Asian Carp could threaten Great Lakes

From Great Lakes Wiki

Asian Carp poses a very large threat to the Great Lakes fishing Industry. Currently there are two electronic barriers that are keeping Asian Carp at bay;however, officials say these large fish are "knocking on the door."

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== January 9th Seminar by Anjanette Bowen Fisheries Biologist on the topic of: "ASIAN CARP THREATENS THE GREAT LAKES" January 9th, 7 pm at the Inland Sead Education Center in Suttons Bay, MI ==

Seminar to focus on potential negative impacts of Asian Carp to the Great Lakes

Suttons Bay, MI – The Inland Seas Education Association will present a seminar examining the Asian Carp and how it could devastate the Great Lakes fishery at 7pm on Tuesday, January 9th, at the Inland Seas Education Center in Suttons Bay. The program, “Asian Carp: What are they and why are they such a problem?”, will be presented by Anjanette Bowen.

Asian Carp is the general name of four different species of carp: bighead carp, silver carp, black carp, and grass carp. These fish were imported from China into the United State approximately 30 years ago to clear algae and parasites from catfish aquaculture ponds in Arkansas and Mississippi. However, in 1993, flooding caused these species to escape into the Mississippi River. Since their escape, they have been making their way north towards the Great Lakes, and have been seen as close as 40 miles outside of the Lake Michigan. If the Asian Carp enter the Great Lakes, they could have devastating effects on the Great Lakes ecosystem. In response to their advancement, an electrical barrier has been constructed in the Chicago Ship and Sanitary Canal, a waterway connecting the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan. This barrier has done an effective job thus far in keeping the carp out of the Lakes, but it is uncertain how much longer funding will be provided for operation.

Anjanette Bowen is a fishery biologist for the US Fish & Wildlife Alpena Fisheries Resources Office. She is involved with the Aquatic Nuisance Species Program, which actively monitors, controls, and educates the public on aquatic invasive species that threaten the Great Lakes.

The Inland Seas Education Association is a non-profit organization based in Suttons Bay, Michigan, dedicated to science education on the Great Lakes. The shipboard and shore-side education programs are designed to inspire young people’s interest in science and to provide for the long term stewardship of the Great Lakes. For further information contact the Inland Seas Education Association at (231) 271-3077 or on the Web at www.schoolship.org.

["Asian Carp Threatens the Great Lakes" Seminar, January 9th, 7 pm :: Inland Seas Education Association]