CARP MANAGEMENT

The Stormwater Innovation Center (SIC) is currently exploring the relationship between water quality and the presence of common carp in Roger Williams Park (RWP) ponds. Carp, known as “ecological engineers,” can negatively impact water quality by disturbing sediments, uprooting aquatic plants, and releasing nutrients that promote harmful algal blooms, including cyanobacteria.

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To better understand and address this, we conducted electrofishing surveys in RWP and Zoo ponds, finding a significant population of large carp. In the next project phase, we’ll focus on selective carp removal from designated exclusion zones. This study will evaluate how carp removal affects aquatic vegetation, water quality, and cyanobacteria levels. By reducing carp populations in these areas, we will gather information on whether larger-scale carp management and removal will be beneficial to the pond ecosystem.

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Our great partners on this project are the EPA Chelmsford and Narragansett labs, Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence Parks Department, the Nature Conservancy, and Audubon Society of Rhode Island. We will update this page as the project progresses.