…a permanent hydrologic separation is needed between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi basin where the carp live. “We need to re-establish the natural watershed barrier between the Mississippi basin and the Great Lakes. We are working to push federal agencies to take every needed action to prevent the carp from getting into the lake.”

The largest fish kill in Illinois history — expected to net 100 tons of fish including, hopefully, some Asian carp — is to start today south of Chicago in an attempt to make sure none of the feared carp make it past an electric barrier while it is shut down for maintenance.

The fish kill is necessary because DNA testing since July has shown evidence of two species of invasive Asian carp near the barrier. And in the latest round of testing last month, carp DNA was found beyond the barrier, just one lock and dam away from Lake Michigan.

“If we don’t let huge numbers get past, we could prolong a major invasion of carp for years,” said Becky Cudmore, an Asian carp expert with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. “The barrier is still the best thing we have to keep them out.”

Read more: Freep.com

Gov. Jennifer Granholm wants Michigan’s attorney general to take legal action to prevent Asian carp from invading the Great Lakes.

Granholm and Lt. Gov. John Cherry sent Attorney General Mike Cox a letter today urging him to “pursue every legal tool” available.

They say among possible actions are closing the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, part of a waterway linking Lake Michigan with the Mississippi River.

Officials say DNA of Asian carp has been detected in the canal, north of an electronic barrier designed to block their advance northward toward the lake.

Readd more: Freep.com