Colorado Parks and Wildlife recently announced the discovery of 14 bighead carp in Jack B. Tomlinson Park in Arvada, Colorado, thanks to a tip from a local angler. The fish, which were all over three feet long and the heaviest weighing 46 pounds, are not native to Colorado and are known to negatively impact the ecosystem by competing with native species for food sources. The CPW aquatic biologists retrieved the fish from the pond and checked a nearby body of water connected by a culvert for any other invasive species.
The bighead carp, part of the Asian carp family, were introduced in 1992 as part of a national study to reduce pond algae, but even after being removed in 1995, the species persisted in the waters of Colorado. According to the CPW Invasive Species Program Manager Robert Walters, bighead carp are filter feeders with large appetites that can grow to incredible sizes, posing a threat to native species in both small and large bodies of water. The CPW highlighted the importance of reporting any strange sightings to ensure the preservation of the local ecosystem and aquatic health.
The CPW Northeast Region Public Information Officer Kara Van Hoose emphasized the significance of anglers reporting unusual findings while fishing, as the presence of invasive species like bighead carp can have a detrimental impact on the environment. Van Hoose noted that bighead carp had outcompeted other species in the pond, negatively affecting its overall aquatic health. Despite the seriousness of the situation, the CPW added a touch of humor to the discovery by joking about “many Jaws jokes” being made in response to the incident.
Following the discovery of the bighead carp, CPW expressed gratitude to the angler who provided the tip that led to the recovery of the invasive fish. CPW District Wildlife Manager for Westminster and Arvada, Philip Sorensen, emphasized the importance of public involvement in reporting invasive species in their neighborhoods to prevent further damage to the local ecosystem. The CPW encouraged anglers to remain vigilant and report any unusual findings to preserve the balance of native species and aquatic health in Colorado waters.
The detection and removal of the bighead carp in Jack B. Tomlinson Park serve as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by invasive species in natural habitats. The CPW’s efforts to address the presence of these fish underscore the importance of community engagement in conservation and protection of local ecosystems. By working together to identify and report invasive species, individuals can contribute to the preservation of native wildlife and maintain the ecological balance in Colorado’s waters.
