Michigan Senate calls for federal action on Asian carp

NEWS RELEASE

U.S. SENATOR HOWARD WALKER

*************************** Senate passes Walker resolution

Calls for feds to prevent Asian carp from invading the Great Lakes

LANSING - The Michigan Senate on Thursday passed Senate Resolution 7, said sponsor Sen. Howard Walker.

The resolution supports the call for the federal government to prevent Asian carp from invading the Great Lakes.

Walker said the fish pose a serious danger to the economy and ecosystem.

“The Asian carp and other aquatic nuisance species are the single greatest threat to the health of the Great Lakes,” said Walker, R-Traverse City. “The time to act is now; every moment lost is more time for the Asian carp to gain a foothold.”

A recent study indicates that invasive species cost in excess of $200 million to municipalities, the manufacturing sector, sport fisheries, and the tourism industry.

Although there has been some action to try to prevent the carp from entering Lake Michigan, Walker said these efforts have been futile and there has been little to no support from the federal government.

One of the new state attorney general’s first actions was to announce the continuation of efforts to stop the advance of the carp.

SR 7 supports the call for the U.S. government to prevent Asian carp from invading the lakes.   The measure states that the only long-term answer to preventing Asian carp and future invaders from entering the region is preventing them from ever reaching the lakes, and that the only reliable solution is the permanent separation of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins.

“My resolution is an affirmation of Attorney General Schuette’s efforts,” Walker said. “It states our displeasure with the inadequate response of the federal government, and it expresses the Michigan Senate’s support of any action to prevent the invasion.”

Copies of SR 7 will be sent to the governor, attorney general, president of the United States and members of Michigan’s congressional delegation.   *************************** ///