Cool orders ban on asian carp, snakehead fish At the regular meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission today in Gaylord, DNR Director K.L. Cool signed an emergency order banning possession and transportation of live asian carp and snakehead fish, as well as eggs of these species. Cool said the order, which carries the weight of law, is meant to prevent the spread of these exotic species into Michigan waters. Asian carp and snakehead fish have not been found in Michigan waters to-date, but DNR Fisheries biologists said both species would have dramatic negative impacts on the waters, as well as native fish species. Several varieties of asian carp, including bighead, silver and black, escaped into the Mississippi River from Arkansas aquaculture impoundments during floods in the mid-1990's. Another source of spread are fish markets, which sell them live for use in ceremonies that entail setting one fish free for each one killed and prepared as food. Capable of growing in excess of 100 lbs. and feeding exclusively on plankton and algae, these carp have been moving steadily northward. Biologists believe that if they reach the Great Lakes, it could permanently disrupt the ecosystem of the Great Lakes. "Asian bighead carp have infested the Mississippi River as far north as the Chicago Canal, and many pet stores in Michigan continue to sell varieties of snakehead fish despite documented evidence that they can quickly infest and devastate native fish populations in the inland lakes of states with climates similar to Michigan," Cool said. "This order is necessary to protect Michigan's aquatic environment." Staff from the DNR Wildlife Division and the state Department of Agriculture provided an update on the agencies' coordinated work to monitor for Chronic Wasting Disease. The fatal deer and elk illness has not been found in Michigan to date. Biologists tested more than 3,800 deer and 109 elk harvested during the 2002 hunting season. MDA staff said they tested 711 privately-owned cervids from facilities statewide. Staff detailed the state's ongoing monitoring and prevention efforts, and noted that they are working in partnership with other states and federal partners. The next regular NRC meeting is March 6-7 in East Lansing. ##
Source: MDNR
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