GLIN==> Asian carp pose threat to Great Lakes' economy, jobs

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvg/story?section=news/local&id=7467924

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The Asian carp poses a major threat to the economy and jobs here in the Great Lakes. The giant fish and how to stop it have been a big part of discussions in Washington and throughout the Great Lakes states.

Lake Erie helps pump hundreds of millions into the economy in both Michigan and Ohio and thousands of people make their living off the water, but many say the Asian carp is threatening all that.

Carol Stepian heads up the University of Toledo's Lake Erie Research Center and she says of the nearly 200 invasive species to hit the Great Lakes the Asian carp could do the most damage. The fish were imported from Asia in the 1970's to help clear up algae on cat fish farms in the southern Mississippi water system. They escaped after flooding and have been making their way up the river for the last 20 years.

"What they'll do in the Great Lakes is they'll eat low on the food chain so there will be no food left for our native species. They'll starve and there will be less fish diversity and there will be no stopping them," says Carol Stepien.

But Senator Sherrod Brown is part of a group of lawmakers trying to stop the fish. He's fighting for legislation aimed at preventing the fish from getting into the lakes. Recent testing has shown the presence of the carp near the waterway linking the Mississippi River to the lakes.

Senator Sherrod Brown says, "We have a commitment from the president and from lawmakers from both parties in the Great Lakes states to set aside a significant amount of federal money to maintain the Great Lakes. And if anyone is paying attention, they know the Great Lakes are one of our greatest natural resources."

There are four species of Asian carp. The two biggest threats are the big head and the silver carp. The fish eat up to 40 percent of their body weight a day and they can weigh up to 100 pounds and live as long as 30 years. They often jump out of the water at the sound of motors, which has injured a number of people.


Kristy Meyer, M.S.
Director of Agriculture & Clean Water Programs
Ohio Environmental Council
1207 Grandview Ave., Ste. 201
Columbus, OH 43212
Direct Phone: (614) 487-5842
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Kristy at theOEC.org
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