Officials view scientific method of removing Asian carp from Kentucky Lake

Kentucky Press News Service

Grand Rivers — Federal, state and local officials gathered at Pisgah Bay Monday to observe first-hand an experimental research method to address the Asian carp population at Kentucky Lake.

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources along with the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, Tennessee Valley Authority and other partners have participated in a month-long Modified Unified Method designed to remove larger numbers of Asian carp from two embayments at Kentucky Lake.

The Modified Unified Method has been successful at removing large numbers of Asian carp from waters in Illinois and Missouri. The effort at Kentucky Lake is on a larger scale and represents the first test of the method on a U.S. reservoir larger than 500 acres.

“I am honored to join together with our federal, state and local partners to see first-hand the fish and wildlife research efforts taking place at Kentucky Lake to address the Asian carp population,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “Recreational fishing pours more than $1 billion each year into the state’s $11 billion tourism industry. Today’s efforts illustrate our commitment to ensuring Kentucky’s tourism industry and local economies can continue to thrive from the booming recreational fishing industry.”

The Modified Unified Method test is the latest development in the ongoing effort to reduce Asian carp numbers in Kentucky. In November, a three-year $7 million experimental bio-acoustic fish fence was activated across the entrance to the lock chamber below Barkley Dam. The underwater barrier uses sound, lights and bubbles to steer fish away from the lock – and access to Lake Barkley.

Sen. Mitch McConnell was instrumental in securing increased federal funding for Kentucky and other states in the Mississippi River basin to maintain Asian carp population and prevent the spread into additional waterways.