Fighting invasive species in the Great Lakes

Federal Investments are Fighting Invasive Species

Once established, invasive species like Phragmites, zebra mussels, and sea lamprey are impossible to eradicate. Therefore, federal efforts are focused on reducing the spread of these species or preventing them from entering the lakes in the first place. Currently, federal investments are working to keep invasive carp out of the lakes and control invasive plants like Phragmites on 100,000 acres in the region.

But Serious Threats Remain

Invasive carp is perhaps the most serious invasive species threat to the Great Lakes. The non-native carp are in the Illinois River, which is artificially connected to the Great Lakes by a series of shipping canals. In some parts of the Illinois River, invasive carp make up 90 percent of the life in the river, having out-competed and out-eaten native species. Investments from the federal government are needed to keep invasive carp at bay, while also enforcing strong regulations on invasive-species-filled ballast water.

Featured Success Story

Barrier Will Help Reduce the Sea Lamprey Population

A barrier installed in northern Indiana’s Trail Creek will reduce the number of sea lamprey in Lake Michigan, where the blood-sucking invaders prey on fish.