Forida Aktar Great Lakes Defenders Have a Shocking Idea to Stave Off Invasive Carp 1. Why specifically is the invasion of Asian Carp into Lake Michigan problematic? The invasion of Asian Carp into Lake Michigan is problematic because Asian Carp are invasive species that can strip entire river ecosystems of zooplankton depriving the native fish of their food source which can cause an unbalance to the ecosystem. According to the article, if Asian carp establish a breeding population in Lake Michigan, it could devastate the $7-billion commercial and sport fishery by consuming the food sources that the native fish need to survive.
2. Why were Asian Carp originally brought to the US?
Asian Carp were originally brought to the US from China by fish farmers in an attempt to control phytoplankton blooms in aquaculture ponds and sewage treatment lagoons in Arkansas. The fish escaped into the Mississippi River watershed when floods breached the lagoons.
3. Explain the solution that has been proposed by the US Army Corp of Engineers. The US Army Corps of Engineers proposed a technology-based solution that could be installed at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam on the Des Plaines River to combat the spread of Asian carp. The Army Corps proposed a solution that involves installing an electric barrier paired with complex noise generation. The electricity and complex noises would wreak havoc on the Asian carp’s sensory mechanisms. This barrier would use complex noises and create an electrified field in the water to prevent them from reaching the barrier. The electric barrier would give the Asian carp a shock if they approached, while the complex noise would use sounds to steer them
away from getting close to the barrier.
4. Do you believe that the proposed system would be an ethical solution to the problem of invasive Asian carp? Why or why not? I believe the proposed system would not be an ethical solution to the problem of invasive Asian carp. The US Army Corps of Engineers proposed solutions that not only would destroy the fish's
sensory mechanisms but also shock the fish for getting close to the barrier. This would cause harm to the fish. I strongly believe that we should always take into consideration the well-being of all living creatures, even in situations with invasive species. Therefore, there needs to be a balanced solution that protects the ecosystem while minimizing harm to the Asian carp.
5. What challenges are the scientists trying to overcome regarding this possible solution? In order to achieve success, scientists must first determine the optimal sound that travels through shallow water and the way different species of fish perceive it. This requires an understanding of how sound travels in water and how the fish will perceive it. 6. What is the role of the government in this solution? The government plays a crucial role in the proposed solution. The US Army Corps of Engineers has developed a plan for the deterrent system, which must receive a Congressional budget approval. Federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, state government officials, and commercial
interests all have a say in the decision-making process. These government agencies are responsible for coordinating efforts to combat the invasive species.
