Politics & Government

Study: Asian Carp Likely Not in Fridley Waters

DNA findings in Mississippi River upstream and downstream from Coon Rapids Dam don't mean the invaders are here yet, according to media reports on new research.

Suspicions that DNA from Asian carp found in the Mississippi near Fridley don't necessarily mean the feared invaders are here have been borne out be new research, according to several news outlets.

Minnesota Public Radio reported:

The latest research on Asian carp in the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers shows a small number of the invasive fish, but probably not a reproducing population. The research released on Thursday indicates that the invasive fish have not become established in Minnesota.

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However, experts say the fish still pose an immediate threat in the two rivers.

Tests last year, using improved techniques to identify the DNA of Asian carp in Minnesota waters, seem to contradict earlier studies which found evidence of the fish in numerous locations in the Mississippi, including above the Coon Rapids dam north of the Twin Cities.

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Read and hear the full report at minnesota.publicradio.org.

ABC Newspapers reported on the Coon Rapids Dam's role in fighting the spread of the invasive fish:

Construction on the Coon Rapids Dam to make it a stouter fish barrier is expected to be completed next year.

Some $16 million was slated towards the project, the dam seen as critical in protecting the Upper Mississippi, the Rum River, and Lake Mille Lacs from the carp.

Read the full article at abcnewspapers.com.

Related Patch posts:

  • Feb. 26, 2013: Study: Asian Carp DNA Found near Fridley May Not Mean Invaders Here Yet
  • Oct. 9, 2012: Editorial Urges Action to Stop Asian Carp from Reaching Fridley and Beyond
  • March 6, 2012: Gov. Dayton: Coon Rapids Dam Barrier 'Critical' to Stop Asian Carp
  • Dec. 8, 2011:


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