U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Governor Andy Beshear, and Congressman James Comer
were on hand with local officials at the Hillman Ferry Campground to see the Modified
Unified Method in action.
The method requires using electricity, as well as a sound system attached to boats to push the fish into smaller, netted sections of water. Officials then use a fish pump to suck the fish into a barge for transport to processing plants.
McConnell assured everyone that he would continue working to fund the war
on Asian carp.
"I can tell you at the federal level, Congressman Comer and I are going to keep providing money that you
all think we need to get it done." McConnell continued, "The Governor being here today indicates that the
state is interested in doing it's part, and we're going to keep on doing this until we remove if not all of them,
most of them, and save these lakes for tourism."
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
U.S. Forest Service, and the Tennessee Valley Authority have all participated in
the month-long test designed to remove larger amounts of the fish
at a quicker pace.
The roundup mainly targets bighead and silver carp, two of the four invasive carp species collectively
known as Asian carp in the U.S. According to The Associated Press, state and federal agencies together
have spent roughly $607 million to stop Asian carp since 2004.
Beshear says he will do what he can to build on the progress that has already been made.
"We cannot afford to allow a $1.2 billion driver to have the type of challenge that Asian carp has
confronted us with. These two lakes are extremely popular among anglers and recreational boaters alike," he said. "We all know the reasons that we must fight back against Asian carp, they threaten our natural ecosystem,
they can disrupt a valuable day on the lake, and even keep tourists that would otherwise be coming to one
of the most beautiful places in America from coming, enjoying, and spending their dollars right here in the
Commonwealth and western Kentucky."
On the Net:
Officials Using Modified Unified Method In War On Asian Carp
