Invasive silver carp confirmed for first time in SW Minnesota
Two invasive silver carp have been caught in southwestern Minnesota, marking the first confirmed discovery of the jumping fish in that area. They were netted this week only about 120 yards north of the Iowa border on the Ocheyedan River in Nobles County.
The silver carp captured in Minnesota waters was a 28.8 inch male weighing 9.4 pounds.
Invasive carp have been progressing upstream since escaping into the lower Mississippi River in the 1970s. These large fish compete with native species and pose a threat to rivers and lakes.
Nick Frohnauer, invasive fish coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Resources, says the find is interesting but no reason for panic. He says high water probably allowed the fish to enter Minnesota via the stream, which is part of the Missouri River watershed. But he says a dam on Lake Bella stopped them from getting any farther.
(Associated Press, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources)