Minnesota's attorney general is backing the effort to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes, saying they threaten her state's commercial and recreational fishing industries.
Lori Swanson filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court Monday supporting Michigan's request for an injunction to close a Chicago canal that connects Lake Michigan with the Mississippi River basin. The high court is expected to consider it Jan. 8.
Voracious bighead and silver carp from Asia have been migrating up the Mississippi and Illinois rivers and may be within six miles of Lake Michigan.
Swanson notes that Minnesota has 140 miles of Lake Superior shoreline. She says that if Asian carp invade the Great Lakes, they'll gain access to the rivers and tributaries that feed Lake Superior, as well as inland waters.
Ohio, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania in the last week have filed similar motions with the Supreme Court.
Minnesota AG: Keep Asian Carp Out of Great Lakes
Minnesota joins Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania in requesting closure to Chicago canal
Copyright AP - Associated Press
