Today, State Representative Nan Baker (R-Westlake) announced the passage of House Concurrent Resolution 51, which urges Congress to expedite efforts to prevent the spread of Asian carp to Lake Erie.
Due to the presence of aquatic pathways that flow between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River, over 180 aquatic invasive species have been introduced into the Great Lakes. The Water Resources Development Act of 2007 authorized a study to be conducted to evaluate a range of options and technologies to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River. H.C.R. 51 urges Congress to make legislative efforts to quickly move forward with this study so that a course of action can be implemented, preventing further damage.
Asian carp are of particular threat to Lake Erie’s waters. The U. S. army Corp of Engineers’ slow pace to review options to separate the Mississippi River Basin from the Great Lakes prompted Ohio legislators to reach out to the federal government, advising them to make this issue a priority.
“The federal government has recognized Asian carp as the most acute aquatic invasive species threat facing the Great Lakes today,” said Rep. Baker. “This particular type of fish poses a threat to both the ecological and economic well-being of the Great Lakes. For this reason, it is extremely important that we act now to prevent further damage from occurring to one of Ohio’s most valuable natural assets.”
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