Benishek supports Asian Carp legislation

Dr. Dan Benishek (MI-01) Wednesday announced his support for the “Asian Carp Prevention Act of 2012”(H.R. 6348), a bill designed to help prevent Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes.

“The Great Lakes are one of Michigan’s greatest resources, and we must ensure that they are protected from invasive species like the Asian carp.  Frankly, I am deeply concerned by the threat these fish pose to the ecosystem of the Great Lakes, our native fish species, and our state’s economy.   I want to do everything I can to protect our lakes,” said Dr. Benishek, a general surgeon from Iron River and a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources.

The “Asian Carp Prevention Act of 2012,” authored by Rep. Mike Rogers (MI-08), directs the Secretary of the Army to coordinate and spearhead efforts to prevent the spread of Asian carp into the Great Lakes by taking such actions as installing new barriers, improving locks in the Great Lakes region, and blocking the spread of the carp at the Brandon Road Lock in Illinois.

“Growing up in Iron River and being an avid sportsman, I know the Great Lakes are the lifeblood of Northern Michigan’s economy. We’ve already seen the devastating effects of invasive species like sea lamprey, and we can’t risk allowing Asian carp to enter our waterways.  By stopping the spread of Asian carp, we can ensure that our children and grandchildren enjoy the blessings and beauty of the Great Lakes for decades to come,” added Dr. Benishek.

Since coming to Congress, Dr. Benishek has supported several bipartisan measures that will fight against invasive species.  Dr. Benishek is also a member of the Great Lakes Task Force, a bipartisan group of lawmakers aimed at protecting and defending the Great Lakes, as well as promoting the economic impact the Lakes provide to the region.  Over the past three decades, the Task Force has worked on issues such as lake restoration initiatives, environmental clean-up projects, and invasive species control efforts.