Asian Carp May Have Slipped into the Great Lakes; Could Prove to Be Disasterous for Lake Erie

One of Ohio's greatest natural resources may be in danger with news that the voracious Asian carp have likely slipped past a Chicago-area electric barrier meant to keep them out of the Great Lakes. The foreign species could easily become Lake Erie's most destructive invader to date, killing off not only many species that thrive in the waters, but also businesses like charter fishing boat companies that rely on the lake to make a living.

Conservationists, scientists, and government officials are all worried about the impact the Asian carp could have. It would be nothing short of an ecological disaster.

While the Great Lakes are no stranger to invasive species, Asian carp could be the worst yet. Experts estimate that the lakes are now home to more than 185 species of fish, mussels, plants, and viruses from Asian and Eastern Europe, many of which choke out the native species.

The problem with Asian carp first begin in Illinois in 1993, when floods along the Mississippi River helped them escape from nearby fish farms. They usually grow two to three feet long and weigh three to ten ponds. However, some have topped more than 50 pounds. Such big fish are obviously big eaters, and eat most of the food that native fish rely on.

Asian carp are so aggressive once they invade that they are now almost the only fish that researchers can find in many sections of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers.

The Asian carp had been kept out of the Great Lakes until recently. In 2006, state and federal officials put in two electrified barriers in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal to the west of Chicago. It worked...ut only until Nov. 21 when officialsy say that stream tests beyond the barrier found Asian carp DNA.

If Asian carp are indeed invading the Great Lakes, it is not clear what exactly would or could be done about them. One idea would involve dumping a fish poison called rotenone ito carp infested areas.

Lake Erie is in the most danger if the Asian carp have made their way into the Great Lakes. Lake Erie is both the shallowest and warmest of the lakes, and is home to more than half the lake system's fish.

Each year more than $1.1 billion is spent on lodging, travel and food, and for the chance to catch walleye, perch and other sport fish.