CHAMPAIGN - As Asian carp continue to pose a threat to Illinois waterways, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will convene the Wabash and Ohio Rivers Coordinating Council on Wednesday to discuss new ideas to control the invasive species. Leading the discussion will be James Garvey, director of the Fisheries and Illinois Aquaculture Center at SIU Carbondale.
Simon, who chairs the state's river coordinating councils, has worked with state agencies, researchers and private organizations to identify possible solutions to controlling the Asian carp population. Garvey's preliminary research shows that Asian carp are marketable and can be harvested and sold for consumption here and abroad. This alternative would not only protect the fish within the river, but it would also create new jobs in Illinois.
"Asian carp are an invasive species threatening the natural state of Illinois' waterways," Simon said. "We can use this invasion as an opportunity, though, to research productive uses of the fish, and create jobs to eradicate it from our ecosystem."
DATE: Wednesday, Nov. 7
TIME: 1:15 p.m.
PLACE: Champaign Public Library, Robeson Pavilion Rooms A&B, 200 W. Green St., Champaign
NOTE: Simon will hold a brief media availability at 1:15 p.m.; the River Council meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m.
