Alyson Brush
4/19/11
An ominous menace lies lurking in the shadows of the Illinois River threating to decimate Lake Michigan’s treasured fishing. The Bighead and Silver Carp, most often referred to simply as Asian Carp, are knocking on Lake Michigan’s door after working their way up the Mississippi River over the past forty years. Despite the use of fish repelling electric barrier in the Chicago canal which connects the Illinois River and Lake Michigan, the DNA of Asian Carp has been found in Lake Michigan. So far there does not appear to be a breeding population of Asian Carp in Lake Michigan, but it seems as though it is only a matter of time. If Asian Carp breach the barriers and form a breeding population in Lake Michigan there will be very little that can be done to stop their spread throughout the Great Lakes.
A real threat to Lake Michigan’s fishery is posed by Asian Carp. These invasive fish are very hardy and have a diet is similar to that of many native fish. When you couple this with their rapid population and growth rates it is plain to see that they would be a formidable competitor for lake resources. It is reasonable to assume that if a breeding population forms in Lake Michigan several native fish species would be wiped out and the entire ecosystem would be permanently altered.
What can be done to stop this unwanted guest from entering Lake Michigan? The present electric barrier strategy seems to be working for now, but it is not 100% effective. I think the canal connecting the river and lake should be closed until another solution can be found. While some people might think that closing the canal is an extreme measure I think that extreme measures might be warranted for such extreme consequences. I think it is of utmost importance to continue to seek effective and permanent solutions this problem.
More information about the Asian Carp invasion can be found on the following websites.
http://dnr.wi.gov/invasives/fact/asian_carp.htm
http://asiancarp.org/Documents/AsianCarp.pdf
3 comments:
I agree completely. The Asian carp is a serious threat to our great lakes, and if something isn’t done soon to manage them we will have serious problems to deal with. On another note they are an extremely ugly looking fish too.
Shutting down the canal may be harsh in some perspectives but when it comes down to protecting our native fish, it is the best thing that can be done. These fish are very intense when they become a breeding population and can wipe out native populations very quickly. Before people notice, the Carp will be in the Michigan lakes and only then will people feel regretful for not supporting the closing, along with the electric barriers. Hopefully this management system is in effect for a very long time.
There was a study released in 2008 addressing the closure of the canal(s) between the Great Lakes & the Mississippi. The study found that it is entirely possible to close the shipping canals with little to no impact on shipping. Personally, I think the sooner we disconnect the two, the better off we will all be.
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