Friday 20 July 2012

Asian Carp Threaten U.S. Great Lakes


Two species of Asian carp could drive native fish out of the Great Lakes, according to a new government report that warns against letting these invasive fish gain a foothold in this new territory.

Bighead and silver carp in Midwestern rivers pose a "substantial environmental risk" to the Great Lakes, particularly Lakes Michigan, Huron and Erie, according to a risk assessment released today (July 16) by Canadian and U.S. scientists.

"Ever since these non-native fish first escaped and began to breed prolifically in the rivers of the Midwest, the questions everyone has been asking are: Can a breeding population survive in the Great Lakes, and would it be a significant problem if they did?" Now we know the answers, and unfortunately they are yes and yes," Marcia McNutt, the director of the U.S. Geological Survey, said in a statement.  "This study will help scientists and resource managers in Canada and the U.S. determine how and where to redouble their efforts as they continue to prevent the establishment of these invasive fish."

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