The Great Lakes Fishery Commission is asking for money to help in the fight against Asian Carp migration.
Communications Director Marc Gaden says the US is only budgeting $500,000 for the effort this year, but $3-million is what's needed for upgrades at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam at the foot of Lake Michigan. "The reason why there's a focus on that is because we consider it low-hanging fruit, in that relatively small or modest changes to that lock and dam could actually yield some considerable improvements to block Asian Carp."
Gaden says electrical and noise barriers are already in place to deter the carp from entering the Great Lakes, but more steps need to be taken quickly.
He adds that there's definitely been an element of luck that it seems the migration of the invasive species has slowed recently, and they've not yet made it to the Great Lakes.