Digital Media Center
Bryant-Denny Stadium, Gate 61
920 Paul Bryant Drive
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0370
(800) 654-4262

© 2024 Alabama Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Spread of jumping carp believed to be limited in Alabama

jumping carp
nps.gov

 

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Conservation officials say they believe that an invasive fish species famous for jumping at boaters hasn't spread into most Alabama waters. 

A release by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources says silver carp were first found in state waters about five years ago. But so far studies have shown the species is limited mainly to north Alabama's Pickwick and Wheeler reservoirs.

Online videos show silver carp jumping around and into boats when startled. But they've also done damage to waterways in Tennessee and Kentucky.

The fish consume lots of plankton and break up the food chain for other, more desirable species.

The Associated Press is one of the largest and most trusted sources of independent newsgathering, supplying a steady stream of news to its members, international subscribers and commercial customers. AP is neither privately owned nor government-funded; instead, it's a not-for-profit news cooperative owned by its American newspaper and broadcast members.
Related Content
News from Alabama Public Radio is a public service in association with the University of Alabama. We depend on your help to keep our programming on the air and online. Please consider supporting the news you rely on with a donation today. Every contribution, no matter the size, propels our vital coverage. Thank you.