In 2025, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks supported the harvest of more than 1.7 million pounds of invasive carp from waterways across the state, according to the department.
The invasive fish compete with native sportfish for food and habitat, threatening local ecosystems. With funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MDWFP supports carp processors and commercial fishermen through the Mississippi Incentivized Carp Program.
Harvested carp are used for human consumption, animal feed, and fertilizer, helping turn a problematic species into a valuable resource. Mississippi residents can help manage the invasive species by purchasing a commercial fishing license. For more information, visit the department’s Aquatic Nuisance Species webpage.
