St. Paul, Minnesota - In a significant step towards protecting the aquatic ecosystem and the fishing industry in the region, wildlife officials from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) successfully captured a total of 323 invasive carp from the Mississippi River near Trempealeau, Wisconsin. This marks the largest single capture of invasive carp in Minnesota to date.

The catch, made on November 30, consisted of 296 silver carp, 23 grass carp, and four bighead carp. The discovery came after the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources tracked six tagged invasive carp in the area, signaling the presence of larger schools moving upstream. The observations from commercial anglers also helped officials to pinpoint the location of the fish.

Originally imported to the United States in the 1960s and 1970s as a means to control algae, weeds, and parasites in southern aquaculture farms, the invasive carp escaped due to flooding and accidental releases. Since then, they have spread throughout the Mississippi River system and have become a significant threat to native species in rivers and streams across the nation's midsection.

Carp are known for their voracious appetites, with adult bighead and silver carp capable of consuming up to 40% of their body weight in a single day. They easily out-compete native species and disrupt the delicate balance of aquatic ecosystems. Although there are no concrete estimates of the invasive carp populations in the United States, experts believe there are potentially millions of them.

With concerns growing about the impact of invasive carp on the Great Lakes, efforts to prevent their spread have become paramount. The region's fishing industry, which generates approximately $7 billion annually, is at stake. Wildlife officials are working tirelessly to keep these destructive fish out of the Great Lakes and preserve the biodiversity of the region's waters.

Grace Loppnow, the Minnesota DNR's invasive carp coordinator, expressed concern regarding the large number of carp captured on November 30 but noted that it is likely these fish migrated upstream and did not hatch in Minnesota waters. Nonetheless, this capture serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle to curb the invasive carp population and safeguard the region's natural environment.

As wildlife officials continue their efforts to combat the spread of invasive carp, ongoing research, monitoring, and strategies for containment are critical. By addressing this issue head-on, officials hope to prevent further harm to native species and preserve the diversity of the nation's waters.