Scientists Test New Asian Carp Gun
CHICAGO (WWJ/AP) - It's a new "weapon" in the fight against Asian Carp. Researchers plan to test a "gun'' that shoots pulses of water at high velocity to determine if it could keep Asian carp from slipping into Lake Michigan.
It's hoped the heavy cannon creates enough energy to deter or kill fish and could be mounted near a lock in Chicago.
Leon Carl, regional executive for the U.S. Geological Survey, talked about the technology at a public hearing Thursday.
Carl said the heavy cannon creates enough energy to deter or kill fish and could be mounted near a lock in Chicago - the point where some fear the carp could get into the lake by breaching an electrical barrier farther inland.
Carl said the water gun will be tested this summer to ensure it won't damage the canal walls or the lock structure.
Many fear the huge invasive carp could disrupt the food web by out-competing less aggressive fish for food. Last month, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hosted a series of public meetings to tackle the issue.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
