Carbon Dioxide Infusions Could Be Used Against Asian Carp In Great Lakes

TRAVERSE CITY (AP) — Researchers say a process similar to making carbonated soda water could become a weapon in the fight against Asian carp.

In a recent study, scientists pumped recycled carbon dioxide gas into a research pond in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

It was an experiment to see if bighead and silver carp would steer clear of areas with the carbonated water. And that's exactly what happened.

Michael Donaldson of the University of Illinois says the results are encouraging because many tools are needed to prevent Asian carp from migrating into the Great Lakes, where they could compete with native fish for food.

Jon Amberg of the U.S. Geological Survey says more tests are needed to determine whether carbon dioxide could be used to control movements of the invasive fish in a natural river.

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