More federal funds for sea lamprey control

[mchuber]

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - The Great Lakes Fishery Commission hailed the new U.S. Federal Budget as a victory for the health of the Great Lakes fishery and the millions of people who rely on it.

The budget, which was negotiated by Congress and the Administration, and signed by President Clinton, includes an additional $1 million for Great Lakes sea lamprey control, largely to address the sea lamprey problem on the St. Marys River. The federal increase, coupled with funds provided by Michigan, will allow the commission to reign in the last remaining out-of-control population of sea lampreys in the Great Lakes: those produced in the St. Marys River.

"The additional funds will mean a significant boost in sea lamprey control," said Commission ViceChairman Bernie Hansen. "These funds will allow for the treatment of the St. Marys River without having to sacrifice sea lamprey control in other areas of the Great Lakes. These funds also allow us to maintain our obligation to state, federal, tribal and provincial cooperators to support their fishery management activities, The action of Congress and the Administration will mean a stronger and healthier Great Lakes fishery."

Reprinted, with permission, from the Great Lakes Basin Report

[ron]

when are we going to finally force international ships to discharge there balast out at sea? isnt that how the sea lamphry got here & the round goby & all the others? i dont know do we (u.s.) do the same over seas (probably). but htese invaders are costing us millions to control.

[mchuber]

Ron you are correct in saying that most of the foreign invaders were introduced to our waters by balast water discharges.

Yes, the cost to battle these invaders is staggering, but what about the money that is being spent by local governments to battle Zebra Mussels in many of the inland lakes?

The only way that Zebra Mussels can get inland is by being transported by us, the anglers, who carry them on our boats, trailers or in the water in our bait buckets.

If we can't get the local anglers to make sure they are not transporting the mussels, then how can we get the freighters to do the same?

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My life is good . . .
Fishing helps make it that way

Max
Waterford MI