The aluminum battery leader’s Elevator Regenerative Power System reclaims wasted power and yields carbon credits with every lift.

KAOHSIUNG, Jan. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — APh ePower, the global leader in commercialized aluminum battery technology, announced today that it has received the prestigious 2025 R&D 100 Award. This honor recognizes the company’s innovative Elevator Regenerative Power System (ERPS), which reimagines one of modern life’s most ubiquitous machines as a high-performance distributed energy-recovery engine. By capturing kinetic energy from every ride, APh ePower provides an industrial-grade solution that bridges the gap between energy efficiency and sustainable asset management.

Elevators generate recoverable energy during two predictable phases: ascending with a light load and descending with a heavy one. The ERPS captures that energy using high-efficiency DC-to-DC converters, achieving over 90% conversion efficiency – and stores it in an ultra-safe aluminum battery capable of rapid charge and discharge.

The result is instant energy recovery and storage, ensuring power is available when needed. This system guarantees continued elevator operation during outages and enhances occupant safety, providing buildings with a level of resilience that traditional systems cannot match.

In April 2025, APh ePower achieved another major milestone: Gold Standard approved the first globally applicable methodology enabling elevator regenerative power systems to generate carbon credits. The methodology defines how regenerative energy savings are quantified and verified, transforming those savings into tradable emission reductions. This approval opens a new pathway for elevator projects within the voluntary carbon market.

The potential impact of ERPS is immense. With over 15 million elevators operating worldwide, APh ePower’s system can cut energy use by more than 40%, unlocking 164 TWh of annual savings—a figure that surpasses the total power consumption of many hyperscale AI data centers. This positions APh ePower at the forefront of industrial decarbonization by creating a significant new stream for carbon credits from verified energy savings.

Gold Standard CEO Margaret Kim praised the technology, stating, “We’re proud to endorse APh ePower’s innovative methodology for harnessing regenerative energy from elevator operations. Such practical application of regenerative energy not only drives down overall consumption but also delivers real, verifiable reductions in carbon emission. This is exactly the kind of scalable, high-integrity solution we champion at Gold Standard.”For APh ePower, elevators are only the first step. The company is currently extending its aluminum-based dynamic storage technology into AI data center backup systems, hybrid mobility platforms, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), robotics, and the infrastructure shaping next-generation smart cities. As global electrification accelerates, aluminum batteries are emerging as an essential pathway for applications requiring rapid charge-discharge performance and enhanced safety. APh ePower’s broader ambition is to redefine how everyday devices capture, store, and monetize energy—turning routine operational dynamics into measurable, financeable gains.

APh ePower’s website: https://www.global.aph-epower.com/

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aph-epower-secures-2025-rd-100-award-for-pioneering-elevator-energy-recovery-302658013.html

SOURCE APh ePower

The aluminum battery leader’s Elevator Regenerative Power System reclaims wasted power and yields carbon credits with every lift.

KAOHSIUNG, Jan. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — APh ePower, the global leader in commercialized aluminum battery technology, announced today that it has received the prestigious 2025 R&D 100 Award. This honor recognizes the company’s innovative Elevator Regenerative Power System (ERPS), which reimagines one of modern life’s most ubiquitous machines as a high-performance distributed energy-recovery engine. By capturing kinetic energy from every ride, APh ePower provides an industrial-grade solution that bridges the gap between energy efficiency and sustainable asset management.

Elevators generate recoverable energy during two predictable phases: ascending with a light load and descending with a heavy one. The ERPS captures that energy using high-efficiency DC-to-DC converters, achieving over 90% conversion efficiency – and stores it in an ultra-safe aluminum battery capable of rapid charge and discharge.

The result is instant energy recovery and storage, ensuring power is available when needed. This system guarantees continued elevator operation during outages and enhances occupant safety, providing buildings with a level of resilience that traditional systems cannot match.

In April 2025, APh ePower achieved another major milestone: Gold Standard approved the first globally applicable methodology enabling elevator regenerative power systems to generate carbon credits. The methodology defines how regenerative energy savings are quantified and verified, transforming those savings into tradable emission reductions. This approval opens a new pathway for elevator projects within the voluntary carbon market.

The potential impact of ERPS is immense. With over 15 million elevators operating worldwide, APh ePower’s system can cut energy use by more than 40%, unlocking 164 TWh of annual savings—a figure that surpasses the total power consumption of many hyperscale AI data centers. This positions APh ePower at the forefront of industrial decarbonization by creating a significant new stream for carbon credits from verified energy savings.

