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Hey Fishermen! DNR will pay $100 for each black carp you catch

Posted at 10:03 AM, Jul 05, 2019
and last updated 2019-07-06 12:06:47-04

EDITOR'S NOTE: A previous version of this story of this story stated black carp feed on mollusks and pose no serious threat to Indiana's mussel population. This story has since been corrected to state black carp feed on mollusks and pose a serious threat to Indiana's mussel population.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is offering $100 "bounty" for each black carp caught and turned over to them as the invasive species gets closer to Indiana waters.

The Indiana DNR says two black carp were captured in the Ohio River about 10 miles downstream from the state line. Black carp are native to eastern Asia and were brought to the United States in the 1970s and 1980s.

Black carp feed on mollusks and pose a serious threat to Indiana's mussel populations, according to Indiana DNR.

Although it is possible to catch black carp on traditional baits, bowfishing anglers are more likely to encounter them, according to Indiana DNR . Black carp look similar to grass carp.

If you have caught a suspected black carp, take the following steps:

  • Keep the fish and make note of its location.
  • Cool the fish on ice once you have killed it.
  • Call the DNR at 1-866-663-9684 to report the fish.

The Indiana DNR is offering a $100 bounty per black carp carcass if properly kept.

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