Nebraska’s Water Transfer Plan Could Introduce Invasive Carp to Kansas Reservoirs

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Written By Blue & Gold NLR Team

 

 

Silver Carp, a type of invasive Asian carp, have been causing problems in the Fox River and are also present in the Platte River. There’s concern that if Nebraska’s Platte-Republican water transfer is approved, these carp could invade Kansas fishing lakes.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and Attorney General Kris Kobach have teamed up to oppose Nebraska’s plan to divert water from the Platte River to the Republican River Basin, which flows into Kansas. They argue that this could introduce the invasive carp species to key Kansas reservoirs, leading to significant ecological and economic damage.

The transfer plan is under review by Nebraska’s Department of Natural Resources. Kansas officials first raised concerns about a similar plan in 2018, but the Nebraska Supreme Court cleared legal objections to the current proposal in October 2023.

In a letter to Nebraska’s Governor Jim Pillen, Kelly and Kobach urged reconsideration of the transfer, warning of the immediate threat it poses to the Republican River Basin in both states. They emphasized the risk to Kansas’ popular fishing and boating spots, like Milford Lake, which attract thousands of visitors.

Invasive carp species, such as silver and bighead carp, are known to disrupt aquatic ecosystems by outcompeting native fish for food and habitat. They also pose safety risks to boaters, as they tend to leap out of the water when startled.

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Acting Secretary Christopher Kennedy highlighted the importance of preventing these carp from entering Kansas waters. The department has been actively removing thousands of pounds of carp from the Kansas River this year to protect local fish populations and maintain safe, enjoyable waterways.

 

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