Asian Carp DNA Found In Chicago Area Near Lake Michigan

Associated Press

Asian Carp Removed from the Illinois River near Morris, Illinois in 2015.
*U.S. Government Accountability Office*

CHICAGO (AP) — Officials say genetic material from Asian carp has been detected near Lake Michigan, but a follow-up search turned up none of the invasive fish.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service posted results last week from sampling conducted in the Chicago Area Waterway System in early April.

Most of the 401 water samples were negative, but six registered DNA hits for silver or bighead carp in Lake Calumet, a few miles from Lake Michigan.

Scientist say if the fish become established in the Great Lakes, they could out-compete native species.

Asian carp DNA has been found repeatedly in Lake Calumet and other spots beyond electric barriers intended to block them.

An official with the federal agency told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel crews searched for live Asian carp last week but found none.

Tags:Lake Michigan

Support independent journalism today. You rely on WFYI to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Donate to power our nonprofit reporting today. Give now.

Why climate change makes a hurricane like Beryl more dangerous

Record-shattering ocean temperatures have helped Beryl gain strength as it moves through the Caribbean. It is the most powerful Atlantic hurricane ever recorded this early in the year.

$Harris says she won't ban fracking. What to know about the controversial topic$

Public Affairs / August 30, 2024

Harris says she won't ban fracking. What to know about the controversial topic

Both presidential candidates are against fracking bans, which is once again being wielded as a political issue to play to working-class voters. Here's a quick refresher on the topic.

Public Affairs / August 29, 2024

Government panel explores eliminating dozens of committees, boards and commissions

A group of Indiana lawmakers is investigating whether to eliminate more than five dozen committees, boards and commissions that the state helps fund and staff.