Earth Gauge » Wildlife

World Wetlands Day

espinoza — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:20:16 +0000

Each year, World Wetlands Day is celebrated on February 2nd. Wetlands come in many forms and go by many names – estuaries, bogs, mangrove swamps, vernal pools, marshes, riparian wetlands, cypress swamps, playa lakes and more! Wetland areas improve water quality, provide flood protection and support tons of fish, wildlife and plants. If you’ve been hunting, clamming, crabbing, or enjoy eating salmon, you reaped the benefits of wetland ecosystems. Wetlands are some of the most important resources for migratory birds like ducks, geese and sandhill cranes, and also support moose, black bears, lynx, beavers and other wildlife. Cranberries and blueberries grow in bogs in the northern United States.

Despite their many benefits, the United States loses about 60,000 acres of wetlands each year. Compared to other coastal states, Florida, Texas, California and Louisiana have lost the most coastal marshland – California alone has lost more than 91 percent of its coastal wetlands and the Chesapeake Bay has lost 50 percent of its coastal marshes. Since the arrival of settlers, 70 percent of tidally influenced wetlands in Puget Sound have been lost. And, only about 40 to 50 percent of the prairie region’s original prairie pothole wetlands remain undrained today.

Viewer Tip: No matter where you live, chances are there’s a wetland nearby. Development that occurs on or nearby wetlands can lead to loss of habitat, changes in water flow, polluted runoff and other impacts. Try these tips to protect your local wetlands:

Keep lawns and driveways free of pet waste, fertilizers and motor oil. These pollutants can wash into storm drains and eventually reach a wetland.
Choose native species when planting trees, shrubs and flowers to preserve the ecological balance of local wetlands.
Use non-toxic products for household cleaning and lawn and garden care. Never spray lawn and garden chemicals outside on a windy day or on a day when it might rain and wash the chemicals into local waterways.
Many exotic animals are introduced into wetlands by homeowners and hobbyists, where they can harm native wildlife. If you have a home aquarium with exotic saltwater or freshwater fish or raise non-native amphibians or reptiles, do not release them into the wild.
Volunteer to help monitor local wetlands near you. Visit water.epa.gov/type/watersheds/monitoring/vol.cfm for more information!

(Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Wetlands”, http://water.epa.gov/type/wetlands/index.cfm; “Volunteer Monitoring”, http://water.epa.gov/type/watersheds/monitoring/vol.cfm; “American Wetlands Month,” www.epa.gov/wetlands/awm/; Izaak Walton League of America, “Wetlands Sight and Sounds Series,” http://www.iwla.org/index.php?id=353; National Biological Information Infrastructure Digital Image Library, http://life.nbii.gov/index.php; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Digital Library System, http://images.fws.gov/)

Backyard Bird Buffet

espinoza — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:31:35 +0000

Many birds stick around for the winter and feeding them at backyard feeders is a fun way to interact with them. Frequent winter visitors to feeders in the Great Lakes Basin include black capped chickadees, wood peckers and as the weather warms a bit, cardinals. These birds nutritional needs change with the seasons. During the coldest parts winter, seeds, nuts, suet and other high-fat foods provide energy to keep birds’ small bodies warm.

Viewer tip: Encourage birds to gather in your yard by offering them a diversity of food options. Placing feeders near branches and shrubs keeps them safe from predators. And, consider keeping a log who visits your feeder! Comparing which birds visit and when, is one way that scientists study winter bird populations and climate change.

For more information about feeding the birds in your neighborhood, check out Audubon’s Bird Feeding Basics website at web4.audubon.org/bird/at_home/bird_feeding/index.html or ask your local birding store for advice.

This information is provided by Great Lakes Aquarium. Learn more at www.glaquarium.org.

Bald Eagles

espinoza — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:22:27 +0000

Bald eagles are found throughout North America, and the Northern Mississippi Valley is a great winter viewing spot. Up to 5,000 bald eagles winter on the Mississippi River between Cairo, IL and St. Paul, MN. Bald eagles prefer habitats near open water where there is an abundance of fish, as well as old-growth forest and mature trees for perching, roosting and nesting.

Viewer Tip: Bald eagle watches occur along the Mississippi throughout January and February, and eagles can be seen into early March. Watches occur at the Mississippi River Visitor’s Center in Rock Island, IL on weekends through mid-February and watches take place on Saturday, January 28 in Quincy, IL and Muscatine, IA. When viewing eagles, it is important to stay in your car unless you’re visiting a manned eagle observation deck. A car acts as an excellent blind, whereas walking around or toward a perched eagle will chase it off its roost.

Learn more about eagle watches at www.mvr.usace.army.mil/missriver/Eagle%20Watching/Eagle%20Main.htm.

This information is provided by Living Lands and Waters. Learn more at www.livinglandsandwaters.org.

(Sources: Bald Eagle Viewing Directory, http://www.baldeagleinfo.com/eagle/eagle1.html; Mississippi River Project, http://www.mvr.usace.army.mil/missriver/MRVC/MRVC.htm)

This information is provided by Living Lands and Waters. Learn more at www.livinglandsandwaters.org

Annual Christmas Bird Count

espinoza — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:34:16 +0000

December 14 marks the beginning of Audubon’s annual Christmas Bird Count. The Count runs through January 5, 2011. The first Christmas Bird Count (CBC) took place on December 25, 1900 when 27 participants counted and identified about 18,500 birds, mostly in the northeastern U.S. Today, volunteers brave snow and chilly temperatures to identify and count birds throughout the 50 states and in Canada. Last year, over 2200 counts were completed and 61 million birds were reported! CBC data helps scientists understand how bird populations have changed over the past century.

