The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is taking significant steps to combat the growing threat of invasive carp in the state’s waterways, a move that could have lasting benefits for local ecosystems and economies. During a recent meeting, officials highlighted the alarming spread of these species, particularly silver and bighead carp, which pose serious risks to native fish populations and recreational fishing industries.

Currently, invasive species are documented across all waters in Arkansas, affecting both public and private areas. The commission has identified invasive carp as a top priority due to their rapid reproduction and their tendency to disrupt the food web by consuming essential microscopic organisms. This not only threatens the diversity of native fish but also poses hazards to boaters, as startled silver carp are known to leap out of the water.

To address this issue, the commission has launched an invasive carp removal program, which has successfully removed over 340,000 pounds of these fish since its inception in October 2021. This initiative is supported by federal grant funding aimed at controlling invasive species in the lower Mississippi River Basin. The program employs commercial fishing techniques and has established a base at the Wausau Wildlife Management Area, focusing on the Arkansas and White River systems, where these invasive species are most prevalent.

In a bid to enhance the effectiveness of this program, the commission has introduced a commercial harvest incentive program, offering 18 cents per pound for invasive carp caught by commercial fishers. This initiative aims to stimulate market interest and develop processing facilities for these fish, which have historically had low market value. The commission is also providing essential gear and support to help local fishers transition to targeting invasive species.

Since the program's launch, 35 commercial fishers have enrolled, and they have collectively removed 265,000 pounds of invasive carp. The commission is optimistic about the future, noting that there is significant interest from businesses looking to create products from these fish, ranging from protein powder to pet food.

As the commission continues to monitor and research the impacts of these invasive species, they are also hiring a new invasive carp biologist to enhance their efforts. This position will focus on assessing the effectiveness of commercial harvests and guiding future control strategies.

The ongoing efforts to manage invasive carp not only aim to protect Arkansas's aquatic ecosystems but also seek to bolster local economies by creating new markets and opportunities for commercial fishers. The commission’s proactive approach reflects a commitment to preserving the state’s natural resources while supporting community livelihoods.