Gold Standard CEO Margaret Kim praised the technology, stating, “We’re proud to endorse APh ePower’s innovative methodology for harnessing regenerative energy from elevator operations. Such practical application of regenerative energy not only drives down overall consumption but also delivers real, verifiable reductions in carbon emission. This is exactly the kind of scalable, high-integrity solution we champion at Gold Standard.”For APh ePower, elevators are only the first step. The company is currently extending its aluminum-based dynamic storage technology into AI data center backup systems, hybrid mobility platforms, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), robotics, and the infrastructure shaping next-generation smart cities. As global electrification accelerates, aluminum batteries are emerging as an essential pathway for applications requiring rapid charge-discharge performance and enhanced safety. APh ePower’s broader ambition is to redefine how everyday devices capture, store, and monetize energy—turning routine operational dynamics into measurable, financeable gains.

APh ePower’s website: https://www.global.aph-epower.com/

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aph-epower-secures-2025-rd-100-award-for-pioneering-elevator-energy-recovery-302658013.html

SOURCE APh ePower

The aluminum battery leader’s Elevator Regenerative Power System reclaims wasted power and yields carbon credits with every lift.

KAOHSIUNG, Jan. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — APh ePower, the global leader in commercialized aluminum battery technology, announced today that it has received the prestigious 2025 R&D 100 Award. This honor recognizes the company’s innovative Elevator Regenerative Power System (ERPS), which reimagines one of modern life’s most ubiquitous machines as a high-performance distributed energy-recovery engine. By capturing kinetic energy from every ride, APh ePower provides an industrial-grade solution that bridges the gap between energy efficiency and sustainable asset management.

Elevators generate recoverable energy during two predictable phases: ascending with a light load and descending with a heavy one. The ERPS captures that energy using high-efficiency DC-to-DC converters, achieving over 90% conversion efficiency – and stores it in an ultra-safe aluminum battery capable of rapid charge and discharge.

The result is instant energy recovery and storage, ensuring power is available when needed. This system guarantees continued elevator operation during outages and enhances occupant safety, providing buildings with a level of resilience that traditional systems cannot match.

In April 2025, APh ePower achieved another major milestone: Gold Standard approved the first globally applicable methodology enabling elevator regenerative power systems to generate carbon credits. The methodology defines how regenerative energy savings are quantified and verified, transforming those savings into tradable emission reductions. This approval opens a new pathway for elevator projects within the voluntary carbon market.

The potential impact of ERPS is immense. With over 15 million elevators operating worldwide, APh ePower’s system can cut energy use by more than 40%, unlocking 164 TWh of annual savings—a figure that surpasses the total power consumption of many hyperscale AI data centers. This positions APh ePower at the forefront of industrial decarbonization by creating a significant new stream for carbon credits from verified energy savings.

Gold Standard CEO Margaret Kim praised the technology, stating, “We’re proud to endorse APh ePower’s innovative methodology for harnessing regenerative energy from elevator operations. Such practical application of regenerative energy not only drives down overall consumption but also delivers real, verifiable reductions in carbon emission. This is exactly the kind of scalable, high-integrity solution we champion at Gold Standard.”For APh ePower, elevators are only the first step. The company is currently extending its aluminum-based dynamic storage technology into AI data center backup systems, hybrid mobility platforms, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), robotics, and the infrastructure shaping next-generation smart cities. As global electrification accelerates, aluminum batteries are emerging as an essential pathway for applications requiring rapid charge-discharge performance and enhanced safety. APh ePower’s broader ambition is to redefine how everyday devices capture, store, and monetize energy—turning routine operational dynamics into measurable, financeable gains.

APh ePower’s website: https://www.global.aph-epower.com/

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aph-epower-secures-2025-rd-100-award-for-pioneering-elevator-energy-recovery-302658013.html

SOURCE APh ePower

The aluminum battery leader’s Elevator Regenerative Power System reclaims wasted power and yields carbon credits with every lift.

KAOHSIUNG, Jan. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — APh ePower, the global leader in commercialized aluminum battery technology, announced today that it has received the prestigious 2025 R&D 100 Award. This honor recognizes the company’s innovative Elevator Regenerative Power System (ERPS), which reimagines one of modern life’s most ubiquitous machines as a high-performance distributed energy-recovery engine. By capturing kinetic energy from every ride, APh ePower provides an industrial-grade solution that bridges the gap between energy efficiency and sustainable asset management.

