Officials Work to Prevent Asian Carp in Great Lakes

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Steps are being taken to try and prevent Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson talked about some of those efforts on Monday.

They were joined by members of the DNR and other conservation groups.

Last week, Minnesota and four other states filed a lawsuit to try and close shipping locks and gates in Chicago which could be a pathway for the fish to enter Lake Michigan.

"We are continuing to do everything we can as part of a coordinated effort along state and federal agencies,” said Klobuchar. “A rapid response is vital to this region. Failure to address the spread of carp could lead to the loss of billions of dollars to the regional economy."

The invasive species are a major threat to native fish populations along with both recreational and commercial fishing.