Asian Carp DNA Found Near Lake Michigan

A new federal report has been released stating that there have been Asian carp genetic markers found in Chicago-area waterways.  According to environmentalists this finding will draw attention to how severe the threat of Asian carp in the Great Lakes really is.

This week data was released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services based on 228 water samples that were collected in October. The DNA of Sliver carp, which is a species known for infesting several Midwestern rivers, was found in 23 of the samples.  They are known for leaping from the water, which can cause injury to boaters due to collisions.

While Asian carp DNA keeps showing up in the samples of water from the Chicago-area, only one live Asian carp has actually been found.

Some of the DNA from more recent samples was collected less than a city block away from Lake Michigan, according to the Alliance for the Great Lakes.