Elevators generate recoverable energy during two predictable phases: ascending with a light load and descending with a heavy one. The ERPS captures that energy using high-efficiency DC-to-DC converters, achieving over 90% conversion efficiency – and stores it in an ultra-safe aluminum battery capable of rapid charge and discharge.

The result is instant energy recovery and storage, ensuring power is available when needed. This system guarantees continued elevator operation during outages and enhances occupant safety, providing buildings with a level of resilience that traditional systems cannot match.

In April 2025, APh ePower achieved another major milestone: Gold Standard approved the first globally applicable methodology enabling elevator regenerative power systems to generate carbon credits. The methodology defines how regenerative energy savings are quantified and verified, transforming those savings into tradable emission reductions. This approval opens a new pathway for elevator projects within the voluntary carbon market.

The potential impact of ERPS is immense. With over 15 million elevators operating worldwide, APh ePower’s system can cut energy use by more than 40%, unlocking 164 TWh of annual savings—a figure that surpasses the total power consumption of many hyperscale AI data centers. This positions APh ePower at the forefront of industrial decarbonization by creating a significant new stream for carbon credits from verified energy savings.

Gold Standard CEO Margaret Kim praised the technology, stating, “We’re proud to endorse APh ePower’s innovative methodology for harnessing regenerative energy from elevator operations. Such practical application of regenerative energy not only drives down overall consumption but also delivers real, verifiable reductions in carbon emission. This is exactly the kind of scalable, high-integrity solution we champion at Gold Standard.”For APh ePower, elevators are only the first step. The company is currently extending its aluminum-based dynamic storage technology into AI data center backup systems, hybrid mobility platforms, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), robotics, and the infrastructure shaping next-generation smart cities. As global electrification accelerates, aluminum batteries are emerging as an essential pathway for applications requiring rapid charge-discharge performance and enhanced safety. APh ePower’s broader ambition is to redefine how everyday devices capture, store, and monetize energy—turning routine operational dynamics into measurable, financeable gains.

APh ePower’s website: https://www.global.aph-epower.com/

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aph-epower-secures-2025-rd-100-award-for-pioneering-elevator-energy-recovery-302658013.html

SOURCE APh ePower

SHENZHEN, China, Jan. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a global leading provider of integrated information and communication technology solutions, has once again secured an “A” score for climate change from CDP, ranking among the top 4% of companies globally.

This marks the third consecutive year that ZTE has received CDP’s top ranking, making it the only company in mainland China to achieve this distinction for three years running in recent years. The recognition not only underscores strong international acknowledgement of ZTE’s environmental governance and climate action, but also highlights the company’s leadership as an industry pioneer in advancing the global transition toward a low-carbon economy.

CDP, an authoritative international platform for environmental information disclosure, has developed a globally recognized measurement system to assess corporate progress in climate action, transparency, and comprehensive performance. Its scores are widely used to inform investment and procurement decisions. In 2025, over 22,100 companies globally — representing more than half of the world’s market capitalization — disclosed data on climate change, forests, and water security through CDP. Receiving the highest “A” score indicates that a company ranks among the top 4% globally in climate governance, target setting, action effectiveness, and risk management capabilities.

ZTE has deeply integrated green and low-carbon principles into its development strategy, paving “green digital pathway” through four key dimensions — Green Operations, Green Supply Chain, Green Digital Infrastructure, and Green Empowerment — to help various industries accelerate their green transformation.

For Green Operation, ZTE implemented several energy-saving and emission-reduction initiatives, resulting in an absolute electricity savings of 45 million kWh. The company recorded a 13.4% reduction in Scope 1&2 emissions compared to the previous year. Its telecom products saw an 8.39% reduction in physical emissions intensity during the use and maintenance phase, while its terminal products achieved a 5.02% year-on-year reduction in absolute emissions over the entire product lifecycle. ZTE reduced its Scope 1&2&3 carbon emissions by 14.317 million tons in 2024 compared to 2023 levels.

For Green Supply Chain, ZTE has integrated green innovation strategy requirements into supplier management IT systems, including agreement signing, on-site audits, and performance assessments. To date, the company has conducted Corporate Social Responsibility on-site audits for over 450 production suppliers, guided 152 suppliers in completing organizational-level carbon inventories, and assisted 51 suppliers in establishing carbon reduction targets and measures.

For Green Digital Infrastructure, ZTE currently holds over 800 green patents. So far, the company has conducted carbon footprint assessments for 240 products, covering all its product categories. Through its end-to-end green solutions, ZTE continues to help global operators save over 10 billion kWh of electricity annually.

