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Invasive, Flying Carp Inching Closer to Great Lakes
Posted: 11/20/2009


Scientists discovered evidence that a new fish may be coming to town... but nobody wants it here.

DNA samples show the invasive Asian carp may be above the electric barrier in Illinois designed to stop it from getting into Lake Michigan.   

The gigantic fish eat so much, some other less aggressive fish starve to death.

One species of Asian carp, the silver carp, are also known to fly out of the water, landing on boats or injuring people.

"A 15 pound fish, flying at you five feet out of the water is a significant incident," says Mark Breederland, Extension Educator for the Michigan Sea Grant. "There have definitely been people injured on boats from the flying carp."

The invasive fish disrupting the Great Lakes ecosystem is just as big of a concern. Because Asian carp reproduce so rapidly, the invasive species can quickly overtake an area -- wiping out other fish.

Some fear the seven billion dollar sport fishing industry may be in jeopardy.

"I think it's just a matter of time before they're here, before they get in the Great Lakes," says Joe Hamel, who works in the fishing department at M.C. Sports in Traverse City.

Hamel feels the carp will hurt fishing.

More samples will have to be done to get a better look how far above the electric barrier the invasive species has migrated.

The Army Corps of Engineers already has plans in place to poison Asian carp before they arrive in Lake Michigan.

9&10's Ryan Raiche and Photojournalist Justin DePrekel have more on the invasive flying fish.
© 2009 by Heritage Broadcasting