Boaters and anglers asked to report sightings/harvests
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) is expanding its awareness campaign about two species of invasive carp that pose a potential threat to the state’s native freshwater fish and habitats – bighead and silver carp.
The Fisheries Section of ADCNR’s Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division is in the process of posting informational signs at public boat ramps along the Tennessee River in north Alabama to help boaters and anglers identify bighead and silver carp if sighted in or harvested from the river. The signs will be posted at all ADCNR public boat ramps along the Tennessee River this fall.
“Due to the threat posed by invasive carp we are working to protect the state’s aquatic resources from these invaders,” said Chris Greene, Chief of WFF’s Fisheries Section. “Currently, the areas of concern for silver carp in Alabama are the Tennessee and Tombigbee rivers. When established, these fish not only negatively impact native fishes they can also harm boaters by jumping out of the water when startled by the vibrations and noises produced by boat motors. A jumping carp strike can cause serious injury to anyone on board a vessel.”
Similar to the threat posed by feral pigs on land, invasive carp outcompete with other native species for food and habitat including the state’s important game fish. As their range expands, the potential to wreak havoc on lakes, rivers and local economies in Alabama increases. The well-documented competition with native fishes in other states is a primary concern for freshwater fisheries managers in Alabama.