Asian Carp Update

[davetclown]

Asian Carp Update

[left]Asian carp workshop planned for Monday, Nov. 22
An Asian Carp Prevention Workshop at Michigan State University's Union is planned for Monday, November 22, from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. There is no cost for the workshop; however, registration is required as space is limited. For workshop agenda, speakers, and registration information, go to: [url "http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=8yburrcab&et=1103904714874&s=17406&e=0018naTd2S_ZTvN1hVY78RXlTKjWZ6urqz8fIlwCn7BXAGcPj4MgQWini1-0k46Z6IN1bqffVUSi-K7x8EDLBBIIWtCyWXUbYE2sii3lQgiSrSIEB0OssoIuYrnrEgOe2P18sQV-RNEH7k="]www.michigan.gov/dnreworkshops[/url] and click on "Upcoming Workshops."

The White House Asian Carp Director, John Goss, will be giving a presentation as will representatives from the Michigan Attorney General's office, other Great Lakes States, two Tribes, and Michigan DNRE biologists. Breakout sessions will be held to get specific input on the Michigan Asian Carp Management Response Plan (see below)

DNRE announces Asian Carp Management Response Plan
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With invasive species, it is better to be proactive rather than reactive, and that is just what the DNRE is doing by drafting the [url "http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=8yburrcab&et=1103904714874&s=17406&e=0018naTd2S_ZTtuSAktTrUx0_L7bvxPuGHdYQD-Ov2b4NV_6MFWyXzJoUv7Gm6XF-w6mYVCT5GcTgqt72IIWU6CPROESDB_7gljO8hGOKgK2sL1O30dhH5exCeTQZ6GaZO1cD_4f0sPBQ7s90QPZBE24bW3M8yBg_bdgXyvsJgYypASAAAc381dkhrvBQoHAWzV"]Asian Carp Management Plan[/url]. The State of Michigan is doing everything within its power to stop the spread of Asian Carp into the Great Lakes. If the worst case scenario does occur and the carp enter the Great Lakes, the DNRE should be ready to act. The overall plan calls for the prevention of the carp from ever entering the Great Lakes. However, if a breach does happen, than the following steps would be taken to control/eradicate the carp from the Great Lakes:
[ul][li]Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point System [li]Barrier to dispersal [li]Harvest [li]Incidental Removal [li]Chemical Eradication [li]Alternative Technologies[/li][/ul]
The above tactics have been used to control other invasive species such as the sea lamprey with high success. However, that does not necessarily mean that they will control the Asian Carp with the same success. While we hope we never have to use these tools, the DNRE states that they are ready to respond if necessary.

Know Thy Enemy

An important factor in keeping Asian Carp out of the Great Lakes is an informed public. If someone is able to identify an Asian Carp, then the DNRE will have more time to react to the threat. One characteristic that allows an Asian Carp to be identified at a young age is the scales on the keel. These scales will be clearly pronounced, while other fish that are native to the Great Lakes will not have them as prominent. If you feel you have located or caught an Asian Carp, do not hesitate to contact the DNRE. Visit the [url "http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=8yburrcab&et=1103904714874&s=17406&e=0018naTd2S_ZTuu4NcujCfczSk1dXRByAZNPyaZBaGeJ7Rfu_d9cWJgTe348FxDPjmLZ_jU75KbKal7nfQpcQbwW1sBPM2UNGuxsNxClsrGVY6q7QPDJO11Gly6YcCAigJpelQEtWtNtHs="]Great Lakes Fishery Commission [/url]website for pictures and additional information
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