Study finds Asian carp numbers low in Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Researchers looking for fragments of Asian carp DNA in the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers found little evidence of bighead and silver carp, according to a study released Thursday that concludes that while the invasive fish are present in Minnesota, their numbers are likely relatively low.

“These results support the conclusion that bighead and silver carp have not yet become established in Minnesota,” said Steve Hirsch, director of the Ecological and Waters Division for the Department of Natural Resources. “The threat of Asian carp is nevertheless an urgent issue for the state, requiring immediate action.”