Kansas gov., attorney general raise alarm on invasive fish species

TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNT/KSNW) — Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and Attorney General Kris Kobach are joining forces to try to protect the state’s waters from an invasive species of fish.

Kelly and Kobach issued a joint letter Friday to Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen opposing the proposed Platte-Republican interbasin transfer . The pair object to this move because it could damage the state’s fishing activities and native aquatic wildlife.

Nebraska’s plan would divert up to 10,000 acres/ft. from the Platte River into Turkey Creek, which joins the Republican River east of Harlan County Lake in Nebraska and enters northern Kansas. The Audubon Society and other groups sued to prevent the project. However, the Nebraska Supreme Court ruled they had no legal standing because they were not directly harmed by it.

“The proposed Platte-Republican interbasin transfer would severely damage Kansas’ finest fishing and boating destinations,” says Governor Kelly. “Places like Milford Lake are enjoyed by thousands of Kansas and Nebraskans alike. We cannot stand idly by while our state’s critical natural assets are put at risk.”

According to a press release from the Office of the Governor, Nebraska’s Department of Natural Resources is considering the transfer. If the plan goes forward unopposed, it could allow invasive carp species to enter Harlan County Reservoir in Nebraska and Lovewell and Milford Reservoirs in Kansas.

Biologists with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks have already removed thousands of pounds of silver and bighead carp from the Kansas River this year alone. The invasive carp, originally from Asia, take many of the nutrients from the river that the state’s sportfish or native species need to survive.

Although The Invasive carp are currently confined to the Kansas River between Lawrence’s Bowersock Dam and the Kansas City metro area, Nebraska’s plan could allow the species to spread to other waterways in Kansas and Missouri.

“As an avid fisherman, I’m one of thousands of Kansans who enjoy our first-class lakes and waterways for fishing,” says Kobach. “I will use every tool available to keep these invasive species from harming Kansas waters.”

The state shared concerns over this issue with Nebraska when it first considered an identical transfer application in 2018. According to Governor Kelly’s office, the threat of invasive species like silver carp entering the Republican River Basin has only increased since then.

“These species can decimate local fish populations and pose safety hazards for recreationalists in impacted rivers and lakes,” says Acting Secretary Christopher Kennedy with the KDWP. “Efforts in other states to eliminate these carp populations once they’ve established are costly and largely unsuccessful, making prevention critical wherever possible.”

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