President Says Asian Carp Made It to Great Lakes
Michigan and Illinois have spent years working together to stop Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes. However, the President says the carp are already there.
Michigan and Illinois Asian Carp Partnership
Since 2021, Michigan and Illinois have partnered with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the $1.15 billion Brandon Road Ecosystem Project, a key initiative aimed at preventing invasive carp from entering the Great Lakes.
The project at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam uses a layered “system of systems” approach, including underwater acoustic deterrents, air bubble curtains, and an engineered channel with an electric barrier designed to stop fish from passing through.
The project is designed to prevent bighead, black, grass, and silver carp from entering the Great Lakes. These species are collectively known as Asian carp.
Read More: Traverse City FishPass Blocks Invasive Species
This project is crucial because keeping Asian carp out of the Great Lakes is essential to protecting a $7-billion fishing industry and preventing severe damage to the region’s natural ecosystem. These invasive fish, which can grow to 100 pounds, consume massive amounts of plankton, potentially starving native species such as walleye and rainbow trout.
Did Asian Carp Reach the Great Lakes? President Says Yes
According to WOOD-TV, President Donald Trump recently reaffirmed his support for protecting the Great Lakes from Asian carp, but incorrectly stated that Lake Michigan is already affected by the invasive species.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service reports that Asian carp have never been found in Lake Michigan. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources notes that traces of the carp’s DNA have been detected, but they believe it was likely introduced via boats.
There is no evidence to date that Asian carp are in the Great Lakes or Michigan rivers.
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