in locations that were previously excluded from Asian carp spawning range based on data from the Amur River. As expected, we find faster maturation in more southern areas of North America, although there are relatively large errors predicting age at maturity in the Mississippi River population. We conclude that due to the effect of faster maturation on population growth rates, southern Great Lakes locations (e.g. Lake Erie) may be at greater risk of faster population establishment.

Monsoon boosted radiation of the endemic East Asian carps.

Major historical events often trigger the rapid flourishing of a few lineages, which in turn shape established biodiversity patterns. How did this process occur and develop? This study provides a window into this issue. The endemic East Asian carps (EEAC) dominated the ichthyofauna of East Asia and exhibited a high degree of adaptation to monsoonal river-lake ecosystems. A series of evidence, including ecogeography, phylogenetics, and macroevolution, suggests that the EEAC is a lineage that arose with the East Asian monsoon and thrived intimately with subsequent monsoon activities. We further deduce the evolution of the EEAC and find that a range of historical events in the monsoon setting (e.g., marine transgression and regression and glacial-interglacial cycle) have further reshaped the distribution patterns of EEAC's members. Comparative genomics analyses reveal that introgressions during the initial period of EEAC radiation and innovations in the regulation of the brain and nervous system may have aided their adaptation to river-lake ecosystems in a monsoon setting, which boosted radiation. Overall, this study strengthens knowledge of the evolutionary patterns of freshwater fishes in East Asia and provides a model case for understanding the impact of major historical events on the evolution of biota.

Spatial suitability evaluation of spawning reach revealing the location preference for fish producing drifting eggs

Hydrologic (water temperature) and hydrodynamic (water depth, flow velocity, and Froude number) factors affect fish spawning activities, and spawning grounds provide suitable hydrologic and hydrodynamic conditions for fish spawning to occur. However, locating fish spawning grounds is encumbered by uncertainty, particularly for pelagic spawners. This may be because such fish species have unique hydrologic and hydrodynamic requirements during their spawning periods, resulting in the wide-ranging approaches used to locate their spawning grounds. Accordingly, this study was designed to accurately locate fish spawning grounds through means of spatial suitability evaluation. For this experiment, the four major “Asian carp” target species were selected in the Dongta spawning reach, a tributary of the Pearl River. First, we investigated the historical information on the location of the spawning reaches. An acoustic doppler current profiler (ADCP) was used to measure topographic and hydrodynamic data of the spawning reaches during the spawning period. Then, based on the spatial clustering method, cluster analysis on spatial attributes (water depth, flow velocity, water temperature, and Froude number) was conducted on potential spawning grounds. The cluster analysis method uses k-means clustering; a method often employed to classify large amounts of data. Finally, we analyzed and evaluated the spatial suitability of spawning reaches by combining fish spawning suitability curves to obtain spatial preferences associated with fish spawning activities. Proportionally, results revealed a high suitability (>0.4) area (60.86%). Moreover, spawning suitability in curved river sections and deep pools in straight river sections were significantly higher than bifurcated sections. Furthermore, areas near the riverbanks were more suitable than mid-course sections of the river. Finally, the locations of six potential Asian carp spawning grounds were determined according to their spatial suitability. This study provides technical support to accurately locate spawning grounds for the fish that produce drifting eggs.

Inhibitive effect of cryoprotectants on the oxidative and structural changes in myofibrillar proteins of unwashed mince from silver carp during frozen storage

Silver carp is a type of Asian carp that poses a threat to the United States. Unfortunately, producing Asian carp surimi in the US has been unsuccessful due to the high cost. Thus, exporting Asian carp to China and other Asian countries in the form of frozen deboned fish mince (without washing) would be a new way to create commercial value. This study was to explore the effects of compound cryoprotectants CC (sucrose, sorbitol, and sodium tripolyphosphate) and CC + SD (salted egg white) on unwashed silver carp mince during frozen storage. In the presence of CC, unwashed mince exerted benefits on gel property and water holding property. CC was able to retard protein oxidation as indicated by the retarded carbonyl content and lower loss in sulfhydryl content. Based on indicators of content of salt-soluble protein, α-helix, myosin heavy chain and intrinsic fluorescence intensity, CC addition inhibited protein aggregation by protecting the protein structure. The inclusion of SD did not show a cryoprotective effect or synergistic antioxidant effect with sucrose-sorbitol, but SD improved the gel strength within 4 weeks of freezing. Thus, CC can provide cryoprotective protection during frozen storage of silver carp mince. CC + SD provides a reference for long-distance transport and off-site production of frozen silver carp mince.

