Asian carp focus of conservation group resolution

Asian carp
There are several types of Asian carp, including the jumping silver carp, shown here on the Missouri River. They pose hazards for boaters, but they also pose an ecological hazard for native fishes.
Photo by Jason Jenkins, University of Missouri

The National Wildlife Federation has passed a resolution asking for the separation of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River watersheds in an effort to stop the spread of invasive species like the Asian carp.

Jordan Lubetkin of the national conservation organization's Great Lakes office said the resolution passed unanimously Friday at the group's annual conference in Houston.

Federation board member Clark Bullard of Illinois calls Asian carp a "grave threat" and says the resolution is a "call for action."

Asian carp can weigh 100 pounds and consume up to 40 percent of their body weight daily in plankton, the base of the food chain for Great Lakes fish. Many fear they could lay waste to a $7 billion fishing industry if they reach the lakes.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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