Texas offers $100 for invasive black carp

By Sohail Khan 8 September 2026, 10:22 pm

Benchmarks
Nifty23,635.10-144.06

Precious Metal
Gold (MCX) (Rs/10g.)152,659.00-159.0

Enter search text:

Business News›News›International›Global Trends›Texas will pay you $100 for catching this invasive fish as officials warn anglers to ‘Keep, Cool, Call’

Read Today's Paper

Texas will pay you $100 for catching this invasive fish as officials warn anglers to ‘Keep, Cool, Call’
Synopsis

Texas is offering anglers $100 for every invasive black carp caught and reported as part of a multi-state research effort. Anyone who believes they have caught a black carp is being urged to follow the “Keep, Cool, Call” procedure. Here’s why the fish is a concern for freshwater mussels and what anglers should do if they catch one.

Texas will pay you $100 for catching this invasive fish as officials warn anglers to ‘Keep, Cool, Call’<br> — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department lists black carp, which belong to the genus Mylopharyngodon, among prohibited exotic aquatic species (AI generated)

Texas is offering anglers $100 for every invasive black carp they catch and submit as part of a multi-state programme aimed at learning more about the species and tracking its spread through the Mississippi River basin.

The bounty is part of a research effort led by the Invasive Carp Regional Coordinating Committee (ICRCC). Participating fishers can receive $100 per black carp, with up to 10 reimbursements available each month.

The unusual programme is not simply about removing fish from waterways. Scientists are looking for specimens because relatively little is known about black carp in North America, including their distribution, growth, reproduction, movements and feeding habits.

Why black carp are raising concerns

Black carp are bottom-dwelling fish that feed primarily on freshwater mussels and snails. That diet is a major reason scientists are concerned about their potential spread.

The ICRCC identifies freshwater mussels as the most imperilled group of animals in North America. Understanding where black carp are present and what they are eating can therefore help fisheries managers assess potential risks to native aquatic species.

Texas already classifies black carp as an exotic aquatic species that is harmful or potentially harmful.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department lists black carp, which belong to the genus Mylopharyngodon, among prohibited exotic aquatic species.

ALSO READ: Kentucky mother, 82, rejects $26 million for family farm as AI data center plans advance

Black carp have been found in eight states

Black carp have been captured in waters involving eight states: Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee.

Reported captures have occurred primarily in portions of the lower Mississippi River, Illinois River and Ohio River.

Texas has not been listed among the states where captures have been recorded under the programme. However, the species' presence in neighbouring portions of the Mississippi River basin has made monitoring and early detection important.

Black carp are bottom-dwelling fish that feed primarily on freshwater mussels and snails.

Texas is among 27 state agencies participating in the bounty programme.

The programme covers the Mississippi River basin and its sub-basins, allowing researchers to gather information across a large interconnected network of waterways.

What scientists want to learn

Researchers are using submitted black carp to build a clearer picture of the species in North America.

The information being collected includes:

Age and growth
Distribution
Abundance
Diet
Reproduction
Habitat use
Movement patterns

Because black carp spend much of their time near the riverbed, detecting them can be difficult. That makes reports from anglers particularly valuable to fisheries officials.

Fishers are being told to ‘Keep, Cool, Call’

Anyone who believes they have caught a black carp is being urged to follow the “Keep, Cool, Call” procedure.

First, keep the fish rather than releasing it. Anglers should record the location where it was caught and take photographs of the fish, particularly its head, mouth and total length.

They should also record details about the fishing gear and bait used.

If possible, information about the surrounding habitat can also help, including water depth, temperature, flow and the type of riverbed or substrate.

The fish should then be humanely killed and kept cold on ice or in a freezer.

Anglers should contact their state fisheries agency immediately and provide photographs, contact information, the capture location and details about the fishing conditions.

Black carp can be confused with other fish

Correct identification is important because several native and non-native fish can look similar to black carp.

Black carp generally have a long, narrow head, dark colouring ranging from black to blue-grey and a nearly straight lateral line, with a slight curve through the body.

Other species that can potentially be mistaken for black carp include grass carp, common carp, blue suckers and buffalo species.

That is why officials recommend using identification guidance before reporting a suspected black carp.

Why Texas anglers should pay attention

The $100 bounty is ultimately about early detection.

Texas is not currently among the states where black carp captures have been recorded under the programme, but its waterways are connected to a much larger river system where the invasive fish has already been documented.

For researchers, every confirmed specimen can provide another piece of information about where black carp are moving and how they are adapting.

For anglers, that means a fish that might initially look like an unusual catch could be important to fisheries research — and potentially worth $100.

The key message from officials is simple: if you think you've caught a black carp, keep it, keep it cold and call the appropriate state fisheries agency immediately.

Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source
Add Now!

(You can now subscribe to our WhatsApp channel)

(You can now subscribe to our WhatsApp channel)

Read More News on
Texasblack carpinvasive fish$100 bountyTexas anglersinvasive speciesfreshwater musselsMississippi River basinICRCCKeep Cool Call

Enter search text:

Continue reading with one of these options:
Limited Access
Free
Login to get access to some exclusive stories

& personalised newsletters
Login Now

Unlimited Access
Starting @ Rs120/month
Get access to exclusive stories, expert opinions &

in-depth stock reports
Subscribe Now

Unlock Access to All Exclusives with ETPrime FREE TRIAL

15 Days Free: Unlock All ETPrime Exclusives, Market Tools & ePapers

Trial offer expiring in00 : 05 : 00

I'd rather pay ₹2599 now

Uh-oh! This is an exclusive story available for selected readers only.

Worry not. You’re just a step away.

Prime Account Detected!

It seems like you're already an ETPrime member with

Log out of your current logged-in account and log in again using your ET Prime credentials to enjoy all member benefits.

Unlock ETPrime's Exclusive Stories Today!

Subscribe to gain powerful insights on business, stock market and industry trends.

Big Price Drop! Flat 40% Off

Student Only Offer

Already a Member? Sign In now

Already a Member? Sign In now
Already a Member? Sign In now

Offer Exclusively For You

Save up to Rs. 700/-

ON ET PRIME MEMBERSHIP

Avail Offer

Offer Exclusively For You

Get 1 Year Free

With 1 and 2-Year ET prime membership

Avail Offer

Offer Exclusively For You

Get 1 Year Free

With 1 and 2-Year ET prime membership

Avail Offer

Offer Exclusively For You

Get Flat 40% Off

Then ₹ 1749 for 1 year

Avail Offer

Offer Exclusively For You

ET Prime at ₹ 49 for 1 month

Then ₹ 1749 for 1 year

Avail Offer

Special Offer

Get flat 40% off on ETPrime

Avail Offer
Avail Offer

Claim NowAlready a Member? Sign In now

Need Assistance?

Connect with an ETPrime expert for personalized support and guidance

+91 9484700004

' + h3 + '

' + h4 + '

' + listing + '

What’s Included with

ETPrime Membership

1Exclusive Insights That Matter

Uncover the truth with our investigative stories

Make strategic moves using the real-world case studies

Read industry-specific stories to identify emerging trends

Spot opportunities with in-depth insights that matter

Trump temper on H-1B visas is forcing Indians to do these things to stay put in US

What Adani’s US indictment means for India Inc’s overseas fundraising
Why veterans like Reliance, L&T are on acquisition spree? Aswath Damodaran has an answer.

Will China’s dollar bond sale in Saudi Arabia trump the US in financial world?
Huawei launches its own OS to compete with Google and Apple. But can it win beyond China?

The problem with lab grown diamonds
Why a falling rupee is a better option for the economy

A list of top 20 momentum stocks that have delivered massive returns in one year