The War on Asian Carp: Battle Ready

Photo courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

As the war against Asian carp rages, state agencies are implementing a variety of management techniques. And the Federation’s conservation policy work has secured initial funding for the battle.

A major effort is expanding commercial harvests of Asian carp. Because these fish spoil more quickly than others, getting Asian carp to market requires different tools. Tools like large on-shore ice machines to provide ice to chill fish in boats and on land.

Recently, Henry County, which borders Kentucky Lake—presently a hotspot for Asian carp efforts—received a grant from Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). It funded the purchase of a 2,000- and 6,000-pound ice machine and other supplies needed to get these fish out of the water and to market.

Funds for these supplies come directly from the Improve Act’s 2017 Fuel Sales Tax Appropriation that the Federation secured.

Because of the Federation’s leadership and advocacy, that Act added a formula to the existing fuel sales tax to direct $2.3 million per year to better safeguard and manage public waters. Asian carp is the perfect target.

While it’s still early days in the war against Asian carp, this investment is a clear indication that Tennessee will continue to respond.