NMMA applauds U.S. Army Corps Asian Carp prevention plan

The National Marine Manufacturers Association

Last week, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released its final draft plan on preventing aquatic invasive species (AIS), including Asian carp, from reaching Lake Michigan.

Throughout the report’s development, the National Marine Manufacturers Association and its coalition partners worked closely with the Corps to ensure the study and proposed solutions addressed the recreational boating industry’s AIS concerns.

According to the report, the Corps is recommending that Asian carp blockers – such as sound barriers, an electric fence, and air bubble curtains – be installed around the Brandon Road Lock and Dam in Joliet, Ill.

Additionally, the plan calls for construction of a concrete channel in the lock to increase effectiveness of other fish controls and allow for testing of new technologies.

In 2017, an Asian carp was found in the Little Calumet River just nine miles outside of Lake Michigan.

If Asian carp were to infiltrate the Great Lakes, it would be detrimental to the boating industry and local economy.

NMMA remains committed to stopping the spread of AIS and will continue working with the Corps to implement the plan.

For more information, please contact NMMA Senior Vice President for Government Relations and Legal Affairs Nicole Vasilaros at nvasilaros@nmma.org or NMMA Director of State Government Affairs Libby Yranski at lyranski@nmma.org.