Invasive fish species in Pocomoke River incites fishing tournament

MARYLAND – Many fish have invaded our waterways and are destroying our Indigenous species, and the Worcester County Chamber of Commerce is trying to save the native fish species.

For the first time in the Pocomoke River, a Fishing Tournament will help rid the waters of two invasive fish species, the Blue Catfish and the Snakehead. Kerrie Bunting is the President of the Worcester County Chamber of Commerce. She says this is an effort to save some of the Bass and other native fish.

“All of our rivers and the Chesapeake Bay have been infected with invasive species… They’re so prolific, and they are voracious eaters, so they are taking away the habitat and the food for all of our other species… The blue catfish is definitely in the Pocomoke, and these guys get up to 100 pounds, you can imagine how much they are eating.”

Bunting says they are working hard to make a difference in our environment, and they encourage residents to come fish and make a difference. They say they are excited for the Fishing Tournament on June 22nd, and they will even be giving out cash prizes, and the fish is a yummy bonus! “The state is very active with trying to get anglers to go after these species and let them know how tasty they are.”