Invasive carp pose a major threat to the environment, the economy, public health, and national security of the United States. Citizen Carp Control urges policy makers to prioritize invasive carp control as a matter of bipartisan concern and take urgent action to prevent and control their spread.
- Invasive carp threaten the ecological integrity and biodiversity of the Great Lakes and southern waterways, which provide valuable ecosystem services and support a rich diversity of native fish and wildlife. Invasive carp can disrupt food webs, degrade water quality, alter habitats, and transmit diseases to native species.
- Invasive carp pose a serious risk to the $7 billion recreational and commercial fishing industry in the Great Lakes region, which supports more than 75,000 jobs and millions of anglers. Invasive carp can out-compete native fish for food and space, reducing their abundance and diversity. Invasive carp can also damage fishing gear and equipment and lower the numbers and market value of native fish.
- Invasive carp can harm public health and safety by affecting water supply, recreation, and tourism. Invasive carp can contaminate drinking water sources with their waste and pathogens, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. Invasive carp can also interfere with boating, swimming, and other water-based activities by jumping out of the water and injuring people or damaging vessels.
Policy makers must recognize invasive carp as a major issue affecting all of us. By working together, we can protect our natural resources, our economy, our health, and our security from the threat of invasive carp.
Citizen Carp Control™ 
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