Asian carp pose potential threat to Great Lakes
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STATEWIDE -- A new study is suggesting the threat of the invasive fish, Asian carp, is greater than previously thought. Scientists are concerned the fish could wreak havoc on the ecosystems of the Great Lakes.
A Canadian study suggests the Asian carp could create a self-sustaining population with as few as 20 fish. The fish are swimming up the Mississippi River toward Chicago, and could soon enter the waterways. This is a concern for cities along the lakes, such as Buffalo and Rochester, because Asian carp can grow to be more than 100 pounds and will compete with native fish for plankton.
They also pose a risk to anyone enjoying recreational activities on the lakes.
"People have had their noses broken. People have been knocked off jet skis. People have been injured, they've jumped in boats," said Helen Domske, NY Sea Grant.
Officials in western New York are planning on asking the federal government to examine the problem.