Stopping new invasive species from taking hold in the basin has become a top priority for Michigan and other Great Lakes states. At the top of their hit list: Asian carp. The non-native fish have already infiltrated the Mississippi River system, crowding out native species and creating a nuisance for boaters.Experts worry that an infestation in the Great Lakes could be devastating to the fishing and tourism industries in the basin. That worry intensified last week when the Michigan Department of Natural Resources found silver carp DNA in the Kalamazoo River.
Current State speaks with Tammy Newcomb, water policy advisor for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, to find out where this DNA could have come from and what it means for the fight against Asian carp in the Great Lakes.
This segment is supported by Michigan State University's Knight Center for Environmental Journalism. More news about the Great Lakes Environment can be found at greatlakesecho.org and on Current State every Tuesday.