Agencies Begin Intensive Sampling For Asian Carp

Feb 17: Fisheries biologists from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) are beginning intensive sampling operations in multiple locations within the Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS) this week. The sampling efforts include using commercial fishing nets and electro fishing gear in an attempt to locate either silver or bighead Asian carp above the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Electric Fish Barrier System. The sampling operation will also include the use of commercial fishermen and is scheduled to take place in the CAWS over the next 2-3 weeks.

    Sampling crews will concentrate their efforts near warm water discharges created by various industrial operations along the waterway system. These areas of warm water serve as a place of congregation for fish during the winter when water temperatures drop significantly. The agencies said, "The sampling effort on the CAWS is an important step in the Asian Carp Control Strategy Framework, which includes both short and long term actions to stop the migration of Asian carp into the Great Lakes."

    Access a release from IDNR (click here). Access the WIMS Great Lakes Environment Blog for recent posting regarding the Asian Carp issue (click here). Access the 46-page draft Asian Carp Control Strategy Framework (click here). Access the Asian Carp Coordinating Committee website for extensive details and background (click here).