Experimental Data from an Examination of the Interaction of Grass Carp Eggs and Larvae with a Longitudinally Oriented Bubble Screen in a Laboratory Flume

Behavioral deterrents targeting mature fish have been developed to control population expansion of invasive carp in non-native regions. However, there are currently no methods to control dispersal of early-life stage carp, which have no/limited mobility during their vulnerable, multi-day drift period in rivers. Capturing eggs and larvae in large numbers downstream from known spawning grounds warrants new methods that rely upon physics rather than behavioral response. This project tested a novel method using a longitudinally (streamwise) oriented bubble screen to redirect downstream drifting grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) eggs and larvae into cross-channel-oriented nets along the sides of the channel for efficient removal in a laboratory setting. The effects of flow velocity and airflow rate on redirection of live grass carp eggs, pre- and post-gas bladder inflation (GBI) stage larvae, dead larvae, and dead (preserved) eggs were examined. A detailed hydrodynamic characterization of the bubble screen and surrounding flow was also completed. This data release contains hydrodynamic and egg and larval redirection data associated with the 2024 experiments examining the interaction of grass carp eggs and larvae with a longitudinally oriented bubble screen in a recirculating laboratory flume. A detailed description of the data contained in this data release can be found in the associated metadata.