Asian Carp Threaten Great Lakes

March 2, 2006 -- Asian carp in the Mississippi River and its tributaries are approaching the Great Lakes and could pose a significant danger to the lakes' ecosystem. Currently, there is only an underwater electrical field in a canal near Chicago to stop the invasive fish. The nonindigenous carp are the most abundant species in some areas of the river and out-compete native fish for food.

The encroaching carp can weigh up to 100 pounds and daily consume 40 percent of their body weight in microscopic plant and animal life, which other species such as crayfish, salmon, trout, and bass, also feed on to survive. In addition, the carp are causing algae blooms by clearing the water of microscopic animals and plant life and allowing the algae more sunlight to grow. Bacteria also thrive off rotting algae in the summer.

Several National Research Council reports address issues related to invasive species. Predicting Invasions of Nonindigenous Plants and Plant Pests examines the characteristics of non-native plants that makes them likely to become invaders and recommends strategies to improve the ability to predict and prevent invasions. Stemming the Tide: Controlling Introductions of Nonindigenous Species by Ships' Ballast Water assesses whether current controls are stopping nuisance species from entering U.S. ecosystems via ships.

• Predicting Invasions of Nonindigenous Plants and Plant Pests (2002)
• Stemming the Tide: Controlling Introductions of Nonindigenous Species by Ships' Ballast Water (1996)

• Environmental Protection Agency on Asian Carp
• Great Lakes Fishery Commission on Asian Carp