AUSTIN, Texas — Texas is among 27 state agencies participating in a bounty program offering $100 for each black carp captured, with a focus on engaging commercial fishers. The initiative aims to gather more data on the elusive invasive species, which poses a threat to freshwater mussels, according to a press release.
The black carp, primarily found in parts of the lower Mississippi River, lower Illinois River, and lower Ohio River, is less understood compared to other invasive carps in North America. The bounty program, supported by state and federal fisheries partners, encourages fishers to provide specimens for research. Most of the information on black carp has been obtained from commercial fishers over the past decade, with nearly 1,000 captures reported, according to the U.S. Geological Survey Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database.
The program allows up to 10 reimbursements per month and emphasizes the importance of proper fish identification, as some protected species resemble black carp. Scientists aim to study the species’ age, growth, distribution, and abundance, building on existing knowledge of its diet and reproduction. The data collected will aid in understanding black carp habitat usage and movement patterns.
Fishers are advised to verify the identity of the fish, document the capture location, humanely kill the fish, and keep the fish cool on ice, as live possession is illegal under the Lacey Act. They should contact the appropriate state agency with details of the capture, including photographs and environmental conditions, location of the capture, and type of fishing gear and bait used.
In Texas, fishers in the Red River Basin can reach out to Monica McGarrity at monica.mcgarrity@tpwd.texas.gov or call (512) 552-3465 for assistance.