A presentation on Asian Carp was provided at the Northern Michigan Environmental Health Association's educational meeting held in Cadillac, Michigan on October 30. - FWS graphic

Alpena National Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office (NFWCO) Biologist Anjanette Bowen was invited to provide a PowerPoint presentation on Asian Carp at the Northern Michigan Environmental Health Association's educational meeting held in Cadillac, Michigan on October 30, 2007. 

Asian Carp refers to four species of non-native carp (bighead carp, silver carp, black carp, and grass carp) that have become established and are spreading within the Mississippi River and its tributaries.  Asian Carp may reduce the diversity of native species and be hazardous to water users. There is also concern that Asian Carp may spread into the Great Lakes.

Biologist Bowen's PowerPoint presentation included topics such as the identifying characteristics of Asian Carp, their current distribution, and concerns associated with their increase in numbers and spread to new areas.  Efforts to slow the spread of Asian Carp into the Great Lakes via the Chicago Dispersal Barrier Project were also discussed.  Bowen also provided information on what the public can do to prevent the spread of Asian Carp and other invasive species. 

At the end of the presentation, a short DVD was played that detailed the jumping behaviors and problems associated with Asian Carp.  The DVD, titled "Nuisance Fish," is an outreach tool that was recorded in partnership with Bill Dance, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  It is available for viewing from the Asian Carp Management web site at the following web address:  http://www.asiancarp.org/.