Maryland Removed 13,500 Pounds of Invasive Catfish
State biologists cleared invasive blue catfish from four major rivers during a summer 2026 monitoring effort.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Aquariums
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Maryland officials removed more than 13,500 pounds of invasive blue catfish from state waterways during the summer of 2026. The effort was part of the annual Tidal Catfish Monitoring Survey conducted by the Department of Natural Resources.
Why it matters
The initiative helps the Department of Natural Resources track population changes of invasive blue catfish in local rivers. Monitoring these populations is essential for managing the impact of the species on the state's native aquatic ecosystems.
Biologists sampled 60 sites across the Nanticoke, Patuxent, Potomac, and Sassafras rivers to collect data. The project successfully removed over 13,500 pounds of invasive blue catfish from these tidal systems.
The players
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
This state agency is responsible for preserving, protecting, and managing the state's natural resources and public lands.
U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
This federal agency works to protect the health and value of American agriculture and natural resources.
The details
State biologists utilized low-frequency electrofishing to stun the catfish for collection at 60 specific sites. The department collaborated with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and local commercial fishermen, who operated as chase boats during the survey and harvesting operations.
Timeline
The Tidal Catfish Monitoring Survey was conducted throughout the summer of 2026.
The Department of Natural Resources announced the completion of the survey on September 30, 2026.
Culture Shift
The effort reflects a broader movement toward aggressive, evidence-based management of invasive species in local waterways. As these predators disrupt ecological balance, state programs are increasingly integrating commercial partnerships to manage population sizes.
The program helps stabilize local fish populations, which may eventually support more balanced recreational fishing opportunities. Residents may notice more commercial fishing activity in the Nanticoke, Patuxent, Potomac, and Sassafras rivers as these collection efforts continue.
The takeaway
Proactive population monitoring is the most effective way to curb the spread of invasive species in regional watersheds. Local efforts to remove thousands of pounds of catfish provide a necessary buffer to protect the health of native marine environments.
Further reading
For more on aquatic life management in the state, visit Aquariums.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Bay Net.
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