Asian Carp Spreading Near East Tennessee

AV's Intern Team | August 9, 2018

Three species of Asian carp (from top: bighead carp, silver carp, and grass carp) captured on the Missouri River floodplain. Photo by Colby Wrasse, courtesy of US Fish and Wildlife Service

Asian carp, an invasive species originally brought to the United States in the 1970s for aquaculture purposes, could be spreading to East Tennessee’s part of the Tennessee River. Evidence of Asian carp was found in Chickamauga Lake northeast of Chattanooga, according to Chattanooga News Channel 9.

There are four types of Asian carp in the state: bighead, silver, black and grass carp. Each type can change the food web of the area they have invaded. Silver carp, which travel in large quantities, are of special concern because they jump out of the water when scared, potentially injuring boaters or recreationists. — By Sara Crouch