A Theoretical Strategy for Eradication of Asian Carps Using a Trojan Y Chromosome to Shift the Sex Ratio of the Population

J.L. teem and J.B. Gutierrez,  Invasive Asian Carps in North America,  74:227-238. 2011.

The directed extinction of an exotic fish population is proposed using a genetic approach to drastically reduce the ratio of females to males within the population. In the proposed strategy, sex-reversed female fish containing two Y chromosomes (Fyy) are introduced into a normal fish population. The frequencies of each of the four expected genotypes of fish in the simulated population (Fxx, Fyy, Mxy, and Myy) were modeled with a set of coupled ordinary differential equations. The equations take into account birth rate, death rate, and a fixed carrying capacity of the system. Using computer-generated simulations, it was determined that the continuous introduction of a relatively small proportion of Fyy females to the normal population leads to extinction of the exotic fish over time. The proposed eradication strategy is relevant to fish species with an XY sex-determination system that tolerate a YY genotype. Published literature suggests that Asian carps are likely to fulfill these criteria. However, technical barriers associated with sex reversal in Asian carps presently exist and must be overcome before implementation of a YY eradication strategy for Asian carps can be considered in practice. An idealized theoretical model for the eradication of Asian carps is thus presented.