Congressman Sander Levin

Dear Secretary Darcy, Administrator Jackson, Admiral Allen, and Director Hamilton:

It is with great concern we write to you today.  As you know, the Asian carp poses one of the most serious threats to the Great Lakes to date.  Should the carp get into the Lakes, the ecological and economical damage would be devastating. 

We understand that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Environmental Protection Agency, Fish and Wildlife Service and the Coast Guard have been working hand in hand to address the carp as a result of recent positive environmental DNA (eDNA) detection and we applaud those efforts.  However, we are very alarmed at the length of time it is taking to formulate a comprehensive response plan.  The first positive detection of eDNA above the electric dispersal barrier was in November 2009, with subsequent positive detections.  We are also dismayed at recent comments made to the media by the federal agencies that several hundred carp would need to be detected before the federal agencies would change their current plan of dealing with this invasive species.  This is an extremely dangerous attitude.  We cannot depend on statistical possibilities when the potential damage that could be done by the carp getting into the Great Lakes is so high. 

The threat of the carp has been evident for many years and it is not going away.  As such, we request that the completed comprehensive response plan be submitted to members of the Michigan delegation no later than close of business, Friday, February 5th.  Please include in that plan any additional authorities necessary to address the carp in a comprehensive manner. 

We know you understand the urgency of the threat to the Great Lakes and look forward to continuing to work with you in a constructive manner.  Should you have any questions and to submit the comprehensive plan, please contact Joy Mulinex at Joy_Mulinex@levin.senate.gov. 

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