The carp removal project for Lake Mattamuskeet concluded at the end of February 2026, and a detailed Technical Report is now available.
A four-page summary of the report is also available. Key findings of the report include: most fish are older than previously thought (96% are over 10 years old), the fish are unhealthy, and there has been virtually no reproduction in recent years. The 2025 population estimates are much lower than those from 2018, which explains why fewer fish were removed than expected. About 18,000 lbs. of carp were taken out during the contract period. The results indicate our ultimate goal of reducing the population below the ecological threshold has been achieved. Data shows that carp are not currently a major factor affecting lake health.