For Green Empowerment, ZTE has integrated cloud and network infrastructure, IoT, big data, AI and other cutting-edge technologies with traditional industries to achieve a win-win outcome of development and emission reduction. The company has partnered with over 2,000 leading industry players to carry out 5G-powered innovative green practices across 18 sectors — including steel, metallurgy, electronics manufacturing, ports, rail transit, mining, and power — pioneering more than 100 innovative application scenarios.

ZTE’s long-term commitment to sustainable development has been consistently recognized. The company has received official approval from the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for its near-term 1.5°C target and long-term net-zero targets, and has also been awarded the Gold Medal by EcoVadis, placing it among the leading 4% of companies assessed worldwide. 

As the member of the UN Global Compact, the Global eSustainability Initiative, and COP29 Green Digital Initiative, ZTE will continue to deepen its role as a “Driver of Digital Economy”, collaborating with global partners and customers to advance towards a green and intelligent future, contributing robust efforts to address global climate change and build a sustainable, better world.

MEDIA INQUIRIES:
ZTE Corporation
Communications
Email: ZTE.press.release@zte.com.cn 

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SOURCE ZTE Corporation

MEXICO CITY, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Grupo Rotoplas, S.A.B. de C.V. (BMV: AGUA*) (“Rotoplas” or “The Company”), leader in water management solutions in the Americas, announces that it has received an “A” rating, the highest possible score, in CDP’s 2025 Climate Change Questionnaire.

This distinction places the Company on CDP’s “A-List”, a group that includes only 4% of the companies assessed globally and just two companies in Mexico this year.

This milestone highlights Rotoplas’ leadership in climate action and reaffirms the strength of its Sustainability Strategy. In addition, the Company obtained an “A-” rating in the Water Security Questionnaire, representing its highest scores to date.

CDP is the world’s leading environmental disclosure platform, with a record participation of more than 22,100 companies globally in the 2025 cycle.
https://cdp.net/es/data/scores 

Investor Relations Contacts

Mariana Fernández

mfernandez@rotoplas.com

María Fernanda Escobar

mfescobar@rotoplas.com

agua@rotoplas.com

About the Company
Grupo Rotoplas S.A.B. de C.V. is America’s leading provider of water solutions, including products and services for storing, piping, improving, treating, and recycling water. With over 45 years of experience in the industry and 18 plants throughout the Americas, Rotoplas is present in 14 countries and has a portfolio that includes 27 product lines, a services platform, and an e-commerce business. Grupo Rotoplas has been listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange (BMV) under the ticker “AGUA” since December 10th, 2014.

Pedregal 24, piso 19, Col. Molino del Rey
Miguel Hidalgo
 C.P. 11040, Ciudad de México
T. +52 (55) 5201 5000
www.rotoplas.com 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cdp-grants-grupo-rotoplas-its-highest-climate-action-rating-302659217.html

SOURCE Grupo Rotoplas S.A.B. de C.V.

MEXICO CITY, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Grupo Rotoplas, S.A.B. de C.V. (BMV: AGUA*) (“Rotoplas” or “The Company”), leader in water management solutions in the Americas, announces that it has received an “A” rating, the highest possible score, in CDP’s 2025 Climate Change Questionnaire.

This distinction places the Company on CDP’s “A-List”, a group that includes only 4% of the companies assessed globally and just two companies in Mexico this year.

This milestone highlights Rotoplas’ leadership in climate action and reaffirms the strength of its Sustainability Strategy. In addition, the Company obtained an “A-” rating in the Water Security Questionnaire, representing its highest scores to date.

CDP is the world’s leading environmental disclosure platform, with a record participation of more than 22,100 companies globally in the 2025 cycle.
https://cdp.net/es/data/scores 

Investor Relations Contacts

Mariana Fernández

mfernandez@rotoplas.com

María Fernanda Escobar

mfescobar@rotoplas.com

agua@rotoplas.com

About the Company
Grupo Rotoplas S.A.B. de C.V. is America’s leading provider of water solutions, including products and services for storing, piping, improving, treating, and recycling water. With over 45 years of experience in the industry and 18 plants throughout the Americas, Rotoplas is present in 14 countries and has a portfolio that includes 27 product lines, a services platform, and an e-commerce business. Grupo Rotoplas has been listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange (BMV) under the ticker “AGUA” since December 10th, 2014.

