Eight Forty-Eight has been exploring waterways that link the Great Lakes to the rest of the world as part of Front and Center – WBEZ’s series looking at some of the critical issues facing the Great Lakes. These channels bring the region both economic opportunities and ecological challenges.

Brian Mann with North Country Public Radio is following the St. Lawrence Seaway, and WBEZ’s Gabriel Spitzer is traveling the rivers that form a backdoor to Lake Michigan.

Those rivers are known for commercial fishing. Then about a decade ago Asian carp took up residence. The carp are a challenge to other fish. But because they’re so abundant, a small industry is forming around them. Spitzer spoke to Eight Forty-Eight from the banks of the Illinois River down in Morris.