Legislation Seeks Interim Steps to Stop Asian Carp

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) - Members of Congress have introduced legislation calling for interim steps to prevent invasive Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes through Chicago-area waterways while a permanent solution is debated.

The measure calls for putting additional structures to control upstream movement of fish at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam, located on the Des Plaines River in Joliet, Illinois.

Supporters describe the location as a "choke point" where the path of Asian carp and other exotic fish could be blocked before they reach Lake Michigan, where scientists say they could starve out native species.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced last month it would consider using the site to test new technologies such as special gates or air cannons along with devices that create electric currents in the water.