Serine
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) is encouraging anglers to help control the spread of invasive black carp by offering a $100 reward for each confirmed catch. Recreational fishers, including bowfishers, are eligible to earn up to $1,000 per month by reporting up to ten black carp catches.
“Anyone who catches a black carp while fishing recreationally can qualify, but they must follow specific steps to receive payment,” said Erika Sarvela, ODWC’s Invasive Carp Biologist.
Steps to Secure the Bounty
To qualify for the reward, anglers must first ensure the fish is a black carp, an invasive species that must not be released back into the water. The fish should be humanely killed and stored on ice, as transporting live invasive carp is illegal in Oklahoma.
Anglers are required to document the following:
- Exact catch location, preferably with GPS coordinates
- Type of gear and bait used
- Habitat details, such as water depth, temperature, and current
Additionally, clear photos of the fish’s head, mouth, and total length must be taken for identification purposes. All documentation and images should be emailed to Erika Sarvela at erika.sarvela@odwc.ok.gov.
Why Black Carp Are a Threat
Black carp are considered highly invasive, posing a threat to native species by feeding on mussels and snails, many of which are crucial to the aquatic ecosystem. The species is currently spreading throughout the Mississippi River Basin, and efforts to track and limit its spread are ongoing.
The “Keep, Cool, Call” program, developed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and Tetra Tech, began in Illinois and has since expanded. In Oklahoma, it now includes the Arkansas, Red, and White river basins, all of which connect to the Mississippi River.
ODWC Urges Reporting of All Invasive Carp Species
Although the bounty only applies to black carp, ODWC still encourages anglers to report any invasive carp species caught in Oklahoma.
“We have species identification resources on our website to help anglers tell the difference between various types of invasive carp,” Sarvela noted.
This helps the department monitor and manage the presence of these ecologically damaging species, even when there is no cash reward.
The black carp bounty is more than just a financial incentive—it’s a call to action for anglers across Oklahoma to play a vital role in preserving local waterways.
By catching, reporting, and documenting black carp, fishermen can help safeguard native species, contribute to statewide conservation efforts, and earn a reward while doing so.