Tom Lounsbury: Progress has brought invasive species with it
Tom Lounsbury, Hearst Michigan
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The common carp can come in some robust sizes, such as this one taken during a GLBC bowfishing contest. (Tom Lounsbury/Hearst Michigan) Show MoreShow Less
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Randy Claramunt of MDNR Fisheries shows a dandy lake trout he caught in Lake Huron, near Grindstone City. Due to invasive species such as the sea lamprey, as well as over-fishing, the lake trout was nearly eliminated in Michigan by the mid-20th century. But thanks to planting hatchery fish on a regular basis, it was brought back from the brink and is now flourishing and featuring natural reproduction. Claramunt could easily tell a hatchery fish from a natural reproduction by examining for a clipped fin. This dandy lake trout was from natural reproduction. (Tom Lounsbury/Hearst Michigan) Show MoreShow Less
After record-breaking snow and cold to start February, the end of the month appears to flip the script to above-normal temperatures. So what does that mean for all the snow still on the ground? The Tribune talked to experts from the National Weather Service, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, Chicago Botanic Garden and U.S. Geological Survey to find out.
Asian Carp Risk Assessment and Life History Science Center Objects
Increased threat of Asian carp entering the Great Lakes and spreading to other basins such as the Upper Mississippi River and Ohio River basins, has led to increased prevention and control efforts since 2010. USGS Asian carp biology and life history research has led to the development of models, tools and strategies to better understand the risk of Asian carp establishment and survival.
USGS scientists, in collaboration with partners, are conducting risk assessments and life history research to enhance the ability of agencies to manage Asian carp to minimize their influence and spread. Risk assessments are conducted to estimate the likelihood a species may invade, spread, or cause economic or ecological damage; to identify ecosystems or habitats most likely to be invaded; and to estimate other risks associated with species’ invasions. USGS risk assessment and life history science projects are described
January 15, 2021 By Shelley Byrne
The governors of Illinois and Michigan have agreed to work jointly to move forward with installing technology at Brandon Road Lock and Dam on the Illinois River to help prevent the spread of Asian carp into the Great Lakes.
The technology will include an electronic barrier as well as underwater sounds, an air bubble curtain and a flushing lock in a newly engineered channel designed to prevent the invasive carp from moving while allowing barge passage, according to the office of Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Pritzker and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced on January 7 the signing of an intergovernmental agreement between the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) that will allow Illinois to use up to $8 million in funds appropriated in 2018 by the Michigan legislature to support pre-construction engineering and desi