The communications director for the Great Lakes Fishery Commission in Ann Arbor, Michigan says he supports the action of members of the Georgian Bay Great Lakes Foundation in issuing an alert and request for Grass Carp eradication measures immediately in Lake Huron.
Marc Gaden points out that Grass Carp is one of four species of Asian Carp that have been present in the Great Lakes for several years but it was believed they were sterile and therefore not a threat to establish themselves in the Great Lakes. But over the past couple of years, scientists have discovered fertile Grass Carp in the Great Lakes.
“We thought they were humming in the background in sterile form," Gaden says, "but over the past couple of years people who have been doing assessment work have discovered fertile Grass Carp in the Great Lakes and also have discovered Grass Carp eggs which is evidence of Grass Carp production in the Great Lake.”
Gaden says what isn't known at this time is whether the Grass Carp has been breeding for several years without being detected or is, in fact, the beginning of an invasion of Grass Carp in Lake Huron and are we now on the edge of that invasion.
Gaden states that calls for monitoring of the Grass Carp don't necessarily exclude steps to eradicate them but points out a shotgun approach to eradication would also wipe out several other species, so it's important to know exactly where the Grass Carp are before attempting to eradicate them.
“There is a difference between presence and establishment," he points out. "Grass Carp are present in the Great Lakes, they have been present for a long time, but we don't think they have become established in the Great Lakes. In that regard, the warning that these individuals have put forward is on target.”