Asian Carp
Asian carp are a species of fish native to East Asian countries, such as China, but are known to invade freshwater ecosystems around the world. There are numerous kinds of Asian carp, including Grass carp, Bighead carp, Silver carp, and Black Carp.
After a three decade infestation in the Mississippi River Basin, Asian Carp changed the entire population of the area. The carp were found in the early 1990s in the Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois rivers. The introduction of the foreign species into these waters disturbed natural marine life, endangered indigenous species of fish and harmed many fishermen.
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In December 2009, scientists found the fish's DNA in the Chicago River, a feeder into the Great Lakes. An electric barrier was set up, and numerous chemicals were used to kill off foreign species of fish. Of the forty-odd species of dead fish that turned up from this extermination, none of them were species of Asian carp.
It was only six months later that the first Bighead fish was found in Lake Calumet, a body of water closely connected to the Great Lakes. The discovery of the fish in the Great Lakes has sparked political and social controversy. States have filed lawsuits against one another and the federal government has dedicated almost $80 million towards the cause.
Scientist are currently exploring methods to keep the Asian carp species from ruining the almost $7 billion fishing industry in the Great Lakes Region.
Text by Jessica Leader
(Photo: M. Spencer Green/AP)
Articles about Asian Carp
Tue, Feb 21 2012 at 3:26 PM EST
Zebra mussels, Asian carp and other invaders brought into the lakes by ships have damaged the lakes' $7 billion fishery and allowed algae to flourish.Tue, Oct 04 2011 at 6:17 PM EST
The 5 lakes, which contain one-fifth of the world's fresh water and supply millions of people, may be 'veering close to ecosystem collapse.'Mon, Jul 18 2011 at 11:56 AM EST
Learn about 9 invasive species as Food & Water Watch has described in a new guide.Fri, Jun 10 2011 at 5:28 PM EST
The flooding in the south last month may be just what a ferocious fish ordered, as scientists say the overflowing Mississippi River may lead to a surge in the giant invasive fish called the Asian carp in new areas of the Mississippi and Missouri riveThu, Dec 02 2010 at 5:39 PM EST
Five states sought a preliminary injunction to required the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to shut off waterways to protect the lakes' $7 billion fishery.Mon, Oct 18 2010 at 5:31 PM EST
Judge Robert Dow will rule on the request for a preliminary injunction that calls for authorities to prevent the carp from populating Lake Michigan.Fri, Oct 08 2010 at 4:38 PM EST
Obama's new man on Asian carp talks about his plans to eradicate the species.
Tue, Oct 05 2010 at 6:20 PM EST
The 2 countries will study the likelihood that Asian carp will spread across the Great Lakes and decimate the local fish population.Wed, Sep 29 2010 at 3:07 AM EST
The quagga mussel has devoured so much plankton in Lake Michigan that the entire food web is being altered.Mon, Jul 19 2010 at 5:36 PM EST
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