need to know
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Kansas biologists have removed approximately 109,000 pounds of invasive carp from Kansas rivers since 2022
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2025 was the most successful year yet, with over £36,000 lost
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Officials say the fishery helps native fish recover while limiting the spread of non-native carp
Kansas wildlife officials have removed more than 100,000 pounds of invasive Asian carp from the Kansas River over the past four years, marking a major milestone in ongoing efforts in one of the state’s most important waterways.
According to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), biologists have removed approximately 109,000 pounds of invasive carp from the river since organized removal efforts began in 2022. The agency capped off its most successful year yet in 2025, removing 36,863 pounds of fish, the highest annual total for removals to date.
USFWS
The campaign targets three invasive carp species currently present in Kansas waters: whitebait, bighead carp and black carp. The fish, originally imported from Asia for aquaculture in the 1970s, escaped into Midwestern waterways decades ago and has spread rapidly since, according to the agency. They are known for growing rapidly, consuming large amounts of food and crowding out native species that rely on the same resources.
“These removal efforts appear to be having a positive impact on Kansas waterways and native species,” said Liam Odell, invasive carp biologist with KDWP, noting that biologists are starting to see population declines in targeted areas and the return of native fish.
Invasive carp pose ecological and public safety risks. Silver carp, in particular, are notorious for jumping out of the water when frightened by boat engines, sometimes attacking boaters. Bighead carp can grow to extremely large sizes, weighing over 100 pounds.
illinois department of natural resources
To curb the spread, KDWP uses a combination of electrofishing, gillnets and newer specialized equipment. In recent years, the agency has added electric dozer trawls specifically designed to remove carp, which stun the fish and collect them as boats move through infested waters.
In 2025, officials expanded cleanup efforts downstream, adding 15 miles to the Kansas River. Bowersock Dam in Lawrence continues to act as a barrier, preventing carp from spreading further upstream.
The effort in Kansas is part of a broader regional push. In August 2025, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced nearly $19 million in funding for invasive carp management in 18 Mississippi River basin states, including Kansas. These funds support large-scale removal, surveillance and prevention strategies aimed at slowing the spread of the species.
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KDWP officials said demolition work will continue throughout the year and may be expanded further as studies and funding allow. Odell also encouraged the public to help by not releasing invasive carp back into the water and to report sightings outside known infested rivers.
Read the original article on People
