Hydroacoustic Survey of Bighead and Silver Carp in the Ohio River

Southern Illinois University - Carbondale (SIUC) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (the Service) will cooperatively assess relative abundance and biomass of bighead and silver carp in the Ohio River using side-looking hydroacoustic surveys. Assessments will include mainstem and tributary habitats in Cannelton, McAlpine, Markland, Greenup, Meldahl, and R.C. Byrd pools. Collected data will be analyzed by SIUC and the Service, and results will be informed by annual pool-specific fish community data collected by Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources using traditional gears. This is a notice of intent to award a single source cooperative agreement to SIUC without competition under justification 505DM2.14.B.4. Competition for this award is not practical as this is an extension of work previously performed by SIUC, for which they are uniquely qualified by experience, equipment ownership, and location. SIUC has 1) eight years of experience developing and delivering this method of survey; 2) all necessary equipment and software for full implementation of this project; and 3) location very near the corresponding fish and wildlife conservation office, which is strategic for field travel. As this is a cooperative agreement, the Service will be substantially involved in project activities; this involvement will include conducting cooperative hydroacoustic surveys in the Ohio River, analyzing hydroacoustic data and reviewing partner completed analysis, compiling previous data and assisting with management report preparation, and cooperatively presenting results to states and other partners.