Pedregal 24, piso 19, Col. Molino del Rey
Miguel Hidalgo
 C.P. 11040, Ciudad de México
T. +52 (55) 5201 5000
www.rotoplas.com 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cdp-grants-grupo-rotoplas-its-highest-climate-action-rating-302659217.html

SOURCE Grupo Rotoplas S.A.B. de C.V.

MEXICO CITY, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Grupo Rotoplas, S.A.B. de C.V. (BMV: AGUA*) (“Rotoplas” or “The Company”), leader in water management solutions in the Americas, announces that it has received an “A” rating, the highest possible score, in CDP’s 2025 Climate Change Questionnaire.

This distinction places the Company on CDP’s “A-List”, a group that includes only 4% of the companies assessed globally and just two companies in Mexico this year.

This milestone highlights Rotoplas’ leadership in climate action and reaffirms the strength of its Sustainability Strategy. In addition, the Company obtained an “A-” rating in the Water Security Questionnaire, representing its highest scores to date.

CDP is the world’s leading environmental disclosure platform, with a record participation of more than 22,100 companies globally in the 2025 cycle.
https://cdp.net/es/data/scores 

Investor Relations Contacts

Mariana Fernández

mfernandez@rotoplas.com

María Fernanda Escobar

mfescobar@rotoplas.com

agua@rotoplas.com

About the Company
Grupo Rotoplas S.A.B. de C.V. is America’s leading provider of water solutions, including products and services for storing, piping, improving, treating, and recycling water. With over 45 years of experience in the industry and 18 plants throughout the Americas, Rotoplas is present in 14 countries and has a portfolio that includes 27 product lines, a services platform, and an e-commerce business. Grupo Rotoplas has been listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange (BMV) under the ticker “AGUA” since December 10th, 2014.

Pedregal 24, piso 19, Col. Molino del Rey
Miguel Hidalgo
 C.P. 11040, Ciudad de México
T. +52 (55) 5201 5000
www.rotoplas.com 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cdp-grants-grupo-rotoplas-its-highest-climate-action-rating-302659217.html

SOURCE Grupo Rotoplas S.A.B. de C.V.

NORRIS, Tenn., Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Tennessee River system — a lifeline of biodiversity, recreation, and commerce — has long faced a pressing ecological challenge: invasive carp. Species like silver carp, bighead carp, black carp and grass carp are non-native and highly prolific. They outcompete native fish for food, alter aquatic ecosystems, and even pose safety risks to boaters when startled they jump powerfully out of the water .

Why Invasive Carp Are a Problem

Invasive carp were introduced decades ago and have since spread throughout much of the Mississippi River basin, including the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers and their reservoirs. These fish reproduce quickly and consume vast amounts of plankton — the foundation of the aquatic food web — which starves native species like bass, crappie, and catfish. Their explosive jumps can also injure boaters and disrupt recreational activities.

“This river ecosystem connects over 652 miles of connected waterways.”  said TRV Stewardship Council Executive Director, Julie Graham   “Unchecked invasive species threaten more than fish populations — they threaten the outdoor recreation, tourism, and quality of life that communities along the Tennessee River depend on.”

Commercial harvest has been one of the most effective tools in suppressing carp populations. Partnering state and federal agencies are removing millions of pounds of invasive carp annually from the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

How Harvest Incentive Programs Work

Harvest incentive programs pay commercial fishers for removing invasive carp from waterways. These programs are crucial because:

  • They reduce carp biomass — lowering competition with native species and improving overall ecosystem health.
  • They support local economies by providing revenue for commercial fishers and processors.
  • They encourage innovation in fishing methods that target invasive species while minimizing bycatch of natives.

2026 Commercial Fishing Incentives in Kentucky

For 2026, Kentucky is stepping up its efforts on two of the Tennessee River system’s largest reservoirs — Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley .

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources recently announced an increase in its commercial fishing incentive for invasive carp. Commercial fishers will now be paid 15 cents a pound for invasive carp harvested from Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley , up from 10 cents per pound in 2025 .

This boost in payment aims to:

  • Maintain harvest pressure on carp populations that continue to threaten native species and aquatic habitats.
  • Encourage commercial fishers to sustain high removal rates , even as carp densities change.
  • Support the local economy , including the sportfishing and tourism industries that depend on healthy waters. Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife

In 2024 alone, fishermen harvested more than 15 million pounds of invasive carp through Kentucky’s program, pushing the total to over 74 million pounds removed since 2013 . Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife

Tools and Techniques Enhancing Carp Control

Beyond financial incentives, managers are employing cutting-edge tools like the BioAcoustic Fish Fence at Barkley Dam. This system uses sound, light, and bubbles to deter carp from migrating upstream, effectively reducing upstream movement by around 50%. Experimental commercial fishing methods and specialized gear are also being tested to increase removal efficiency while protecting native fish.

