Minnesota DNR: Invasive Carp DNA Tests Encouraging

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Minnesota conservation officials are encouraged by the results of testing for invasive carp in the Mississippi River near Winona.

The Department of Natural Resources says out of 500 samples taken in August from three pools along Minnesota's southeastern border, one indicated "only a small presence" of evidence of invasive carp DNA.

DNR invasive fish coordinator Nick Frohnauer says the lone, positive result for bighead carp "appears to support historical, physical catch evidence" of low numbers of invasive carp in this stretch of the river.

Reports say the positive sample detected environmental DNA and came from the river near Winona. The DNA does not prove the existence of carp, but it indicates genetic material that may have come from a live carp or been brought by a boat.