Michigan DNR Warms Of Dangers of Asian Carp

May 3, 2007 -- A recent presentation by a conservation officer of the Department Natural Resources to the Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce in the Detroit area highlighted the potential adverse effects of introducing Asian carps - black, bighead, grass and silver - to Michigan waters.

DNR Commercial Fish Specialist Steven Huff gave the presentation in April to 85 members of the organization at a recent meeting in Detroit. Huff emphasized the impact the fish could have on the state's commercial and sport fisheries.

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In 2006, DNR law enforcement personnel, working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture seized 84 grass carp that were being unlawfully sold at two Asian food markets in Southeast Michigan. The fish, which customers prefer to buy in a live condition, are considered a delicacy in some Asian communities.

Possession or transport of live Asian carp, including the grass carp, silver carp, bighead carp and black carp, and snakehead fish, is prohibited by state law. Last year's action was the first known seizure of these prohibited species in Michigan.

As national and state efforts continue to prevent Asian carp from entering Lake Michigan via the Illinois River, DNR officials are concerned that these non-indigenous species have the potential to cause great harm to the Great Lakes ecosystem. Non-indigenous species that are successful in establishing populations typically are impossible to eradicate, and difficult and costly to control.

Huff gave the presentation at the request of the chamber, and saw it as a good way to educate Asian business owners who might deal in the fish.

"This was our effort to reach out to the Asian business community and provide them with valuable information about the fish and why we want to make sure we keep them out of Michigan waters," Huff said. "We will continue to discuss these issues with the Asian community and help make them more aware of our concerns about these species of fish."

Huff was assisted in his presentation by American Association of University Women Program Vice-President Amy D. Seetoo, who served as an interpreter. Li-Yin Kuo, chamber president, also assisted with the program.

Anyone having information of the possession, sale or importation of live prohibited species is urged to contact the DNR Report All Poaching Hotline at (800) 292-7800.

Source: Michigan DNR