2022 Carp Management Study
Why do we care?
Too many carp can have a negative impact on a body of water’s clarity. Carp are bottom feeders and tend disturb the sediment on the bottom of the lake, ultimately resulting in decreased water clarity.
How many is too many?
Studies suggest that carp biomass in excess of 200kg/ha typically have a strong, negative effect on lake habitat and water quality. While biomass below 100kg/ha is typically an acceptable level.
Where does Cross Lake fall in the range?
The estimated carp biomass for Cross Lake was 113.7 kg/ha. While slightly over the suggested 100kg/ha value, reducing carp biomass to 100kg/ha may not have a substantial effect on the lake ecology.
What prompted the study?
The carp study was a recommendation from the Limnopro Point Intercept Survey conducted on Cross Lake in 2021, suggesting an elevated carp population contributing negatively to our water clarity. it here. (see full survey below)