Latest News Issues Programs About Us Ways to Give Donate Invasive Carp in Tennessee’s Waters There is an invasive carp invasion that has taken over the Mississippi River system—and it has moved aggressively into the Tennessee and Cumberland River systems. Ask Lawmakers to Support Invasive Carp Funding These invasive carp are a serious threat to our aquatic ecosystems, recreation, and economy. The public must do its part to prevent the accidental spread of invasive carp while calling on elected officials to support policies aimed at managing this threat. Take a moment to ask legislators to support invasive carp funding in Tennessee, in any way they can. Ask Lawmakers to Support Invasive Carp Funding Blocking and Tackling Invasive Carp Invasive carp include four invasive species—silver, bighead, grass, and black carp—that were brought to the United States in the 1970s to help maintain ponds used for aquaculture. Introduced by flooding of aquaculture facilities in Arkansas, invasive carp have expanded their range throughout the Mississippi River basin into the Tennessee and Cumberland River systems. The species rapidly spread on its own and can be inadvertently spread by anglers mistaking them for baitfish. Invasive carp reproduce quickly, have no natural predators, devour food sources native fish need, and devastate habitats. Invasive carp, which can grow up to 100 pounds, also threaten boaters’ safety. Silver carp are known to jump when disturbed by boats, striking passengers and causing serious injuries. If left unaddressed, invasive carp will continue to spread throughout our waterways. As the species’ range expands, so will their destruction of native aquatic wildlife–from endangered mussels to bass and other sport fish. Invasive carp degrade the quality of waters, making them less attractive to the anglers that help fuel countless local economies across the state. And as anglers stop buying licenses, the state wildlife agency loses critical funding for wildlife conservation of all types. Recreational boaters are also driven away by the threat of jumping silver carp, further damaging local economies. Elected officials at the state and federal levels have collaborated with Tennessee Wildlife Federation to help shape and pass bills and budget requests design to blocking and tackling the threat. Acoustic barriers are needed at key locations to block the movement of invasive carp. And incentives for commercial fishermen are needed to get more tackle in the water to reduce the numbers of invasive carp. But a greater response is needed from all sectors to meet this challenge. We must continue to ask our state and federal leaders to provide the tools and increased funding needed to block and remove invasive carp from our waters. Individuals can also take the Stop Invasive Carp Pledge to do their part to report and slow down this damaging invasive species. Get Involved Ask Lawmakers to Support Invasive Carp Funding Sign the Stop Invasive Carp Pledge Donate to Conservation In the News These big ones should have never gotten away Knoxville News Sentinel Asian carp fishing method being tested in KY Waterways Journal A menace to fish and humans The Farragut Press Asian carp are not the only aquatic invaders in Tennessee News Channel 9 Donate to Conservation Quick Facts Invasive carp are now found in all three of Tennessee’s grand divisions—from the Mississippi to the Tennessee River north of Chattanooga. Tennessee contains more than 60,000 miles of streams and rivers. Tennessee reservoirs span hundreds of thousands of acres. Every year in Tennessee, fishing generates $1.2 billion in economic impact, $112 million in state and local tax revenue, $149 million in federal tax revenue, and supports 7,669 jobs. Boating generates $2 billion in economic impact and supports 23,500 jobs every year in Tennessee. Chickamauga Lake is one of the top three bass fishing lakes in the United States. The Duck River is—mile for mile—the most biologically diverse river in North America and is critical to several endangered mussels species, which are threatened by black carp. More from the Federation about invasive carp $25M Authorized to Erect Asian Carp Barriers on Tennessee, Cumberland Rivers America’s Conservation Enhancement Act Passed! U.S. Senate Candidates Share Their Opinion on Conservation in Tennessee Page 1 of 6 1 2 3 › » More Information General Resources Additional Media Coverage Silver carp Bighead carp Grass carp Black carp Photos by Ryan Hagerty/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers First Name (Optional) Last Name (Optional) ZIP Code (Optional) Enter your email address 300 Orlando Avenue Nashville, Tennessee 37209 (615) 353-1133 © 2021 Tennessee Wildlife Federation Donate for Wildlife Take Action Volunteer for Wildlife Create a Wildlife Habitat Fundraise for Wildlife Programs Media Resources Latest News Contact Privacy We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Cookie settings ACCEPT