Attorney General Lori Swanson acts to stop advance of Asian carp

by T.W. Budig
ECM Capitol Reporter

Attorney General Lori Swanson filed a brief requesting the U.S. Supreme Court order injunctive relief in regard to the spread of Asian carp — a group of lawmakers, including Rep. Rick Hansen, DFL-South St. Paul, recently wrote the AG and governor requesting state action in regard to the invasive carp.

Swanson’s brief backs relief requested by the State of Michigan that calls for the closing of certain Chicago-area locks connecting Illinois waterways to Lake Michigan, the creation of new carp barriers, and other actions.

It’s feared the Asian carp will find its way into the Great Lakes through these waterways.

The exotic species, believed to have escaped from southern ponds during flood, could dramatically, negatively impact native fish populations, it’s feared.

“If they invade the Great Lakes, they will have access to the rivers and tributaries that feed into the Great Lakes, thereby threatening inland waters. This would be extremely destructive to Minnesota’s economy and way of life, where inland fishing is an important recreational and economic pursuit. Indeed, Minnesota is known as ‘The Land of 10,000 Lakes,’ and the recreational fishing in Minnesota alone is a $2.725 billion per year industry,” said Swanson’s brief.

According to the Attorney General’s Office, the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to consider the Asian carp matter in early January.