Franken Lauds Appointment Of Asian Carp Director

"U.S. Senate"

09/09/2010

WASHINGTON, D.C. [9/8/10]—Today, Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) praised the Council on Environmental Quality’s appointment of John Goss as the Asian Carp Director, who will oversee the government’s efforts to prevent Asian carp from damaging the ecosystem of the Great Lakes. Experts have warned that the invasive fish pose a danger because of their enormous size, the huge amount of food they consume, and their rapid rate of reproduction.

“I’m pleased that the Obama Administration recognizes the importance of addressing the potentially disastrous presence of Asian carp in the Great Lakes,” said Sen. Franken. “We must take swift action to separate the Mississippi River Basin and the Great Lakes water systems to protect against the spread of these carp. John Goss’ background has prepared him well to coordinate the government’s response, and I look forward to working with him to protect the ecology and fisheries of the Great Lakes.”

Senator Franken has called for immediate action to deal with the threat of Asian carp:

· He is a cosponsor of the CARP Act (S. 2946), which would direct the Army Corps of Engineers to take immediate action to prevent the potential entry of Asian carp into the Great Lakes;

· He joined a bipartisan group of nearly 50 other Members of Congress in writing a letter to President Obama urging swift action to stop the spread of the carp;

· He cosponsored the Permanent Prevention of Asian Carp Act (S. 3553), which would require examination of options to separate the Chicago canal and the Great Lakes; and

· He supports robust funding for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Asian Carp management initiative to help keep