Kennedy Testifies to Combat Asian Carp

Kennedy Testifies to Combat Asian Carp
11/03/2005

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Mark Kennedy testified today before the Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries and Oceans about the plague of invasive species, specifically Asian Carp in our waters, and requested funding for research done by Dr. Peter Sorenson of the University of Minnesota, where fish pheromones are being used as a control method for carp.

Congressman Kennedy has been a vocal advocate for measures to prevent these species from invading our waters. He offered an amendment to the Interior Appropriations earlier this year, and wrote a letter to Chairman Taylor of the Interior Appropriations Committee, requesting attention to the funding pitfall. Recently, he has cosponsored legislation to ban the importation and possession of Asian Carp.

"As someone who enjoys recreational activities like fishing, boating and hunting and represents thousands of Minnesotans who do as well, I feel a special responsibility to make sure that these opportunities are available for generations to come," said Congressman Kennedy. "Today, many of these activities are threatened by the spread of aquatic invasive species. Simply put, we need to invest more funding if we hope to control the spread of these aquatic pests."

The following is from today's testimony:

"In my home state of Minnesota, we are increasingly challenged to find ways to prevent and control disruptive species from Eurasian Milfoil to European and Asian Carp, and most recently Zebra Mussels. If not properly addressed, both of these species threaten to disrupt the ecosystem that thousands of Americans enjoy for fishing and boating.

"While there are different types of barriers in place or being tested to address the spread of aquatic invasive species, I would like to highlight a few more which deserve the attention, support, and action of Congress:

"One way is through the development of state Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Management Plans. These plans help federal, state and local officials identify activities to eliminate or reduce the environmental, public health and safety risks associated with aquatic invasive species. Although these management plans are available to both individual states and affected multi-state regions, only 16 states currently have approved plans with at least 14 other states (including Minnesota) with plans under development.

"Unfortunately, the resources available to effectively implement these plans fall well short of the mark, holding at $1 million dollars for the third year in a row. These limited funds are not a sufficient commitment to prevent the billions of dollars in damage that will result from vulnerable species habitat destruction and lost recreational opportunities. Simply put, we need to invest more funding in these management plans if we hope to control the spread of these aquatic pests.

"Thank you for allowing me to testify today on an issue so important to Minnesotans through my state. There is no question that now is the time to act in order to combat the growing threat that invasive species pose to waterways throughout our country."

http://markkennedy.house.gov/cgi-data/press/files/508.shtml