Tracking the Threat and Politics of Asian Carp

The Silver Menace

Imported from Taiwan and brought to Arkansas as weed control agents three decades ago, Asian carp have become the poster children of potential threats to the Great Lakes. As the fish inch closer to invading Lake Michigan, regional and national politicians debate the financial consequences of coping with the invasive species. With the fate of multi-billion dollar a year industries on the line, the Obama administration has offered some fiscal support to quell the storm.

Meanwhile Michigan’s Lt. Gov. has taken his case to the Supreme Court twice, hoping for sweeping action. The conflict ignites deep-rooted water debates, including resource rights, diversion legitimacy, and long-term conservation planning. As action remains slow and debates continue, the invasive species become increasingly more threatening to the region.

Multimedia

Q&A : U.S. Congressman Dave Camp On Asian Carp

Q&A: Michigan Attorney General Talks about Asian Carp

Video: Invasion of the Asian Carp, from the Waterlife Documentary

Video: WaterLife Director Kevin McMahon Tells the Story of the Great Lakes

More Stories

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Asian Carp Swarm South of Chicago As Consensus on Permanent Solution Eludes Nation

Study: Army Corps of Engineers Release Ways to Keep Asian Carp Out of Great Lakes

Report: Fish Analysis Reveals Asian Carp Have Reproduced in Great Lakes Watershed

Report: Why Asian Carp eDNA Still Matters in the Fight for the Great Lakes

Workers swarm a big water transport canal near Tilda, India undergoing repair and expansion to serve the steam production and cooling requirements of the region’s expanding number of big coal-fired power plants.

2012 Year In Review: At the Front Line of the Global Contest Over Water, Food, and Energy

After Summer of Testing, Status of Asian Carp in Lake Erie Remains Uncertain

Infographic: Climate Change in the Great Lakes

Asian Carp Links

A list of eating instructions
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries posted a video and instructions on carp consumption.
Asian Carp Management
An official U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Web site designed to coordinate control and management of Asian carp in the U.S.
GLU: Battling Back the Asian Carp
Great Lakes United summarizes latest Carp news, outlets for action.
Great Lakes Fishery Commission
The GLFC has created a special page with Asian carp information.
No Asian Carp
Michigan House Democrats host this site promoting closure of the Chicago area canals that connect to Lake Michigan
Noah Hall Asian Carp Litigation
Professor Noah Hall, of Wayne State University Law School and visiting Professor at the University of Michigan, explores carp and canal law.
Stop Asian Carp
Launched by Michigan Attorney General and Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Cox to support closure of Chicago-area locks to Lake Michigan.
U.S. EPA: Asian Carp & the Great Lakes
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency created this Asian-carp specific invasive species page.
Wikipedia Asian carp
General species breakdown, cultural background, litigation and source for further references.
Wisconsin DNR Asian Carp
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ invasive species information page.

Searching for Asian Carp Army Corps of Engineers

Crews search for invasive Asian carp near Chicago , Aug. 2, 2011, following several recent discoveries of their genetic material in Lake Calumet. Teams swept the lake with half-mile-long nets. Six boats from government agencies and four commercial fishing vessels took part the search. No Asian carp were found. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Jessica Vandrick)

Lead Photo: courtesy Dan O’Keefe, Michigan Sea Grant

The Silver Menace

Featured Stories

Great Lakes States to Track Asian Carp and Prepare for Future Invasions

Has the Invasion Started? Asian Carp eDNA Found in Lake Erie

U.S. Congress to Get Asian Carp Solutions by 2013, Two Years Ahead of Schedule

Third Time’s Not A Charm: U.S. Supreme Court Again Denies Request to Stop Asian Carp

Advance of the Invader: Asian Carp Continue March to Northern Waters

Asian Carp — On the Docket in D.C. and Chicago; On the Menu in Michigan

Great Lakes Threats Go Beyond Asian Carp, Invasive Expert Says

Asian Carp Case Goes to Court as Foundation Pledges $500,000 to Protect the Great Lakes

Supreme Court Rejects Michigan’s Asian Carp Lawsuit

Supreme Court Takes Second Look at Michigan’s Asian Carp Injunction