Courtesy Photo In 2013, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources led an Early Detection and Prudent Response exercise to test fish collection methods in anticipation that bighead carp or silver carp would ever be found in the Great Lakes, according to the DNR. This exercise occurred on the St. Joseph River on Sept. 11 and 12 near Berrien Springs, as seen in this photo provided by the DNR.

ALPENA — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has announced that the Brandon Road Interbasin Project — an initiative to prevent invasive carp from entering Lake Michigan — has gained approval from the Trump administration.

On May 9, Whitmer stated in a press release that President Donald Trump has signed a memorandum in support of the Brandon Road Project and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be leading the construction. Michigan and Illinois will fund half of the 10% non-federal cost share of the project.

According to the press release, the Brandon Road Project will include a series of invasive carp and aquatic deterrents to prevent the migration of invasive carp to Lake Michigan, and then to other Great Lakes.

The invasive species is a concern for many reasons, especially due to its ability to reproduce quickly and disrupt the food web of the Great Lakes.

Silver carp, for example, feed on plankton, which are a primary food source for Michigan native fish species such as walleye, yellow perch, and lake whitefish, according to the press release. Silver carp can consume up to 40% of their weight per day and can weigh as much as 60 pounds.

Due to these characteristics, the invasive species could populate the Great Lakes and affect commercial fishing, a $7 billion industry, according to the press release.

Doug Shultz, Lake Huron Basin coordinator with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, explained that because invasive carp species can reproduce quickly and there are ample food sources available in the Great Lakes, it will not be difficult for the species to establish themselves within the ecosystem.

“If they get into the Great Lakes … they will likely do very well,” Shultz said.

Further, Shultz noted that carp are annual spawners and reach reproductive maturity between the ages of 2 and 3. In comparison, Shultz said a walleye doesn’t reach reproductive maturity until ages 3 to 5.

Shultz explained that if invasive carp species make their way to Lake Michigan, the DNR will begin efforts to contain and remove the species. Though the risks of invasive carp remain the same, carp migration to Lake Huron is dependent on the invasive species overcoming obstacles to do so.

“The two ‘ifs’ are if (the invasive carp) get past the (Brandon Road) and if they are not contained,” Shultz said.

Chris Engle, communications associate at Huron Pines, explained that though invasive carp is not the organization’s speciality, no invasive species is good news for Michigan habitats.

“Any invasive species, whether it’s a fish or a plant, has the potential to seriously disrupt the ecosystems of Lake Huron and its surrounding watersheds, outcompete native species, and harm recreational, and commercial fisheries,” Engle said. “The most effective control measure for invasive species is preventing their introduction in the first place.”

The Brandon Road Project sets out to prevent such an introduction from happening.

According to Whitmer press release, the Brandon Road Project aims to protect Michigan’s maritime economy, which is dependent on the ecosystem of the Great Lakes. The press release states that the Brandon Road Project has been a priority in Michigan for over 20 years.

In the press release, Whitmer said that Trump’s support is “another huge win that will protect our Great Lakes and secure our economy.”

Further, Whitmer praised Trump and partners in Illinois for making the project happen.

“After years of advocacy alongside our partners in Illinois and together with a wide range of stakeholders at the local, state, and federal levels, we now have renewed assurances from the Administration to move forward expeditiously on the Brandon Road Interbasin Project,” Whitmer said in the press release. “I am grateful to the President for his commitment.”

Whitmer explained that the Brandon Road Interbasin will be built at a “critical water junction.” According to Whitmer, if invasive species of carp are allowed to enter the Great Lakes, they will harm the ecosystem and Michigan’s economy.

Whitmer stated in the press release that 3,500 plant and animal species inhabit the Great Lakes. The lakes also provide 1.5 million jobs and $60 billion a year in wages.

“That’s why I went to Washington, D.C. to advocate for this project face-to-face with the President at the White House,” Whitmer said in the press release. “I am grateful that, in the midst of a lot of change at the federal level, he is confirming that our federal partners are as committed as ever to getting this done.”