In the 1970’s, scientists introduced non-indigenous Asian carp in southern United States waters to control catfish and other fish species. Other scientists warned that the highly reproductive, voracious carp would overwhelm all other species, eventually posing a threat to the Great Lakes. This variety of carp eats 40% of its body weight every day.
So far, carp have invaded the Mississippi River basin, the Ilinois River, and threatened the Missouri River and Chicago River. Scientists have used electrified fish barriers as well as toxic chemicals to stop the invasion with varying degrees of success. If these measures do not stop the carp, the species will invade the Great Lakes, soon becoming an international dilemma.
The following short video demonstrates the size and activity of the Asian carp as well as the threat the Asian carp poses. Asian carp
Florida’s Big Dig 