FISHERIES -- A two-week project to remove non-native carp from Lake Spokane is starting today, Avista officials say.

"Avista is partnering with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the University of Idaho to remove carp from shallow and weedy areas in Lake Spokane," the utility says in a media release.

This effort is being taken to improve water quality in Lake Spokane, since carp stir up bottom sediment in their feeding behavior.  The work will occur between Nine Mile Recreation Area and the McLellan Conservation Area, which is located across from Tumtum.

Different methods of carp removal will be tested, including electrofishing and gill nets, to determine the best one to use for future work. Gill nets will be placed overnight in shallow waters and marked with buoys on each end of the net. Please avoid going between the buoys.  Electrofishing may be conducted both during the day and at night, when fish tend to be closer to shore feeding.  Anyone on or near the lake is likely to see an electrofishing boat with bright lights and may hear generator noise.

The partners tried to start the projects last year but conditions were not conducive, apparently, and the effort was postponed.