ACD and the Martin Lakers Association are working together this summer to reduce invasive carp populations in Martin Lake through targeted carp harvests. Our first successful harvest of the season took place in late July, with 58 carp removed. Box nets, designed and installed by Carp Solutions, were deployed at two strategic locations on the lake. The carp are gradually conditioned to feed at these box nets using cracked corn as bait.
After a few weeks of developing a feeding routine, the nets were sprung just before a strong storm rolled in. While the ideal time to spring the nets varies depending on when the carp are feeding the most, weather conditions made this earlier timing necessary. The next morning, the carp were herded to one end of the net, manually lifted into a boat, and euthanized using clove oil before being transported to a composting facility. These efforts are part of a larger project aimed at restoring water quality and aquatic health in Martin Lake. For more information contact Brian Clark, Natural Resource Specialist, at