Carp Fear

Summary:

Asian carp is an invasive species first imported to America in the ‘70s, wreaking ecological havoc by driving out native species and disrupting the ecosystem. They now run rampant in the Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois rivers. In response to fears that they would invade the Great Lakes, Illinois sprayed rotenone, a type of poison, to kill the Asian Carp before it could cross the electric barrier in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, making its way to the Great Lakes. The project cost $3 million, with only one Asian Carp killed along with thousands of other fish.
Response:

This project is controversial because it was costly and was far from succeeding in killing Asian Carp. Also, DNA sampling suggests that the fish may already be in the Great Lakes, therefore questioning the legitimacy of such expensive projects. Not only was the distribution of broad-spectrum piscicide expensive, it potentially could have a high ecological cost: the piscicide kills many species of fish, not just the Asian Carp, so there is the possibility of disrupting fragile ecosystems in an attempt to protect them from an invasive species. Alternatively, the issue of invasive species is especially pressing to the Great Lakes area, a region already heavily damaged by an invasion of zebra mussels. Something must be done to prevent Asian Carp from crossing the electric barrier into the Great Lakes, or a method to manage the invasive species if it is already in the area. Continuing to spray the piscicide would most likely lead to more Asian Carp deaths and Great Lakes protection, so there are some supporters. However, others may think that the ecological and economic costs outweigh the gain for this particular program of native species protection.
I have a personal connection to the article because it is important to me that the Earth’s natural species and beauty are preserved for future generations. Invasive species, we learned, are a major factor in species extinction. Biodiversity is critical for ecosystem services, economic gain from products like pharmaceuticals, and aesthetic qualities. The Asian Carp threatens to lessen biodiversity in the Mississippi watershed as well as the Great Lakes. I agree with Illinois’ plan to poison the fish because it appears to be the only effective way to remove Asian Carp. Although the first round was unsuccessful, I think that with some fine-tuning, the policy will be the most successful method of invasive fish removal. A DNR spokeswoman said, "If used properly there should be no affect to humans or other wildlife." Still, I think that prevention is the best, most effective policy. When the guest speaker came to discuss biodiversity, he recommended that we eat as much Asian Carp as we can get our hands on. This will help, at least a little, so I think we can solve this invasive species problem by the combination of piscicide, consuming Asian Carp, and by concentrating on prevention by barrier methods in unaffected areas.
What do you think is the most effective way to resolve the issue of invasive species? Why is biodiversity important? Is it ok to kill a species because it is invasive, or does that species have a right to thrive?

Patton, Jessica Rae. "Carp Fear." E: The Environmental Magazine 8 Dec. 2009: n. pag. Web. 11 Dec.
2009. .

http://www.emagazine.com/view/?4955