Asian Carp

What are they?

There are two species of Asian carp making their way to Lake Michigan-bighead carp and silver carp. The Asian carp were imported by catfish farmers in the 1970s to remove algae and other nutrients out of their ponds. During large floods in the early 1990s, many of the catfish farm ponds overflowed their banks, and the Asian carp were released into local waterways connected to the Mississippi River.

What's the big deal?

Both species are well suited for our climate. They consume vast amounts of food and reproduce quickly and are wiping out native fish where they thrive. In Illinois, the Asian carp population has doubled every year since it has been in the Illinois River. The silver carp can jump 10 feet high which has resulted in numerous injuries to boaters. If the Asian carp does make it to the Lake Michigan it will:

• Push out native fish populations-lake perch, whitefish and walleye and become the dominant species
• Impact habitat for waterfowl
• Harm our economy by reducing spending on fishing, hunting, and boating - which is over a 7 billon dollar industry annually many depend on
• Make boating and swimming unsafe

What the Cells Tell

The scientist who developed the new eDNA test says there are already Asian carp in Lake Michigan. Click here to learn more.

What is being done? Right now, we are at an impasse. The federal government does not support closing the lock that connects Lake Michigan to the Chicago shipping canal - where the Asian carp will inevitably enter Lake Michigan if we don't do something now. Michigan with the backing of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, New York, and Ontario sued Illinois to close the canal. Still--no significant action has been taken to protect our Great Lakes and economy from this huge threat.

This is where YOU can help protect your Great Lakes. Time is precious and the time for action is now. It is not too late to stop the Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes. We cannot give up. We need to reach out the folks we put in Congress and tell them they need to stop talking and step up by using their authority and influence to permanently separate the connection between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River and close the locks now until that work is done. Call (202) 224-3121 and ask to be connected to your representative's and senators' offices.