Keep Asian Carp Out of the Great Lakes

Once invasive species are established in the Great Lakes, it is nearly impossible to remove them. Preventing them from ever entering is the best way to protect the Great Lakes.

Invasive Asian carp are steadily spreading up waterways in Illinois, toward Chicago and Lake Michigan. These fish are voracious filter feeders, eating between 20-40% of their body weight in a day. They spawn multiple times per year, making them a threat to native species. They pose a serious and urgent threat to the Great Lakes’ ecosystems and economy, including the $7 billion fishing industry.

This summer, an adult Asian carp was found just 9 miles from Lake Michigan, beyond an electric barrier that was designed to be the lake’s last line of defense.

As Asian carp continue toward Lake Michigan, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking public input on their plan to stop these invasive fish.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently released its draft Brandon Road Study, a detailed look at the Corps’ tentative plan to install protections against Asian carp at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam on the Des Plaines River in Joliet, IL. Right now, the Corps is asking for feedback from the public—now is the time to speak up. 

Take action today. Tell the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that:

  • Asian carp are an urgent problem that require immediate action;
  • The Corps’ plan is not a permanent fix, additional technologies and a two-way solution are still needed; and
  • In the meantime, the threat of aquatic invasive species must continue to be monitored and addressed.

To Whom It May Concern:


I am writing because I am very concerned about the serious and urgent threat that Asian carp pose to the Great Lakes’ ecosystems and regional economy, including the $7 billion fishing industry and multi-billion dollar tourism, recreation and hospitality industries. These invasive species are continuing toward Lake Michigan, and we know that the existing control measures are not enough to stop them. This is an urgent problem and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must act immediately to implement additional protections against Asian carp.


The most recent and alarming wake-up call was the June discovery of an adult Silverhead carp just 9 miles from Lake Michigan. Autopsy results confirm that the fish spent most of its life south of the existing electric barriers. This means the Asian carp made its way past the existing series of electric barriers, which are clearly not 100% effective in stopping the movement of fish. This is just the latest in a series of warning signs underscoring the need for immediate action to prevent Asian carp from moving closer to the Great Lakes.


It is critical that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers move quickly to implement the proposed plan for additional protections at Brand Road Lock and Dam. However it is equally important to note that this is not a permanent fix. There are serious limitations to the proposed plan. Additional technology is still needed to prevent Asian carp from ever reaching the Great Lakes and the existing electric barrier must remain on at all times.


Because there is still a threat of aquatic invasive species movement toward the Great Lakes even with the proposed additional protections, it is imperative that the Corps consider and actively address the following concerns:



  •        According to the plan, the new electric barrier may be turned down or off when vessels pass through. We know from experience with existing barriers that this is not enough. Currently, the electric barriers are always on but juvenile fish are still able to pass through. The new barrier must remain on at all times to maximize effectiveness.

  •        More research is needed to determine the effectiveness of the proposed “complex sound” approach.

  •        Because of the limitations of the proposed plan, additional technologies, including an aquatic invasive species treatment lock, should continue to be assessed and implemented to definitively stop Asian carp and further mitigate the transfer of all aquatic invasive species.


In the meantime, the threat level of aquatic invasive species must continue to be monitored. New invasive species are likely to emerge in both the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan basins, and the associated risks must be promptly and adequately assessed. For example, black carp have made significant upstream gains in the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers in the last few years. New information about these invasive species, and the threats they pose, should be compiled and considered when developing an effective, holistic solution.


Further, a two-way solution is still needed. The proposed plan does not prevent transfer of aquatic invasive species from the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River Basin. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers should pursue a two-way solution that reduces the risk of transfer of all aquatic invasive species between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River Basins.


In conclusion, I urge the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to act swiftly to implement its tentatively selected plan, as well as continue working to identify a permanent solution that addresses the threat of Asian carp and all aquatic invasive species. In the long term, a holistic, permanent two-way solution will be most beneficial and cost-effective for all who enjoy and rely on the Great Lakes.


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