Looking Ahead

While carp removal is making measurable gains — catch rates and young silver carp detections have declined — these fish remain a formidable invader. Sustained removal efforts, coupled with innovative deterrents and expanded incentive programs like Kentucky’s 2026 bump to $0.15/lb , are critical for protecting the ecological and recreational value of the Tennessee River watershed. Learn more  here .

The Tennessee River Valley Stewardship Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting stewardship, economic vitality, and tourism across the seven-state Tennessee River watershed. The Council works to connect communities and visitors through initiatives that celebrate the region’s diverse landscapes, history, and culture. The Council’s efforts are made possible through the generous support of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/battling-invasive-carp-in-the-tennessee-river-system–new-incentives-for-2026-302659071.html

SOURCE TRV Stewardship Council

NORRIS, Tenn., Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Tennessee River system — a lifeline of biodiversity, recreation, and commerce — has long faced a pressing ecological challenge: invasive carp. Species like silver carp, bighead carp, black carp and grass carp are non-native and highly prolific. They outcompete native fish for food, alter aquatic ecosystems, and even pose safety risks to boaters when startled they jump powerfully out of the water .

Why Invasive Carp Are a Problem

Invasive carp were introduced decades ago and have since spread throughout much of the Mississippi River basin, including the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers and their reservoirs. These fish reproduce quickly and consume vast amounts of plankton — the foundation of the aquatic food web — which starves native species like bass, crappie, and catfish. Their explosive jumps can also injure boaters and disrupt recreational activities.

“This river ecosystem connects over 652 miles of connected waterways.”  said TRV Stewardship Council Executive Director, Julie Graham   “Unchecked invasive species threaten more than fish populations — they threaten the outdoor recreation, tourism, and quality of life that communities along the Tennessee River depend on.”

Commercial harvest has been one of the most effective tools in suppressing carp populations. Partnering state and federal agencies are removing millions of pounds of invasive carp annually from the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

How Harvest Incentive Programs Work

Harvest incentive programs pay commercial fishers for removing invasive carp from waterways. These programs are crucial because:

  • They reduce carp biomass — lowering competition with native species and improving overall ecosystem health.
  • They support local economies by providing revenue for commercial fishers and processors.
  • They encourage innovation in fishing methods that target invasive species while minimizing bycatch of natives.

2026 Commercial Fishing Incentives in Kentucky

For 2026, Kentucky is stepping up its efforts on two of the Tennessee River system’s largest reservoirs — Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley .

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources recently announced an increase in its commercial fishing incentive for invasive carp. Commercial fishers will now be paid 15 cents a pound for invasive carp harvested from Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley , up from 10 cents per pound in 2025 .

This boost in payment aims to:

  • Maintain harvest pressure on carp populations that continue to threaten native species and aquatic habitats.
  • Encourage commercial fishers to sustain high removal rates , even as carp densities change.
  • Support the local economy , including the sportfishing and tourism industries that depend on healthy waters. Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife

In 2024 alone, fishermen harvested more than 15 million pounds of invasive carp through Kentucky’s program, pushing the total to over 74 million pounds removed since 2013 . Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife

Tools and Techniques Enhancing Carp Control

Beyond financial incentives, managers are employing cutting-edge tools like the BioAcoustic Fish Fence at Barkley Dam. This system uses sound, light, and bubbles to deter carp from migrating upstream, effectively reducing upstream movement by around 50%. Experimental commercial fishing methods and specialized gear are also being tested to increase removal efficiency while protecting native fish.

Looking Ahead

While carp removal is making measurable gains — catch rates and young silver carp detections have declined — these fish remain a formidable invader. Sustained removal efforts, coupled with innovative deterrents and expanded incentive programs like Kentucky’s 2026 bump to $0.15/lb , are critical for protecting the ecological and recreational value of the Tennessee River watershed. Learn more  here .

The Tennessee River Valley Stewardship Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting stewardship, economic vitality, and tourism across the seven-state Tennessee River watershed. The Council works to connect communities and visitors through initiatives that celebrate the region’s diverse landscapes, history, and culture. The Council’s efforts are made possible through the generous support of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/battling-invasive-carp-in-the-tennessee-river-system–new-incentives-for-2026-302659071.html

SOURCE TRV Stewardship Council

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