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Maryland DNR Asking Fishermen To Catch And Kill Invasive Catfish

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- It seems two invasive species of catfish are taking over Maryland waterways and now the Department of Natural Resources wants area fishermen to kill them.

RELATED: Maryland's invasive crab species -- the Chinese mitten crab

DNR is asking fishermen to remove and kill any blue and flathead catfish rather than catch and release them. Officials say the species of catfish "pose a serious long-term threat to our native species."

flathead catfish
Courtesy: Maryland DNR

In Maryland, it's illegal to transport the live blue and flathead catfish to another body of water. People can be fined up to $2,500 for doing so. To report an illegal transport, contact Natural Resources police at 800-628-9944.

For more information on species of catfish found in Maryland, click here.

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