These 4 Invasive Fish Could Devastate the Great Lakes

Lake Michigan is the source of much natural and expansive beauty, easily making it one of the best parts of living in the Great Lakes State. Not only is it a boon for nature lovers here, but it's also one of Michigan's primary sources of income. Sport fishing, for example, is one of Michigan's most profitable tourist attractions, worth about $5.1 billion to Michigan.

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From fishing to swimming and more, the Great Lakes are a crucial source of identity for anyone living here. However, the Great Lakes could soon be forever changed...by four problematic and invasive fish. 

⬇️VIEW THE MOST COMMON FISH IN MICHIGAN⬇️

Asian Carp

An invasive species of carp has become such an impending issue for the Great Lakes that Governor Whitmer and President Trump had a White House meeting discussing the urgent need to stop the carp from entering the Great Lakes. Asian Carp, a collection of four different carp (bighead carp, black carp, grass carp, and silver carp) that were introduced to the U.S. to assist with cleaning fish ponds and fisheries.

READ MORE: Michigan, Be On The Lookout For This Nearly Extinct Bird |

However, over the years, they've escaped and moved up through the Mississippi River, making their way north and leaving a path of destruction in their wake. Quite literally. These fish eat everything in their path, including native fish, and reproduce at an alarming rate. This puts our populations of fish like walleye or trout at risk.

Identifying These Fish

**Information on these fish comes from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service**

Bighead Carp

As the name implies, these carp can become very big, Known to grown nearly 5 feet in length, and weigh anywhere between 40 and 100 pounds.

Silver Carp

These fish are known for their rapid reproduction, and they are generally a popular fish for consumption. Their low-placed eyes are a unique characteristic of a fish most known for its jumping, which happens when the fish becomes scared. This creates a risk to recreational boating (kayaking, fishing, etc). These get 3 feet long and can weigh 20 pounds, but up to 80 pounds.

Grass Carp

As the name suggests, the Grass Carp feeds on about 40% of their body weight in plants a day. These fish would destroy vegetation, and specifically wetlands that are known for their diverse plants.

Black Carp

The black carp is a bottom-feeder that can grow to be 3 feet long, weighing 33 pounds, and live 15 years. This long lifespan, on top of being a bottom-feeder that preys primarily on mollusks, can put already struggling Michigan's mollusk population at risk.

If these carp make it to the Great Lakes, it could spell doom for life as we know it. Currently, the fish have only been seen sparingly, but if the fish were to make it, the most likely source would be through Chicago. You can learn more about this invasion below.