GENOA, Wis. — An experimental sound system designed to deter invasive carp has been operating near the Mississippi River shipping lock.

University of Minnesota scientists demonstrated their project Monday in Genoa. It features five underwater speakers that produce a sound the carp hate.

The $75,000 sound system is designed to prevent the carp from swimming upstream. It’s activated every time the downstream gates of Lock and Dam No. 8 open.

The project was funded by state lottery funds and nearly $7,000 in private donations.

The invasive fish, commonly known as Asian carp, are thought to be a major threat to native aquatic species throughout the Midwest.