Asian Carp Barrier
Two Illinois Congress members introduced legislation to fund an electric barrier keeping the nonnative Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes. Biologists believe the carp would cause havoc for boaters and anglers, and threaten the region's $4.5 billion fishery.
Rep. Judy Biggert, R-Ill., and Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., introduced the Great Lakes Asian Carp Barrier Act (HR553 and S336), which would provide approximately $9 million to construct and maintain a permanent electric barrier. The project has struggled to find funding in recent years.
Biologists believe Asian carp would decimate native fish in the Great Lakes by eating their food source. The fish, which can weigh up to 60 pounds, also pose a risk to boaters because they jump high out of water when startled by the sound of boat engines.
The Asian carp is a nonnative species migrating up the Mississippi River and the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. The carp will not cross the barrier because of electric signals. More than 180 aquatic invasive species have been discovered in the Great Lakes.
January 23, 2007 6:49 AM | Category: Invasive Species, Politics