Asian Carp and the Great Lakes

Photo courtesy of US Fish and Wildlife Service

Asian carp have been found in the Illinois River, which connects the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan. Due to their large size and rapid rate of reproduction, these fish could pose a significant risk to the Great Lakes Ecosystem.

To prevent the carp from entering the Great Lakes, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. EPA, the State of Illinois, the International Joint Commission, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are working together to install and maintain a permanent electric barrier between the fish and Lake Michigan.

How did Asian carp get so close to the Great Lakes?

Two species of Asian carp -- the bighead and silver -- were imported by catfish farmers in the 1970's to remove algae and suspended matter 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 in the Mississippi River basin.

The carp have steadily made their way northward up the Mississippi, becoming the most abundant species in some areas of the River.

Chicago Area waterways map showing location of carp barrier (Illustration courtesy of Phil Moy, University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute)

The Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, where the barrier is being constructed, connects the Mississippi River to the Great Lakes via the Illinois River.

What effects might Asian carp have on the Great Lakes?

Asian Carp are a significant threat to the Great Lakes because they are large, extremely prolific, and consume vast amounts of food. They can weigh up to 100 pounds, and can grow to a length of more than four feet. They are well-suited to the climate of the Great Lakes region, which is similar to their native Asian habitats.

Researchers expect that Asian carp would disrupt the food chain that supports the native fish of the Great Lakes. Due to their large size, ravenous appetites, and rapid rate of reproduction, these fish could pose a significant risk to the Great Lakes Ecosystem.

Related links

$9.1 million to protect Great Lakes from Asian carp
EPA's October, 2004 press release announcing Federal Funding Available for Enhanced Protection Against Asian Carp

Schematic Diagram of Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal Dispersal Barrier (Illustration courtesy of Phil Moy, University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute)

Fisheries Management: Asian Carp

Great Lake Fishery Commission Web site about the effects of the invasive species. Includes pictures, video, and many publications on the issue.

EPA's Great Lakes Significant Activities Reports
Information on the dispersal barrier and Asian carp.
May 2002
September-October 2002
December 2002
February 2003

Agencies Take Emergency Action to Defend Against Asian Carp Invasion
EPA's November, 2002, press release announcing the dispersal barrier.

Facts about Asian Carp
Facts about the invasive species from the U.S. Geological Survey

Identifying Asian Carp
Fact sheet from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service showing key features and introduction areas.

Invading Asian carp pose unusual threat
Article from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

In this Issue:

asiancarp.org

Asian Carp and the Great Lakes

How did Asian carp get so close to the Great Lakes?

What effects might Asian carp have on the Great Lakes?

Related links

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