The Ocean Shores Advisory Board spent a large portion of its meeting discussing plans to capture and test invasive carp in local waterways. Board members and residents described a staged approach: attract carp with bait, collect fish for testing and work with Fish and Wildlife to determine origin and sterility. Board member (Speaker 6) explained a baiting method: “kernel corn, it says to boil it on the stove, it releases some, and then…so it attracts,” and said the technique is intended to draw fish for sampling rather than for consumption.

Board member (Speaker 2) told the group he would freeze any carp caught and transport them for lab testing, saying, “I’ll run them up to Olympia.” Members discussed night operations and chumming, and several asked whether special exemptions from the mayor or other city approvals would be needed if certain capture methods are restricted. Presiding member (Speaker 1) said the board would check with city staff (Marcia was identified as a contact) before taking action to avoid creating legal risk for residents.

Speakers also discussed outreach and funding models. Presiding member (Speaker 1) described Moses Lake carp tournaments and a Facebook group, Bo Fishers of Washington, which charges participant fees and attracts vendors; the board considered whether a similar event could help remove carp while generating revenue and community engagement. Members emphasized that any organized removal must comply with state regulations and Fish and Wildlife guidance; Fish and Wildlife representatives were reported to have offered to participate in night operations and testing.

The board did not adopt a formal policy at the meeting but agreed to follow up with the mayor’s office, Fish and Wildlife, and city staff on legal permission for capture methods, logistics for freezing and transporting fish for testing, and potential event planning. The group also agreed to coordinate a site inspection and to avoid actions likely to place private residents at legal risk.