FRANKFORT, Ky. - The Fisheries Division of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources will outline its new Asian carp harvest program during a public meeting set for 7 p.m. (Central) Nov. 15 at the Kentucky Dam Village Convention Center.
Fisheries officials say commercial angling is the best way to help control the expanding Asian carp populations in Kentucky and Barkley lakes. Asian carp can present a hazard to boaters and compete with native fish for food.
Officials will discuss the Asian carp problem and how the harvest program will be implemented. Whether you are a fishing guide, a person wanting to help with the issue, or are just interested in learning about Asian carp, you will want to attend this meeting.
The Asian carp harvest program will include Kentucky Fish and Wildlife observers and trained volunteers whenever commercial anglers are scheduled to fish in normally restricted waters. Observers will monitor Asian carp catch rates and non-target fish catch and disposition at release. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife will post commercial fishing information and data from this program online at fw.ky.gov.
Commercial fishing is the most economic method of removing large quantities of Asian carp from Kentucky and Barkley lakes and their tributaries. This is an opportunity to demonstrate how the commercial fishing industry can work alongside of and co-exist with anglers for the benefit of Kentuckys native fish species.
Everyone interested is invited to attend this meeting. The convention center is located at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park in Gilbertsville.