Kansas River removes 100,000 pounds of invasive carp over three years

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks reports about 109,000 pounds of Asian carp were removed from the Kansas River between 2022 and 2025, with 2025 the highest year at 36,863 pounds.

Wildlife biologists with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks have removed roughly 109,000 pounds of invasive Asian carp from the Kansas River since organized efforts began in 2022. The program recorded its largest single-year total in 2025, when crews removed 36,863 pounds. Officials say the removals aim to protect native fish and reduce risks to boaters. Removal methods include electrofishing, gill nets and a specialized electrified dozer trawl, and in 2025 crews extended operations about 15 miles downstream while the Bowersock Dam continues to limit upstream movement. Key details: - Approximately 109,000 pounds removed from 2022–2025, reaching a 100,000-pound milestone at the end of 2025. - Annual removal totals were 25,339 pounds (2022), 25,949 pounds (2023), 21,649 pounds (2024) and 36,863 pounds (2025). - The campaign targets silver, bighead and black carp, which were introduced decades ago for aquaculture and later spread through Midwestern waterways. - Methods reported include electrofishing, gill nets and an electrified dozer trawl that stuns and collects carp as boats move through infested waters. - In August 2025 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced nearly $19 million for invasive carp management across 18 Mississippi River basin states. Summary: The removals are reported to reduce competition with native fish and to lower risks associated with jumping silver carp. KDWP plans to continue year-round removal work and may expand operations as research and funding allow. Regional funding announced in 2025 supports broader removal, monitoring and prevention projects.