A one-day public forum in Toronto today will have a lot of local interest.
The Great Lake Fishery Commission and Fisheries and Oceans Canada are hosting the forum on Asian carp in Toronto on Monday.
It will include presentations about the current status of the Asian carp population in the United States, strategies to prevent them from entering into the Great Lakes, and Canada’s contribution to this ecosystem-wide effort.
Asian carps pose a serious risk to the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem. If established, Asian carps will out-compete native fishes for food and habitat, and could decimate the recreational and commercial fishing industries.
Other Canadian agencies on hand to provide information include the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, the Royal Ontario Museum and the Invasive Species Centre.
In a news release, David Ullrich, chair of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission stated, "The effort to prevent an Asian carp invasion involves many agencies, organizations, and stakeholders and is a prime example of how cooperation is the foundation of fishery management in the Great Lakes basin. This forum is an opportunity to discuss the many actions that are being taken to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes, and to hear from the people who live, work, and visit the region, and enjoy the resource."
