There is new evidence that Asian carp may have slipped past electric barriers in Chicago-area waterways. The barriers are meant to keep the fish from reaching the Great Lakes.
The news has launched a new wave of arguments over the threat posed by the invasive species.
The Army Corps of Engineers turned up nine positive tests for Asian carp DNA out of hundreds taken from Chicago-area waterways.
Federal officials say that’s not proof the invasive species is getting closer to Lake Michigan, or that it poses an imminent threat of infesting the Great Lakes.
The state of Michigan is suing the federal government to get the shipping locks shut down as an emergency precaution.
John Sellek is with the Michigan Attorney General’s office. He says there is a growing body of evidence that the threat exists.
“How many more warnings do we need at this point that that impending tragedy is coming? The time for studying is over. It’s time to take action.”
The state is appealing a judge’s refusal to close the Chicago shipping locks while the Army studies ways to permanently ensure Asian carp don’t become a Great Lakes problem.
