Essay
The proposed bill to protect the Upper Mississippi River from invasive carp is essential for maintaining the ecological balance and health of the river ecosystem. Invasive carp species, such as the bighead and silver carp, pose a significant threat to native fish populations, By appropriating $16,800,000 for the design, installation, and operation of a deterrent system at Mississippi River Lock and Dam 5, the bill aims to prevent the spread of these invasive species.
This Bill will help keep the Mississippi safer, cleaner, and will allow the natural resources we get from the river to last longer. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the invasive carp can lead to severe ecological consequences, including the displacement of native species and the disruption of food webs. Furthermore, the bill allocates $395,000 in fiscal years 2024 and 2025 to expand invasive carp removal efforts and conduct surveys in the Mississippi River.
These funds will allow for the management and tracking of the invasive carp species. By measuring the efficiency of invasive carp management practices, the bill makes sure that resources are utilized efficiently and that the steps we do to make this happen will be right. This approach not only addresses the threat posed by invasive carp but also contributes to the long-term health of the river ecosystem.
However, some people argue that the financial needs required by the bill are substantial and may be a big cut on the state’s budget. They say that the funds could be used for other needs, such as education, healthcare, or infrastructure development. Additionally, there is a concern that the effectiveness of the deterrent system and removal efforts may not be guaranteed, leading to questions about the return on investment.
Works Cited
National Park Service. “Asian Carp Overview - Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service).” Nps.gov, 2017, www.nps.gov/miss/learn/nature/ascarpover.htm .
U.S. Department of the Interior. “Asian Carp Control.” Doi.gov, Aug. 2018, www.doi.gov/ocl/asian-carp-control-0.
“Virginia Tech Researcher’s Findings Support Elegant Solution to the Asian Carp Invasion: Eat Them.” News.vt.edu, news.vt.edu/articles/2021/01/asian-carp.html.
“What Are Invasive Carp? | U.S. Geological Survey.” Www.usgs.gov, www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-are-invasive-carp.