Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) - High Risk

Species that are considered high risk have a well-documented history of invasiveness in at least one location globally and are of establishment concern for the contiguous United States based on a climate matching analysis.

Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Silver Carp, is a fish that is native to China and southeastern Russia. It is a large-bodied fish that grows rapidly and reaches sexual maturity in as little as two years in the United States. Due to its ability to control algae and plankton growth, H. molitrix is often introduced outside its native range for aquaculture purposes. In the United States, it became established in multiple parts of the Mississippi River Basin in the late twentieth century after escaping from aquaculture facilities. H. molitrix is now listed as an injurious species under the Lacey Act in the United States, and at least 36 U.S. States regulate the species. This species is also established in numerous other countries across Europe, Asia, and Africa. H. molitrix has had substantial negative impacts where introduced, including on native planktivorous fish, human health, and commercial fishing and aquatic recreation industries. The History of Invasiveness for H. molitrix is classified as High. The climate matching analysis for the contiguous United States indicates establishment concern for this species, both within the Ohio, Missouri, and Mississippi River drainages where it is currently established and in the Great Lakes, Mid-Atlantic, and Southwest regions where it is not yet established. The Certainty of Assessment for this ERSS is classified as High due to the abundance of peer-reviewed and agency publications available documenting the impacts of introduction of this species within the continental United States and across the globe. The Overall Risk Assessment Category for Hypophthalmichthys molitrix in the contiguous United States is High.