[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 8, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H589]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               ASIAN CARP

  (Mr. HIGGINS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, the Great Lakes are the largest source of 
freshwater in the world, and they support vital shipping and recreation 
jobs. The fishery alone accounts for $7 billion in annual economic 
activity.
  But the Great Lakes face a very real threat from the Asian carp, 
which are progressing from the Mississippi River to the Illinois River 
and are nearing Lake Michigan. If this invasive species enters the 
lakes, it could decimate Great Lakes fishing and recreation.
  Last month, the Great Lakes Commission released a report recommending 
the construction of a barrier to separate the Mississippi River from 
Lake Michigan in order to protect the lakes from the Asian carp. I 
joined my colleagues from the Great Lakes Task Force in sending a 
letter to the Army Corps of Engineers asking them to consider this 
report as they study the best ways of keeping the Asian carp out of the 
Great Lakes Basin.
  Madam Speaker, the Asian carp have not yet entered the lakes, but 
there are very real reasons for concern, as scientists say that the 
conditions of Lake Erie are perfect to support this species of fish. It 
is essential to our economy and our environment that we all work 
together to protect and restore this underappreciated asset.

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