Federally funded fence would stop Asian carp

Article published January 20, 2007
LAKE MICHIGAN
Federally funded fence would stop Asian carp
BLADE STAFF
WASHINGTON - Great Lakes groups yesterday hailed the reintroduction of federal legislation that seeks a permanent solution to the ecological threat posed by destructive Asian carp.

The bill introduced by Illinois legislators calls for $9 million more in federal funding to finish fencing off Lake Michigan with a permanent electrical barrier, thereby sparing the region's $4.5 billion fishery.

That type of carp, which has been migrating north along the Mississippi River for years, can grow to about 100 pounds. They are voracious eaters capable of colonizing the Great Lakes and destroying the food web for native fish. Fishing is a major component of the region's tourism and recreation industries.

The Ann Arbor-based Great Lakes Fishery Commission said the potential impact of Asian carp "could be even more devastating than some of the worst invaders like sea lamprey and zebra mussels."

The National Wildlife Federation's Great Lakes office, also in Ann Arbor, believes it is a "top priority" to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes. Otherwise, the lakes could be turned into "giant carp ponds," said Andy Buchsbaum, the group's Great Lakes office director.

"Asian carp present a danger to people's health, the region's economy, and recreational opportunities in national parks and lake shores," Tom Kiernan, president of the National Parks Conservation Association, said.

Jack Shaner, spokesman for the Columbus-based Ohio Environmental Council, said the carp "poses a clear and present danger" to the lakes.

Co-sponsors include 30 Great Lakes legislators, including U.S. Sen. George Voinovich (R., Ohio); U.S. Sens. Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow, both Michigan Democrats; U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo), and U.S. Rep. John Dingell (D., Dearborn).