Stop the Invasion of Asian Carp

Petition Relating to the Invasion of Asian Carp

Wisconsin Association of Lakes, a citizen advocacy group working for statewide policy solutions for aquatic invasive species, shoreland protection, polluted runoff, groundwater and other lake-related policies, is the only statewide non-profit organization working to protect, preserve and enhance the quality of Wisconsins more than 15,000 lakes.

As a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving, enhancing and restoring the states lake resources, Wisconsin Association of Lakes has a fundamental concern with the invasive Asian Carp. With the carp being detected past the electric barrier on the Chicago Ship and Sanitary Canal, just 6 miles upstream of Lake Michigan, the threat to our nationally renowned resources is intensifying.

If the fish were to reach the Great Lakes, it would be an ecological disaster. The carp consume enormous amounts of food that other fish rely on, muscling out native species. The fish can grow to up to 3 feet long and weigh up to 100 pounds, quickly dominating a waterbody due to their size. The fish also pose a risk to people: the silver carp are easily startled and often jump out of the water when startled, making them a hazard to boaters, anglers and water-skiers.

If the carp make their way into the Great Lakes, they could devastate the regions $4.5 billion fishing industry and permanently alter how recreational boaters, anglers and tourists use and enjoy the lakes and their many tributaries.

For these reasons our association and members urge you to take all necessary steps to stop this invasion before it is too late. This is not a time to wait and react to an ecological disaster, we must be proactive!

Please Take Action to Stop the Asian Carp Invasion

o Implement the recommendations of the Asian Carp Control Strategy.
o Close the OBrien and Chicago Locks if there is reasonable likelihood that Asian carp are above the barrier.
o Take action to prevent carp from bypassing the barrier if the Des Plaines River floods.
o Aggressively monitor for carp, and eradicate any fish found.