The U-S Army Corps of Engineers released a long-awaited report today that says new measures are need to prevent Asian carp from getting into the Great Lakes.
The report analyzes three ways that invasive species like Asian carp enter the Great Lakes: swimming, floating, or hitchhiking.
The recommended plan would keep an electric barrier near the southern tip of Lake Michigan, and blast noise there to bother the fish. There would also be water jets designed to remove small fish and boat launches located upstream and downstream of the Brandon Road Lock and Dam.
The National Wildlife Federation’s Drew YoungeDyke says Army Corps’ $275-million-dollar plan looks promising.
“When they use those different technologies, each one may have some weaknesses that are covered up by the other,” said YoungeDyke. “It kind of looks like they’re making them run a gauntlet, where even if they can make it through the first one, the second one is going to keep them from getting through.”
The report was originally scheduled a February release. But the Trump Administration delayed the release amid concerns from legislators and members of the shipping industry.
Illinois Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti says Monday’s report will hurt the Illinois economy and its commercial navigation industry.