The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has launched a new Invasive Carp Harvest Permit, authorizing commercial fishers to remove invasive carp from the Wabash River. The program, announced in early 2026, aims to reduce the population of species like silver and bighead carp, which threaten native fish and ecosystems.
According to the DNR, the permit allows for the harvest of invasive carp using specific commercial fishing gear. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to manage invasive species in Indiana's waterways, where these carp outcompete native species for food and habitat.
The DNR states that the harvested carp can be sold for human consumption, bait, or other commercial products. The program is designed to create an economic incentive for removal while aiding conservation efforts. Similar permit programs have been used in other states along the Mississippi River basin.
Officials emphasize that the permit does not apply to recreational anglers and is strictly regulated to prevent the spread of carp to new areas. The DNR will monitor the program's impact on carp populations and the health of native fish species in the Wabash River.