Asian Carp, an Alternative Material for Surimi Production: Progress and Future.

Asian carp is a general designation for grass carp, silver carp, bighead carp, and black carp. These fish species belong to the family Cyprinidae. In 2018, more than 18.5 million tons of Asian carp were produced globally. Asian carp can be used for producing surimi, a stabilized myofibrillar protein concentrate that can be made into a wide variety of products such as imitation crab sticks, fish balls, fish cakes, fish tofu, and fish sausage. Surimi is usually made from marine fish, but Asian carp have been widely used for surimi production in China. The quality of surimi is affected by various factors, including the processing methods and food additives, such as polysaccharides, protein, salt, and cryoprotectant. With an impending shortage of marine fish due to overfishing and depletion of fish stocks, Asian carp have a potential to serve as an alternative raw material for surimi products thanks to their high abundancy, less emissions of greenhouse gases from farming, desirable flesh color, and sufficient gel forming ability. The utilization of Asian carp in surimi production could also contribute to relieving the overflow of Asian carp in the United States.

The consequences of misrepresenting feedbacks in coupled human and environmental models

Feedbacks between the ecosystem and the economy are important to consider when measuring impacts from a disturbance but are often omitted from general equilibrium bioeconomic models. These models usually focus on how humans respond to ecological change, but do not consider that in adapting to changed conditions, humans can further affect the ecosystem. We present a framework that couples a regional computable general equilibrium model with an Ecopath with Ecosim food web model with bidirectional feedbacks between the two systems. Our bioeconomic model uniquely represents a comprehensive mapping of the entire regional economy, including recreational and commercial fishing, harvest quotas, and fish biomass in the economic system. We simulate the bioeconomic impacts of a potential Asian carp invasion of Lake Erie's food web and regional economy with and without bidirectional feedbacks between the economy and the ecosystem. When feedbacks are omitted there are large ecological variations in the projected biomass levels of many target species, with differences in biomass of up to 80 percentage points. Results demonstrate the need to reflect bidirectional feedbacks between the economy and the ecosystem; omission of these feedbacks in this case may appear to be economically trivial yet have large ecological consequences.

Stakeholders and Invasive Asian Carp in the Great Lakes

Asian carp were introduced in the 1970s as an environmentally friendly alternative to chemicals for cleaning aquaculture ponds. The carp escaped from their ponds and entered the Mississippi River system, leaving behind a path of destruction. Now, they are just a few miles away from the Great Lakes where they pose a threat to the billion-dollar fishing industry. One of the challenges in dealing with the problem is the diverse array of stakeholders involved who all have very different perspectives, concerns, and ideas about this policy problem. This case study demonstrates the challenges of stakeholder management in public policy and gives readers an analytical framework for thinking about stakeholder interests.

Development and First Tests of a Lab-Scale Electric Field for Investigating Potential Effects of Electric Barriers on Aquatic Invasive Invertebrates

Canals and other connected waterway systems, including the Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS), have often facilitated the spread of non-native species. Electric barriers have recently emerged as a method for preventing this spread and protecting uninvaded ecosystems from new invaders. The largest system of electric barriers in the world is in the CAWS and is operated primarily to prevent the spread of invasive Asian carp. It is not known whether these barriers are effective for other species, particularly invasive invertebrates. Here, we provide data regarding the efficacy of an electric field that operates at the same parameters as the electric barrier in the CAWS in affecting behaviors of two invertebrate species, the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii and the amphipod Hyalella azteca. We constructed an electric field within a tank that operates at the same parameters as the existing CAWS barriers and determined the effects of the electric field on our test species. At the electric field parameters of the CAWS barriers, the vast majority of P. clarkii individuals showed altered movement with maintained equilibrium. For H. azteca, behavioral responses were less extreme than for P. clarkii, with a majority of individuals experiencing altered movement. By measuring the orientation of organisms to the electric field, we determined that the test organisms are affected by the electric field, especially at lower field strengths where they exhibited no or little other behavioral response. At lower field strengths, P. clarkii exhibited changes in orientation, but at higher field strengths, individuals were less able to orient themselves. H. azteca exhibited changes in orientation to the electric field at all field strengths. The results of this study suggest that the existing electric barriers may not slow or prevent spread of invasive invertebrates—including amphipods and crayfish—through passive movement attached boats/barges or through downstream drift, but that the barriers may prevent spread by active upstream movement. Overall, our work gives new data regarding the efficacy of electric fields in preventing the spread of invasive invertebrates and can inform management decisions regarding current and future electric barriers in the CAWS.

