Reward Program Launched to Control Invasive Fish Species in Tennessee: Controlling Silver Carp and White Carp for a Healthier Ecosystem

In an effort to reduce the numbers of tagged white carp in the wild, Tennessee state authorities are offering a $100 reward to individuals who catch them. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is providing this reward for each fish caught with a tag or upper jaw collar placed by the local fisheries agency on 1,000 white carp. Anglers who catch tagged fish are encouraged to retain the tag and contact the TWRA fisheries department using the identification number provided. Authorities will then request more information about where and how the fish was caught. If an angler catches a white carp without a tag, TWRA advises freezing it or storing it on ice and contacting the organization immediately.

Invasive species pose a significant threat to ecosystems and communities living near waterways. One such species is silver carp, which feeds on zooplankton, a key food source for many native fish species in Tennessee. Silver carp can weigh up to 27.2 kg and can pose a danger to fishermen and boaters when they leap out of the water. White carp, a native species of China, is disrupting the local ecosystem and prompting authorities to urge anglers not to release them back into the wild if caught.

Similar programs aimed at controlling invasive species are being implemented in other regions as well. For example, in New South Wales, Australia, the Namoi Carp Muster event rewards individuals who catch the most carp or the largest carp. In Florida, divers participate in the Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Festival to catch the most lionfish and win prize money. Lionfish are known for consuming native fish and reproducing rapidly, making them another invasive species that needs strict control measures.

Maintaining healthy ecosystems in waterways is crucial to prevent a cascade effect where the decline of certain species disrupts