Legislation that would help combat the Asian Carp infestation in Kentucky and Barkley lakes has made its way to President Trump’s desk following House passage Tuesday night.
The Natural Resources Management Act includes a provision calling for federal agencies to develop plans to reduce or eliminate invasive species populations, like Asian Carp, which have had an adverse impact on tourism in the Lakes Region.
The measure requires agencies to develop cost effective measures to combat the invasive species and it ensures funding is directed to on-the-ground activities in impacted communities, like those surrounding Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake.
Marshall County Judge-Executive Kevin Neal is quoted in a news release as saying, “Our community has been greatly impacted by the War on Carp for years and this is the type of legislation that will help continue our efforts.”
He and Lyon County Judge-Executive Wade White praised Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for his support of the Natural Resources Management Act.
Senator McConnell says, “Fishing is a multi-billion dollar industry in Kentucky, pumping an estimated $1.2 billion into the Western Kentucky economy alone. Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley are popular fishing areas that are being threatened by the existence and the spread of Asian Carp, and we must protect them.”
The non-native species presents a danger to boaters when they jump out of the water when agitated by the noise of engines. They also endanger native fish by diminishing their food supply.