Asian carp: A threat to American lakes, a feast on Chinese tables.

Asian carp, which are widely distributed in Asia and Europe, are nutritious and popular with consumers. In China, Asian carp is a tasty dish and has been consumed for thousands of years. However, they are considered aggressive invasive species that threaten rivers, lakes, and indigenous species in the United States. Asian carp have proliferated greatly in the water basin of the Mississippi River and its tributaries, and they have caused severe ecological problems over the past 20 years. In recent years, several state governments along the Mississippi River have implemented assistance programs to eliminate invasive Asian carp, but these did not alleviate the threat. We conducted a survey to understand consumers' attitudes toward Asian carp in the United States, and related reports were reviewed to explore the possibility of Asian carp as food fish on American tables. Emphasis is placed on the farming history, functional characteristics, consumption preferences, and successful utilization methods for Asian carp in China. In addition, suggestions and possible utilization methods were proposed to improve the negative impression of Asian carp in the United States. Further research is needed to take full advantage of this huge excellent source of food or health supplements. This review provides ideas and directions for the use of Asian carp in the United States. We believe that through effective cooperation between China and the United States, the negative aspects of Asian carp in the United States could be diminished, and a mutually beneficial situation could be achieved.

Microbial biogeography through the lens of exotic species: the recent introduction and spread of the freshwater diatom Discostella asterocostata in the United States

The large population sizes and high dispersal potential of microbes suggests that a given microbial species should be found in all suitable habitats worldwide. Consequently, microbes should not exhibit the kinds of biogeographic patterns seen in macroorganisms. This paradigm is challenged by a growing list of exotic microbes with biogeographic disjunctions that instead promotes microbial dispersal as inherently limited. We sampled water bodies in the United States and compiled records from the literature and public databases to characterize the distribution of the freshwater planktonic diatom, Discostella asterocostata (Xie, Lin, and Cai) Houk and Klee. Discostella asterocostata was thought to be restricted to the Far East, but we report its presence in ecologically similar water bodies across the eastern United States. Populations from the U.S. and China are indistinguishable morphometrically, suggesting they may be recently separated—a hypothesis supported by paleolimnological data, which support an introduction of D. asterocostata into the U.S. as recently as the mid-1980s. The overlapping distributions of D. asterocostata and invasive carp species, in both their native and nonnative ranges, highlighted Asian carp as a possible vector for introduction of the diatom in the U.S. The existence of exotic diatoms underscores natural constraints on microbial dispersal, resulting in biogeographic distributions that can be upended through human activity.

Water Resources, Infrastructure Restoration, and Protection of the Upper Mississippi River Basin

The Upper Mississippi River flows approximately 2000 km from Lake Itasca, Minnesota to Cairo, Illinois where it is confluences with the Ohio River to form the Lower Mississippi River. North of the confluence, numerous snags, sand bars, rapids, and other obstructions made the Upper Mississippi River travel difficult. This paper highlights how the geological and landscape resources of the Upper Mississippi River and tributary watershed were responsible for the successful economic development of this historically rich region of North America. Environmental challenges include an attempt to keep invasive species such as the Asian carp out of the rivers and lakes north of the Twin Cities. In an attempt to protect the Mississippi River resource, Environmental and Conservation groups have opposed continued navigation through Minneapolis and St. Paul and the planned Upper Mississippi River navigation infrastructure restoration by the United States Corps of Engineers including the upper and lower St. Anthony locks and dams. These Environmental, Conservation and Save the River groups are attempting to mitigate the historic highest and best use of the Mississippi River and adjacent watershed, navigation, and economic development, by having the urban river restored to the natural state.