North Dakota Game and Fish Department officials are investigating a silver carp caught near LaMoure from the James River. The silver carp is an invasive species that causes damage to fish habitat and is known for jumping into the air in front of boaters and skiers.
"We know that one fish has been caught," said Brandon Kratz fisheries biologist for Game and Fish at Jamestown. "We'll know more after we do electro fishing to determine the concentration."
Kratz said the electro fishing involves using electric shock to stun the fish which would then float to the surface where they could be netted and identified. The process is scheduled for later this week depending on weather and personnel availability.
Silver carp have been reported in South Dakota but this is the first confirmed case in North Dakota. Kratz said Game and Fish routinely monitors the James River for the silver carp and other invasive species.
Kratz speculated that the high water in the James River this summer may have made it easier for the silver carp to migrate upstream.
