The Asian Carp Threat to the Great Lakes: An Analysis of Alternatives for Preventing Asian Carp Migration

The ecosystems of the United States face numerous threats to sustainability arising from the introduction and proliferation of non-native, invasive plants and animals. One example is that of Asian carp, a species of invasive fish that is devastating native ecosystems in some inland US waterways. Current concerns center on the migration of Asian carp into the Great Lakes and how that could be particularly detrimental to the ecosystems and natural stability of the area. This paper examines the policy alternatives for halting the advance of Asian carp before they reach the Great Lakes, and recommends that electric barriers be used as the primary means of deterrent. However, such barriers are not a universally-applicable solution, and further research on securing US waterways from the Asian carp threat is required.