Wanted: Asian Carp
Kyle Songy
What's the problem?
Several species of Asian carp, such as bighead (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), grass (Ctenopharyngodon idella), silver (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), and black (Mylopharyngodon piceus) carp turned up in the Mississippi River basin in the late 1960s and early 1970s. They may soon spread to the Great Lakes, which would cause the lakes' ecosystems to be compromised. These fish have no natural predators in North America, and because of population explosion, they strongly compete with native fish for food.
Carp are notorious for jumping out of the water in large numbers, posing a threat to fishermen.
Home Run!
The four species of invasive carp.
Why are the Asian carp wanted?
These fish are responsible for the disruption of aquatic ecosystems across America. To combat the negative effects of the carp, legislation has been introduced, making it illegal to transport live carp or eggs under the Lacey Act.