Saturday, November 21, 2009

Asian Carp in the St. Marys River Update


Yesterday's post brought up the idea of Asian carp entering the Great Lakes system. I had an interesting post which you might want to read from a follower in France. I used Google Translate and posted the comment in English in case you don't read French. Thanks to Mr. Beamish's French class at Sault High, I could read most of it.

Last night I was watching our local weather and there was a segment on Asian carp. Thanks to my broken ankle, I'm sitting and watching TV news. Our local anchorman was interviewing Dr. Dan O'Keefe from the Michigan Sea Grant organization. I had never heard of this organization but they are involved in 'promoting understanding and intelligent use of the Great Lakes".

I emailed Dr. O'Keefe about the Asian carp problem and the chances of Asian carp reaching the St. Marys River. His response was:

As for the St. Marys, it is probably too cold for successful reproduction of either Asian carp species - but they could still potentially enter the St. Marys from other areas if breeding populations do become established in other rivers.

The words 'could still potentially' strikes fear in me.

The rest of Dr. O'Keefe's explanation follows:

Hi Brenda,

It is hard to say how long it will be before Asian carp are documented in Lake Michigan. The bighead carp has already been documented in Lake Erie, but has not established a reproducing population. Silver carp have not been documented in any of the Great Lakes, but are now (along with bigheads) within 7 miles of Lake Michigan with nothing but a navigational lock between them and the Great Lakes. The sample that verified their presence at that location was taken between Sept. 23 and Oct. 1, so it is possible that they have moved closer already.

Here's an article from the Freep.com site. Varocious carp could quickly take over Great Lakes. It has some good basic info about the carp.

The Wall Street Journal also did an article on the carp today. Asian Carp could hurt boating, fishing industry in Great Lakes.

The New York Times is also featuring an article. Varacious Eater may be nearing Lake Michigan.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I also have wondered about this fish getting into our Great Lakes. I don't like the sounds of this. thanks for this information.

I didn't know you had a broken ankle!!! I must've missed a post someplace, eh?

Soo Boat Watcher said...

Cathy, It just happened on Monday. I stepped in a pothole while running. It was dark and I didn't see it. I can't put any weight on it right now but I see an orthopedic doctor on Monday and I'm hoping for increased mobility after that.

I'm enjoying your posts from NC. The storm pictures are amazing. What an adventure for you.

Anonymous said...

Bonsoir,(ici la nuit est arrivée):-), merci d'avoir traduit mon message, je n'ose pas dénaturer votre belle langue , j'espère que vous allez mieux, et vous souhaite un bon rétablissement,thibault

Soo Boat Watcher said...

Here's the translation of our reader from France.

Hi, (here the night came ):-), thank you for translating my message, I dare not misrepresent your beautiful language, I hope you feel better, and wish you a speedy recovery, thibault

Thank you for your interest in our location. Merci beaucoup.

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Candice said...

Just came across your blog. Thanks for posting this information. I think it's an important environmental concern, especially for our local community. Hope to keep updated on this topic.