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Youths check for invasive carp in Wisconsin River, pick up better understanding of science

Wisconsin Youth Take the Lead in Battling Invasive Carp Through Innovative Detection Project

In the heart of Wisconsin's waterways, a new generation of environmental guardians is emerging, armed not with nets or traps, but with knowledge, technology, and a passion for protecting their state's natural heritage. A groundbreaking initiative launched this summer is empowering young people across the state to detect and combat one of the most pressing ecological threats: invasive carp. Dubbed the "Youth Aquatic Sentinels Program," this project is turning teenagers and preteens into frontline detectives in the fight against these destructive fish, which have been inching closer to the Great Lakes and threatening to upend fragile ecosystems.

Invasive carp, primarily species like silver carp, bighead carp, grass carp, and black carp, originated from Asia and were introduced to the United States in the 1960s and 1970s for aquaculture and pond management. However, they escaped into the wild, particularly in the Mississippi River basin, where they have proliferated unchecked. These fish are notorious for their voracious appetites, outcompeting native species for food and habitat. Silver carp, for instance, are infamous for their startling leaps out of the water when disturbed by boat motors, posing risks to boaters and water recreationists. More alarmingly, they disrupt the food chain by consuming massive amounts of plankton, which forms the base of aquatic ecosystems. In Wisconsin, the stakes are high: if these carp establish themselves in the Great Lakes, they could devastate fisheries worth billions of dollars annually and alter biodiversity irreversibly.

The Youth Aquatic Sentinels Program, a collaborative effort between the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Center for Limnology, and local environmental nonprofits like River Alliance of Wisconsin, aims to address this threat head-on by involving youth in early detection. Launched in July 2025, the program targets students aged 12 to 18, offering hands-on training in identifying signs of invasive carp presence. "We're not just teaching kids about a problem; we're giving them the tools to be part of the solution," says Dr. Elena Ramirez, a limnologist at UW-Madison who co-directs the initiative. "Invasive species don't respect borders, and neither should our efforts to stop them. By engaging young people, we're building a network of informed citizens who can spot invasions before they take hold."

The program's curriculum is multifaceted, blending classroom education with fieldwork to make learning engaging and practical. Participants start with workshops on carp biology, learning to distinguish invasive species from native ones like common carp through visual aids, videos, and even dissections of preserved specimens. They delve into the ecological impacts, discussing case studies from the Illinois River, where carp populations have exploded, comprising up to 90% of the biomass in some areas. This sets the stage for the real action: field expeditions to rivers, lakes, and wetlands across Wisconsin, from the Mississippi River tributaries in the west to the Fox River system feeding into Green Bay.

A key component of the training is the use of cutting-edge detection technologies. Youth learn about environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, a non-invasive method that detects genetic material shed by carp in water samples. "It's like being a forensic scientist for the environment," explains 15-year-old participant Mia Chen from Milwaukee, who joined the program after hearing about it at her school. "We collect water from a stream, filter it, and send it to a lab. If carp DNA shows up, we know they're nearby, even if we can't see them." The program provides kits with portable eDNA samplers, binoculars for spotting jumping carp, and apps for logging sightings in real-time via citizen science platforms like iNaturalist or the DNR's own reporting system.

Beyond detection, the initiative emphasizes prevention and response strategies. Students are taught about physical barriers, such as the electric fences in the Chicago Area Waterway System designed to block carp from entering Lake Michigan, and ongoing efforts like the Brandon Road Lock and Dam project, which could incorporate acoustic deterrents and other technologies. They also explore biological controls, including research into sterile carp releases or targeted fishing programs. "Education is our best defense," notes DNR fisheries biologist Mark Thompson. "These kids are learning that small actions, like cleaning boats to prevent hitchhiking invasives or advocating for policy changes, can make a big difference."

The program's reach is impressive, with sessions held in diverse locations to ensure accessibility. In urban areas like Milwaukee and Madison, workshops partner with community centers and schools, drawing in underrepresented youth from low-income neighborhoods. Rural sessions in places like La Crosse and Green Bay incorporate canoe trips and river monitoring, fostering a connection to local waterways. So far, over 500 students have participated in the inaugural summer, with plans to expand to year-round after-school clubs and virtual modules for remote learners.

Participants rave about the experience, highlighting how it combines adventure with purpose. "I never thought I'd be knee-deep in a river, testing for fish DNA," says 13-year-old Jamal Rodriguez from Kenosha. "But now I get why this matters—carp could ruin fishing spots my family has used for generations." Parents and educators echo this sentiment, praising the program's role in STEM education and environmental literacy. "It's inspiring to see kids excited about science in a real-world context," says Sarah Kline, a high school teacher who volunteered as a mentor. "They're not just memorizing facts; they're applying them to protect our state."

The initiative isn't without challenges. Funding, sourced from state grants, federal invasive species programs, and private donations, must be sustained to scale up. There's also the ongoing debate about the effectiveness of detection versus eradication—critics argue that once carp are detected, removal is resource-intensive. Yet, proponents like Dr. Ramirez counter that early detection buys time for intervention. "We've seen successes in other states where youth-led monitoring has led to rapid responses," she says. "In Minnesota, similar programs have helped contain carp spread in key watersheds."

Looking ahead, the Youth Aquatic Sentinels Program plans to integrate more advanced tools, such as drone surveillance for monitoring remote areas and AI-powered image recognition for identifying carp from photos. Collaborations with tribal nations, including the Ho-Chunk and Menominee, will incorporate indigenous knowledge on waterway stewardship, enriching the curriculum with cultural perspectives. By 2026, organizers hope to train 2,000 youth statewide, creating a volunteer network that could extend to other invasives like zebra mussels or emerald ash borers.

This project underscores a broader shift in environmental conservation: empowering the next generation to tackle climate and biodiversity crises. In Wisconsin, where outdoor recreation is a way of life—from fishing derbies to summer boating—the threat of invasive carp hits close to home. By involving youth, the program not only bolsters detection efforts but also cultivates lifelong advocates for healthy ecosystems. As Mia Chen puts it, "We're the ones who'll inherit these waters. It's up to us to keep them safe."

In an era of escalating environmental challenges, initiatives like this remind us that solutions often start small—with a group of determined kids, a water sample, and the will to make a difference. Wisconsin's youth are proving that when it comes to invasive carp, vigilance is key, and the future of our waterways may well depend on their watchful eyes.

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Read the Full Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Article at:
[ https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2025/07/23/new-project-shows-wisconsin-youth-how-to-detect-invasive-carp/84525490007/ ]