Tennessee state officials are prepared to offer $100 for each tagged white bass caught in an effort to reduce the population of this invasive species in the wild.
White bass are disrupting the ecosystem in Tennessee. (Photo: AOL).
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is offering a $100 reward for each tagged fish or those with a tag on their upper jaw, which were attached to 1,000 white bass by local fisheries. If a tagged fish is caught, the angler must keep the tag and contact the TWRA fisheries office using the number on the identification accessory. Authorities will then require additional information about where and how the fish was caught. If an angler catches an untagged white bass, the TWRA urges them to freeze or ice it and contact the agency immediately.
According to the Tennessean, white bass are one of the four common invasive fish species in Tennessee. This aquatic species feeds on plankton, which is a vital food source for many native fish species in the state. They can weigh up to 60 pounds and pose a danger to fishermen and boaters when they leap out of the water.
White bass, native to China, are disrupting the local ecosystem. Therefore, authorities emphasize that anglers should not release white bass back into the water if caught. Similar programs are being implemented in other areas. In New South Wales, Australia, the annual Namoi Carp Muster rewards those who catch the most or the largest carp. In Florida, divers in the Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Festival compete to catch the most lionfish for prizes. Lionfish are known to prey on native fish and reproduce prolifically.
Disruption of ecosystems in waterways can lead to a chain reaction, causing declines in certain species that upset the natural balance, thus reducing food sources for communities living near water. This is why strict control of invasive species is crucial.
