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The Carp are Coming! The Carp are Coming!

"Asian carp are like cockroaches. If you find one, you likely have a much larger problem on your hands." - Thom Cmar of the Natural Resources Defense Council

Asian_carp_jumpingAn electric fish barrier and a $1.5 million defense program stood no chance against the Asian carp, an invasive fish species that fishery managers and fishermen have been patiently awaiting, and dreading. The fish was discovered by a man hired to do periodic fish samplings. It was caught about 6 miles downstream from Lake Michigan in Lake Calumet on June 22nd  (20 miles closer than the previous carp catch), causing a frenzy of commotion around the Great Lakes. Local politicians, amo  ng others, have been encouraging the shutting down of a navigation lock to avoid the fish from entering Lake Michigan, but the courts have declined.

The plan is to continue with sampling via netting and electrofishing while still discussing with the government how to prevent more Asian carp from entering the area. According to Journal Sentenial, “federal officials say they will do their best to keep it business-as-usual for the barges, tour boats and recreational boat owners who use the navigation locks to move between the waterways and Lake Michigan.”

It should be noted that some officials say the carp may not have entered due to a breach in the navigation lock. The very well could have been planted by individuals, which has happened in Lake Calumet in the past. In this case, they may not be traveling into the Great Lakes just yet. This is a best case scenario. Some biologists say it would take a significant invasion for the fish to fully settle into the Lakes, and there have not been signs of this happening just yet.

A Great Lakes United article explains the ecological repercussions if these fish make their way into the Great Lakes. The carp, which can grow up to 3 feet and weigh 100 pounds, consume huge amounts of food that other native species rely on. This fish could seriously damage the fishing and tourist industry in the Great Lakes, and our nation certainly doesn’t need another disaster in our fishing industry. Biologist and fishermen who are fighting this battle are hoping for the best case, but preparing for the worst.

To learn more about the carp invasion visit the Journal Sentenial and Great Lakes United websites.

Also check out EarthShare New York's Facebook for updates on this and many more environmental issues.

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