Dear Friend,
EPA states and then asks:
Excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous entering the nations waters create pollution that is hard to track, contain, and control. Nutrient pollution is as damaging to our waters as it is complex, so finding effective ways to address it is critical. EPA and State agencies have used various approaches to tackle the problem but much more is needed to protect water bodies from these pollutants.
• What critical elements need to be included in an effective nutrient strategy?
• How should the strategies differ for protecting healthy and functioning watersheds versus those that need to be significantly restored due to previous pollution?
• What has worked for your organization, state, or tribe in controlling nutrient pollution? What hasn’t?
Response:
The great mid-American River system is the cesspool for thousands of cities, industries and farms. Many of the pollutants include soils which have been “washed” with industrial agricultural chemicals (non-point pollution) which when the soil is eroded, move to the rivers. These pollutants then grow algae and other micro-organisms, some of which create dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico.
Fortunately, carp (and other critters) feed on these micro-organisms, thus reducing some of the pollution. However, the native fish population pays the price because of the disruption of their food chain. Studies now estimate that Asian carp (mostly Bighead and Silver) make up 95% of the fish biomass in most of these rivers. The Asian carp population has exploded over the past few years and now threaten the seven billion dollar fishing industry of the Great Lakes.
See: Asian Carps of the Genus Hypophthalmichthys (Pisces, Cyprinidae) ― A Biological Synopsis and Environmental Risk Assessment; http://www.fws.gov/contaminants/OtherDocuments/ACBSRAFinalReport2005.pdf ; Also see the Youtube documentaries: Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yS7zkTnQVaM&feature=PlayList&p=DB08107B501DF1D8&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=47; Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ChwJiKKBdA&feature=PlayList&p=DB08107B501DF1D8&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=48
Would a compromise work? First by reducing the Asian carp population by removing the breeders and secondly, by managing the carp population so as to allow native fish to recover. That way we allow the Asian carp to continue cleaning nutrients from the rivers and re-establish the native fish. It seems highly improbable to totally remove all Asian carp. There are additional benefits, namely the beneficial use of the harvested carp.
The ACBSR final report concluded that the physical removal of the carp was the best working solution. Mention was made of training vast numbers of fisher folk on how to catch carp. Bait and hook does not work since the carp are filter feeders. Only purse (or hoop) nets seem to work for skiff quantities. What is needed is a commercial approach to harvesting carp.
Carp Catchers Cooperative has such a plan (on digital record). See: Carp Catchers Co-op, http://carpcatchersco-op.wetpaint.com/page/BUSINESS+PLAN+—+A+BRIDGE+OVER+TROUBLED+WATERS
Carp Catchers Cooperative will be formed as a social entrepreneurial enterprise (L3C – Limited Liability Company), will build a fleet of three ships which will be able to harvest and process two tons of fish per hour. Currently, we have completed the design criteria, the initial material take-off and weight calculations and have a good start on the sourcing and pricing of materials and equipment. We have extensive research notes on nearly all technical aspects of the project. We are in need of about $300,000 grant with which to produce our working drawings, sourcing and pricing and submission to and seek approval by regulatory agencies. Please take a look at the Youtube videos and visit our website, then send me an email as to how you can help. Please pass this email letter on to everyone who can help us with the funding.
Jim Miller, President
Mutual Aid Society of America, Inc.
jimmiller5417-at- yahoo.com
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