Panel announces steps to protect lakes from carp

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. - Authorities plan stepped-up monitoring and commercial fishing operations in the continuing effort to prevent Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes.

The Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee released its strategy Wednesday for operations this year. The committee brings together federal, state and local agencies to protect the lakes from the invasive fish.

Bighead and silver carp have infested the Mississippi River and tributaries including the Illinois River, which leads to Lake Michigan at Chicago.

Among protective measures to be taken this year include increased water sampling downstream of electric fish barriers, more commercial fishing in selected areas, monitoring around the barriers and in the upper Des Plaines River, and testing the effects of seismic pressure waves created by a water gun that might be used to scare away the carp.