For years we have heard of the battle surrounding the Asian carp. A species introduced in an effort to supply the domestic demand for a foreign species. Asian carp, being a highly sought after entree at many restaurants which cater to those of Asian descent, have since invaded many waterways in the United States. Their prolific growth requires mass amounts of food, thereby depleting food sources and negatively impacting native species.
The United States has failed to cull the population within our own borders, and now the problem threatens to spill over into Canada. In an effort to prevent this catastrophe, the Canadian government has made the possession of living Asian carp illegal. The threat, however, persists. In February, the border patrol confiscated 14,000 pounds of live Asian carp as they were being driven over the border. With carp market prices being astronomically high, making it exceptionally lucrative, it will be hard to stop the northern flow of this species.
Canada has asked that the U.S. to put more officers on the ground to assist with the prevention an Asian carp introduction. Sounds great, right? The U.S. can simply beef up regulation enforcement on our side of the border, and Canada can remain carp-free. Do U.S. taxpayers care enough to assist with the conservation of aquatic biodiversity outside our own borders? I would bet not, especially considering how many times we have fallen short within our own nation. With how far we are already in debt, we must prioritize our nation's spending. Conservation of fish species does not usually make it through the budget cuts. Charismatic creatures sometimes do, like the eastern bluebird, but fish? Nah, not unless it is a prized game-fish within our own borders.
Unfortunately, Canada's battle against the introduction of the Asian carp will likely be a battle they fight alone.
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