Asian Carp Breach Barrier

Asian Carp Breach Barrier
Invasive Asian Carp (Photo Courtesy The Shedd Aquarium/Brenna Hernandez)
Asian Carp Breach Barrier
Invasive Asian Carp (Photo Courtesy The Shedd Aquarium/Brenna Hernandez)

Asian Carp Breach Barrier

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Federal officials say they’ve found DNA evidence that Asian carp have crossed an electronic barrier aimed at keeping them out of Lake Michigan. 

James Clark is with the Shedd Aquarium.

He says the Asian carp could be the worst invasive species to attack the Great Lakes.

CLARK: If they make it into Lake Michigan, it is very possible it would become a very dangerous place to waterski or recreational boating or boating for fishing. It could be very possible if they get in there to see schools of giant jumping carp.

Asian carp are famous for leaping more than six feet into the air when startled by boat engines on the Illinois River, often injuring fishermen.

The Alliance for the Great Lakes is asking the state to close three canals leading into Lake Michigan.

Alliance spokesman Joel Brammeier says closing the canals is the only way to keep the fish from destroying the Great Lakes’ four point five billion dollar sport fishing industry.