Really Bad News

[Scott Kitchen]

Officials: Asian carp DNA found in Lake Erie

October 1, 2012

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Officials say Asian carp DNA has been found in three water samples collected from Lake Erie’s Maumee Bay.

The genetic material was from silver carp, one of two Asian species threatening to enter the Great Lakes, where scientists say they could out-compete native fish for food. The water samples were among 350 collected by state and federal agencies in July and August.

Officials announced earlier that 20 samples taken from Lake Erie’s Sandusky Bay had tested positive for silver carp DNA. The findings were announced Tuesday by the Michigan and Ohio natural resources departments.

They said the results raise further concerns that Asian carp may have invaded Lake Erie. But no actual fish have been found. The presence of DNA doesn’t indicate how many carp might be in the lake.

Source: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-asian-carp-dn...

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It is only a matter of time.  Heart breaking.  

[John Miller]

I read this in NY Outdoor News.  Officials continue to say that this is non conclusive evidence and that perhaps the DNA came through boater ballists.  They are in denial in my opinion.  I think the old adage "penny wise, pound foolish" applies here.  Their concerns for the additional costs involved in closing the shipping canal in Chicago overpowered their fear of possible destruction of the Great Lakes ecosystem and the multi billion dollar sport fishing industry that surrounds it.  Shame on the powers that be!

[Frank Stachowiak]

What a lump of coal for Xmas.