In Nick Barkowski’s six years with the Chicago District, he has been involved with a variety of research and monitoring activities involving Asian carp issues in the Upper Illinois River and has developed many research questions regarding specific species sounds that can be used to attract Asian carp. It is known that Grass carp (a species of Asian carp) produce certain sounds that are an attractant to Asian carp.
Barkowski was to further investigate, through the ERDC University (ERDC-U) program, whether the sound of Asian carp feeding could also be used as an attractant. If this is determined to be true, it can be used to attract Asian carp to an area where commercial gill nets are used to harvest this invasive species.
The benefit to ongoing efforts to control the Asian carp population in the Upper Illinois River would be significant.
Barkowski hails from the south suburbs of Chicago, and currently lives in Northwest Indiana with his wife, Laken. He received a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Carroll University in Wisconsin and a master’s in Fisheries Science from the University of Arkansas.
Through everyday work requirements, Barkowski realized the difficulty in balancing work obligations with needed research to address complex fisheries issues. When he became aware of ERDC-U, he realized an opportunity to conduct additional research-based science to address his district’s needs.
Barkowski previously worked with ERDC Environmental Laboratory researchers on electric barriers to deter invasive species. He understood the benefit of working with Dr. Christa Woodley, his ERDC mentor, to increase his knowledge of bioacoustics. Woodley’s expert knowledge of acoustics in aquatic environments helped guide him in obtaining answers to address specific species sounds to attract Asian carp.
Barkowski had a three-fold purpose in participating in ERDC-U. First, he wanted to write a review paper for publication focusing on the use of sound in fisheries management. Second, he wanted to conduct laboratory experiments with juvenile Bighead carp in a recirculating flume to determine if feeding sounds of Asian carp act as an attractant, as well as to investigate potential sound deterrents. Last, he wanted to learn additional telemetry techniques to provide a clearer understanding in interpreting data obtained from the fish telemetry network Chicago District uses to track movement and monitor tagged Asian carp.
Determining behavior characteristics in a laboratory environment for certain conditions is a complex task. With sound studies, it is important to minimize external noise and ensure the sound playing is louder than ambient noise. Also, determining a behavioral response to a sound stimulus compared to other stimuli can be very subtle. As a result, pumps, water filters and air conditioning had to be turned off and all lab personnel had to sit without talking. Black curtains minimized any visual stimuli and all doors to the lab were locked to prevent visitors from interfering with results. Preliminary data suggest that fish were responding to sounds, but the significance of the response will be determined in the coming weeks.
Barkowski came away from his ERDC-U experience with a greater appreciation of the research and application of results to real world scenarios, in increasing networking opportunities, and in growing professionally through his experiences at ERDC.
“The very first week at ERDC provided insight in how Corps districts can utilize ERDC as a tool to better understand complex issues across multiple disciplines to improve projects and provide the best engineering and science based products for the nation.”