Prussian carp confirmed in Sylvan Lake

An invasive fish species has been detected in Sylvan Lake, prompting warnings from provincial officials. Testing has verified that Prussian carp are now present in the lake, marking an expansion of the species' range across Alberta.

Prussian carp, similar to goldfish, are native to Europe and Asia and first appeared in Alberta in the early 2000s. The fish reproduce quickly, have a highly adaptable diet, and thrive in poor water quality — giving them a competitive advantage that allows them to outcompete native species. It is unknown exactly how the carp were introduced to Alberta, though a "goldfish" release by a person is suspected.

Alberta was the first jurisdiction in North America to confirm Prussian carp, and the species has since spread to Saskatchewan through shared waterways. The carp have been confirmed in the Bow, North Saskatchewan, Oldman, Red Deer, Rosebud and South Saskatchewan river watersheds.

Provincial officials are urging anglers to kill any Prussian carp they catch and report sightings to the government's aquatic invasive species hotline. Monique Johnson, the Town of Sylvan Lake's environmental services manager, emphasized that reporting is critical. "Removal becomes very treacherous, very hard, very difficult. What the focus is now is the education," she said. One fisherman reported pulling about 10 of the fish from the water near Marina Bay Park this spring.