Get paid $100 to catch invasive black carp

INDIANAPOLIS — The state of Indiana has a problem on its hands in the form of black carp and it is deputizing fishermen to help get rid of the invasive fish that are taking over waterways.

The black carp, which is part of the Asian carp family, eat snails. Some of the food sources are endangered in Indiana, so the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Geological Survey are offering $100 to people who catch and turn in the fish, WXIN reported.

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Originally, the black carp were brought in to eat snails in aquaculture and hatchery ponds, but when the ponds flooded, the fish escaped into rivers and streams. Now they're getting close to the Wabash River, a gateway to other waters in the state.

"It's pretty normal for any new species, they want to expand their range," Indiana DNR South Region Fishery supervisor Dan Carnahan told WXIN.

DNR officials told the television station they expect most of the fish will be caught by commercial or bow fishermen, but there could be some recreational angels who are lucky enough to catch one. The DNR says to keep the fish stored on ice until personnel can get it.

They're also being told to make a note of where the fish was caught, WRTV reported.

Cox Media Group