Calling for a multi-layered approach to protect the health of the Great Lakes, Representative Miller (R-Michigan) thanked the Army Corps of Engineers for their recent study on how to manage invasive species in the Great Lakes, and expressed her concern about the lack of call to immediate action to protect the Great Lakes from the threat of Asian Carp. She said the only real solution to stop Asian carp from coming into the Great Lakes is the complete separation of the Great Lakes from the Mississippi River.

Asian carp threatens to destroy a $7 billion Great Lakes fishing industry. In addition, the Great Lakes industry supports billions of dollars in shipping and recreation activities that describe the true nature of the Great Lakes region. Rep. Miller is calling for the complete sealing of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, which link Lake Michigan to the Illinois River.

Several years ago the Corps constructed three electric barriers on the Canal and asked for a collegiate study of ways to stop the invasion of Asian carp into the Great Lakes. MRAA supported this action by the Corps. In addition, many marinas and marine retailers exist along the canal or at the upper reaches of the Illinois River to serve boaters in the Chicago area.