The South Dakota response to the invasive carp threat includes a combination of research, regulation, and public awareness efforts. Researchers at South Dakota State University are actively working to understand and mitigate the impact of invasive carp on South Dakota's ecosystems. They are studying how these fish affect native fish populations and exploring ways to prevent their spread. Research areas include studying fish movement, assessing the risk of establishment in uninvaded waters, and assessing flood risk and how flooding could allow invasive carp to spread around current barriers.

Regulations have been established to prevent the spread of invasive carp, including prohibitions on possessing, transporting, selling, purchasing, or propagating live invasive carp. Anglers are reminded to follow these regulations to help combat the spread of invasive carp. South Dakota regulations specifically permit the possession of dead specimens for transport or processing.

Public awareness is also a key component of the response. Anglers are encouraged to report any sightings of silver or bighead carp outside of designated rivers to Tanner Davis (tanner.davis@state.sd.us), Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator. Boaters need to ensure that their boats are clean and free of invasive species. The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks is actively involved in monitoring and managing the invasive carp population to protect the state's natural resources.