Time Magazine - August 24th, 2010
http://ecocentric.blogs.time.com/2010/08/24/invasive-species-asian-carp-get-their-day-in-court/?xid=rss-topstories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+time%2Ftopstories+%28TIME%3A+Top+Stories%29
Summary:
Asian Carp, one of the top ten most invasive species, are threatening to destroy the Great Lakes. These fish originate in Asia and can grow to be up to 3 feet and 100 pounds.
If the Asian Carp were to establish their home in the Great Lakes and breed, they would eat and destroy the bottom of the food chain, plankton, thus destroying the entire existing ecosystem. The native fish would be potentially starved, which would greatly endanger tourism in the Great Lakes area. Now, the five Great Lake states--Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Minnesota--are suing their case in court. Their goal is to force Chicago to shut down two locks, preventing the Asian Carp from using the canals to reach the Great Lakes. This plan has met great resistance and the economic impact of this idea would be steep. Both sides are fighting hard for their cause and there is much at stake. For now, we will have to keep watching for updates on the trial.Opinion:
While reading this article, I was surprised to find that one species of fish could effect the Great Lakes so greatly. After reading it over a few times, I decided that I was on the Great Lake state's side. The invasion of these fish could greatly impact them. The economic impact would be very steep and tourism would go down because of the decrease in native fish. Although Chicago is also economically hurt if they lose the trial, it is only one state. There are five states that would be greatly effected if the Asian Carp were to establish their home in the Great Lakes.
Questions:
1. How long will it take until the Asian Carp reach the Great Lakes and actually start to change the ecosystem?
2. Do you think there are any other ways to prevent the Asian Carp from entering the Great Lakes?
3. How did the Asian Carp arrive in the U.S.?
4. How does Chicago plan to try to win the trial?
Opinion:
ReplyDeleteAfter reading Kiersten's summary I decided that I am for the Great Lake states. We have the decision whether or not to help the environment or let it shrivel away. The fact that we already have an increasing number of endangered animals should be enough for the jury to realize the Great Lake states should win this case. Hopefully the environment takes the win on this one.
Reflection:
Invasive species causes economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. In this case, the invasive species are the asian carp which are harming the ecosystem in the Great Lakes. If we keep letting these fish into the lakes, we will destroy our ecosystem. Chicago's locks, which have canals that reach the Great Lakes, is the source of the Asian Carps. By forcing Chicago to shut down two locks they will prevent the Asian Carp from coming into the lakes and harming the native fish.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-V5513w1XSk
...I found this video about invasive species. It contains a lot of really good information and is very interesting!
i believe that the great state lakes should win out on this one. if someone were to come into my house with their family and tell me i had to move out, i wouldnt be too happy about it, and i doubt anyone would be either. the native fish were there, they should stay. im all aware of the economic decline this country is going through but i can guarentee locking the docks will do us better in the long run. if all the native fish died out, imagine how much of an effect it would have on those up by the great lakes considering that one of their main food sources come from the fish. later, after all the sales of fish have declined, what kind of position would the economy be in. of course theres more than one factor controlling the economy but the decline of fish sales would definitly make a drawback.
ReplyDeleteanswer to number two:
honestly, i cant think of anything else or better to keep out the carp than by locking down the ports
Opinion: After reading the summary I too decide to side with the Great Lakes states side. We have just gotten out of one of the biggest recessions in our nations history and we don't want to send 5 states right back into an economic meltdown. These invasive carp are also destroying one of the greatest ecosystems in the United States. The Great Lakes are one of our greatest natural habitats and wonders. We don't want to let a bunch of invasive species just destroy the Great Lakes. I mean these are the Great Lakes. They are great and a wonder, don't let carp ruin it.
ReplyDeleteAnswer to Number Two: I fully agree with InSung with locking down the ports as the best option. I can't think of a better way either.
I am in favor of Chicago. Even though i do believe that they need to stop the fish from entering the great lakes, it would not be good to shut down the lochs. I'm sure there are many other fish that inhabit the great lakes that need to go through the canals. i believe that they sshould find a better way to stop the asian carp.
ReplyDeleteAnswer to number 2: I think they could find another fish that would scare away the carp from entering into the great lakes. they could also filter the fishand see if there are any asian carp