The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has launched a program to reduce the number of white carp in the wild by offering a reward of $100 per tagged carp to individuals who catch them. The program involves placing tags or upper jaw collars on 1,000 white carp, and anglers who catch a tagged fish are instructed to retain the tag, contact the TWRA fisheries department, and provide information on where and how the fish was caught. If an angler catches a white carp without a tag, they should freeze it or store it on ice and contact the TWRA immediately.
White carp are an invasive species in Tennessee that can weigh up to 27.2 kg and feed on zooplankton, which is crucial for many native fish species in the state. Their presence can also pose risks to fishermen and boaters when they jump out of the water. Due to their disruption to the local ecosystem, authorities emphasize the importance of not releasing them back into the wild if caught.
Similar programs incentivizing the removal of invasive species are in place in other locations as well. In Australia, individuals who catch multiple or large carp during the Namoi Carp Muster event can win prize money. In Florida, divers who catch lionfish during the Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Festival can win prizes as well. Controlling invasive species is essential to prevent damage to ecosystems in waterways and maintain natural balances, which can have significant effects on native species and communities living near bodies of water.
In conclusion, Tennessee state authorities are taking steps to control invasive white carp populations by offering rewards for catching them through their program with tags or upper jaw collars placed on 1,000 white carp. Anglers who catch tagged fish must retain it or store it on ice until contacted by TWRA fisheries department while those without tags must freeze or store it immediately after catching it without a tag. White carp pose risks to local ecosystems due to their feeding habits and jumping out of water so controlling their populations is vital for preserving natural balances and preventing potential harm to native species and communities living near bodies of water.
The Namoya Carp Muster event in Australia incentivizes individuals who catch multiple or large carps with prize money while Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Festival encourages divers to catch lionfish with prizes awarded for doing so. Overall controlling invasive species is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems in waterways which benefits both wildlife and human communities alike.
