Altered Ecosystem Dynamics: Common carp are bottom feeders that uproot aquatic vegetation and disturb the substrate, leading to changes in the structure and composition of native aquatic plant communities. This can negatively impact the habitat for other fish species and aquatic organisms.

Water Quality Issues: Carp are known to stir up sediments, releasing nutrients and other pollutants into the water column. This can lead to decreased water quality, increased turbidity, and higher nutrient concentrations, which can fuel algae blooms and disrupt the balance of the aquatic ecosystem.

Impact on Native Fish Species: Carp can outcompete native fish for food and habitat, leading to declines in native fish populations. Additionally, they can consume the eggs and larvae of native fish species, further reducing their numbers.

Loss of Biodiversity: Invasive common carp can have cascading effects on the entire food web of a lake. By altering the composition of native aquatic plants and impacting native fish species, they can lead to a loss of biodiversity in the ecosystem.

Recreational and Economic Impacts: Carp can negatively affect recreational fishing opportunities. They are often considered a nuisance by anglers because they compete with desirable fish species and are not typically targeted for sport. This can have economic implications for local communities dependent on tourism and recreational fishing.

Infrastructure Damage: Carp have been known to damage submerged infrastructure such as dams, bridges, and water control structures by digging in the sediment and destabilizing the substrate. This can lead to increased maintenance costs and potential safety hazards.

Increased Management Costs: Over time, if common carp populations are not controlled, the costs associated with managing their negative impacts can increase significantly. Eradication or control efforts may become more difficult and expensive as carp populations grow.

Spread to New Water Bodies: If not controlled, common carp can easily spread to new water bodies through natural waterway connections, human activity, or flooding events. This can lead to the invasion of previously unaffected lakes and rivers.