© 2024 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Feds oppose closing locks to stop Asian carp

By AP

TRAVERSE CITY, MI –
The Obama administration opposes closing shipping locks near Chicago to prevent Asian carp from invading the Great Lakes.

In a memo filed Tuesday, Solicitor General Elena Kagan asked the U.S. Supreme Court to reject a request by Michigan and several other states to order the locks closed. Illinois filed a document supporting the administration's position.

Kagan said closing the locks would endanger public safety and disrupt cargo.

She said federal agencies are working to keep Asian carp out of the lakes.

The voracious fish have been migrating up the Mississippi and Illinois rivers toward the Great Lakes for decades. They have infested waterways near Chicago leading to Lake Michigan.

Scientists say if they reach the lakes, they could disrupt the food chain and endanger the $7 billion fishery.

Journalism at this station is made possible by donors who value local reporting. Donate today to keep stories like this one coming. It is thanks to your generosity that we can keep this content free and accessible for everyone. Thanks!