Oh Carp! Flying Fish May Invade Great Lakes

Mekell Mikell   |   Last Updated: January 8, 2016

A fish out of water is more than an expression along the Mississippi and Missouri river basins – it’s also a threat to people and wildlife. Asian carp are an invasive species of flying fish wrecking havoc upstream along the rivers. Unfortunately, recent flooding may give Asian carp a chance to do more damage downstream and spread to the Great Lakes.

Asian Carp Threat to the Great Lakes

Asian carp can live for 25 years, weigh 100 pounds, and grow 4 feet long. The notorious flying fish can leap out of the water and strike boaters, and the animals rob native fish of food. Unlike other freshwater species of fish, Asian carp can survive in a mix of salt and freshwater. Once they invade an ecosystem, they are tough to get rid of.

Researchers fear Asian carp pose a threat to the Great Lakes fishery. The National Wildlife Federation is leading the charge to keep the invasive fish out of the Great Lakes. You can also take action by asking President Obama to act quickly by ordering the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to take decisive action to protect the Great Lakes from Asian carp.

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Published: June 14, 2011