5 States Want Action to Stop Asian Carp
Five states, including Pennsylvania, are suing the federal government and Chicago's water department, demanding stronger action to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes.
Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Minnesota and Pennsylvania filed the lawsuit Monday in U.S. District Court in northern Illinois.
The lawsuit seeks an order to close Chicago shipping locks and gates that could provide a pathway to Lake Michigan for the voracious fish. The U.S. Supreme Court refused twice this year to order the locks closed.
But state officials say the situation has become more urgent since a live Asian carp was found within a few miles of Lake Michigan last month.
.jpg)
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.
"The spread of this invasive, non-native species into the Great Lakes could have a major impact on every state surrounding the lakes - devastating native fish populations and potentially destroying the fishing and tourism industries for every state that borders the Great Lakes," Attorney General Tom Corbett said.
http://attorneygeneral.gov/press.aspx?id=5454
Photo provided by AG's office
Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Minnesota and Pennsylvania filed the lawsuit Monday in U.S. District Court in northern Illinois.
The lawsuit seeks an order to close Chicago shipping locks and gates that could provide a pathway to Lake Michigan for the voracious fish. The U.S. Supreme Court refused twice this year to order the locks closed.
But state officials say the situation has become more urgent since a live Asian carp was found within a few miles of Lake Michigan last month.
.jpg)
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."The spread of this invasive, non-native species into the Great Lakes could have a major impact on every state surrounding the lakes - devastating native fish populations and potentially destroying the fishing and tourism industries for every state that borders the Great Lakes," Attorney General Tom Corbett said.
http://attorneygeneral.gov/press.aspx?id=5454
Photo provided by AG's office
.jpg)
Comments