In the US, invasive fish alarm! An extraordinary measure to protect the Great Lakes

In the United States, the Illinois Waterway, built about a century ago to boost trade, has become a corridor for invasive Asian carp. Officials concerned about the fish reaching Lake Michigan and damaging the Great Lakes ecosystem are developing a multi‑layered barrier system that operates with electricity, sound, and air bubbles.

They Multiply Rapidly in Rivers

The 536‑kilometre Illinois Waterway, completed in 1933 in the United States, links the Mississippi River basin to the Great Lakes via Lake Michigan.

Created to facilitate freight transport, this route brought an unexpected environmental problem years later. The rapid northward spread of invasive carp in rivers began threatening the region's natural life.

Large‑bodied and silver carp introduced to the United States for aquaculture and water‑quality improvement have mixed into natural waterways from their facilities.

Fish that began spreading in the Mississippi River basin eventually reached the Illinois River. In light of the possibility of entering the Great Lakes, inspections were intensified at connection points around Chicago.

They Consume the Food Resources of Native Fish

Invasive carp compete for the same food resources as native fish by feeding on microscopic organisms in the water.

Their rapid growth and high reproductive capacities can alter the ecological balance in the areas where they spread.

Experts warn that if these species settle in the Great Lakes, the native fish populations, fishing activities, and biodiversity in the region could be harmed.

They Will Be Stopped Using Electricity, Sound, and Air Bubbles

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is working on a multi-layered defense system at the Brandon Road Dam and Lock to prevent the invasive carp from advancing north.

The project plans to use electric deterrents, underwater acoustic systems, and air‑bubble barriers together.

In addition, physical arrangements and measures for boat crossings will also be part of the system.

The officials' primary goal is to prevent invasive fish from reaching Lake Michigan and forming permanent populations in the Great Lakes. Thus, the aim is to protect one of North America's most important freshwater ecosystems.