Policy Research

Asian Carp capable of surviving in much larger areas of Lake Michigan than previously thought

Jim Erickson

Summary

The article discusses how previous studies have suggested that low food levels in Lake Michigan would prevent the invasive species of Asian Carp from establishing in the Great Lakes, however, these studies do not consider that these carp are opportunistic feeders. This means they can survive on many diets and adapt to eat things that would allow for population success in the Great Lakes. They can feed on a combination of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fecal matter from mussels, which is enough for them to survive and even gain weight and thrive in the Great Lakes.

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Policy Implications

The growing threat of Asian carp in surrounding waterways has heightened the fear of the invasive species entering the Great Lakes. This article suggests that if this were to happen, the repercussions would be catastrophic for the ecosystem of the Great Lakes due to the adaptability of the fish to survive in many water systems.