Forty years’ worth of observation data from the CBC show that 58 percent of North American bird species seen in the first few weeks of winter have shifted their ranges north. Sixty species have moved over 100 miles north – the wild turkey has moved a whopping 400 miles! (Learn more about range shifts of finches in the Western, Midwestern, and Eastern United States.)

Viewer Tip: Anyone can participate in the Christmas Bird Count. CBC takes place in “count circles” that focus on specific geographic areas. Every circle has a leader, so even if you are a beginner birdwatcher, you’ll be able to count birds with an experienced birder and contribute data to the longest-running wildlife census. If your home happens to be within the boundaries of a count circle, you can count the birds that visit your backyard feeder.

Visit birds.audubon.org/christmas-bird-count for more information.

Audubon press releases and photos available at www.audubon.org/newsroom/press-rooms/christmas-bird-count-press-room

[See post to watch Flash video]

Download Broadcast Quality Quicktime File (217 MB)

Available for media use, courtesy of Audubon.

Winter Flounder Have “Anti-Freeze”

espinoza — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:09:13 +0000

Winter flounder are unique among fishes of the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions. Unlike most coastal marine fishes including salmon, shad and herring, winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) enter estuaries in the late fall and early winter to spawn. These right-eye flat fishes like it cold thanks to an “anti-freeze” protein in their blood that protects them at below freezing water temperatures. As water temperatures cool, winter flounder move into estuaries to lay clutches of eggs that stick to the bottom. Winter flounder range from the Chesapeake Bay to Labrador. They spawn from February to May, with an April peak in the Gulf of Maine.

Viewer Tip: Like many food fishes, winter flounder have been overfished in recent decades and restrictions have been placed on commercial fishing of depleted stocks. Recreational fishing with smaller catch limits is still permitted, however. Winter flounder are both tasty and nutritious.

Learn more about winter flounder at www.nmfs.noaa.gov/fishwatch/species/winter_flounder.htm.

This information is provided by Restore America’s Estuaries. Learn more at www.estuaries.org.

Lose the Lead Sinkers

espinoza — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:30:40 +0000

Fall fishing and ice fishing are popular past times for many in the Great Lakes Region. As you rig your line in hopes of landing that big catch, think twice about what weights your lure. Lead has been used for weighting fishing tackle for centuries, but this heavy metal poses a hazard to human and wildlife health. Lead sinkers have been listed as the leading cause of mortality in loons and other water birds. The sale of lead tackled is banned in some states.

Viewer Tip: Stock your tackle box with stainless steel sinkers and hooks. You can find lots of great products at your favorite tackle supply shop. And, many bait shops and city recycling centers collect and properly dispose of lead products for you – just ask!

For more information about the impacts and replacing lead tackle, visit www.pca.state.mn.us.

This information is provided by Great Lakes Aquarium. Learn more at www.glaquarium.org.

Oysters in Galveston Bay

espinoza — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:07:02 +0000

The current drought that Texas is suffering through is threatening the oysters of Galveston Bay. Galveston Bay needs freshwater to keep the salinity level of the Bay low to protect oyster reefs. Some predators and disease thrive in very salty waters, which can weaken and kill oysters. Oysters are the Bay’s keystone species, providing habitat for other living things – just ask a fisherman if he likes to fish around reefs – and each filtering as much as 50 gallons of water a day, providing natural water cleansing services.

Viewer Tip: To protect the oysters, the Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) has a newly established oyster shell recycling program. Since March of 2011, GBF has been collecting discarded oyster shells, curing them and then using them for the oyster reef restoration program. Oyster larvae are free flowing in our bay and in search of a hard substrate to settle on and begin growth. Recycled oyster shells are a perfect solution. Recycled oyster shells are bagged and hung over residences’ piers to attract larvae, which will grow on the shells as spat. The oyster gardening bags are removed from the piers and the live, gardened oysters are placed on several constructed reef pads in an effort to expedite colonization by oysters. These oysters are for conservation efforts and not used for consumption. If you would like to get involved in our community based oyster reef restoration effort, please visit www.galvbay.org.

This information provided by the Galveston Bay Foundation. Learn more at www.galvbay.org.

Urban Birds

espinoza — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:41:59 +0000

Did you know that cities often support more individual birds than rural or suburban areas? Many city birds are European species that thrive in urban environments, such as Rock Pigeons, European Starlings and House Sparrows. City residents can attract a broader range of bird species by covering or replacing pavement with native plants, flowers and trees.

Viewer Tip: Remember that even small places – balconies, rooftops and patios – can provide habitat for birds.

Add a bird feeder to your balcony or terrace to attract seed-eating birds.
Provide a water source for birds with a small bird bath or shallow container of water.
If you have the space, add a few pots with native plants and flowers. If your neighbors do the same, you can create a “mini-habitat” for wildlife.
Up to one billion birds die each year from crashing into windows. Even if you don’t have any outdoor space, you can lend a hand to birds by adding decoration or a protective screen to the outside of your windows.

(Source: National Audubon Society and Natural Resources Conservation Service. “Creating a Healthy Apartment or Townhouse.” Available from www.audubon.org)

Freshwater Estuaries

espinoza — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:31:30 +0000

The five Great Lakes—Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario—have often been described as “inland seas” and “freshwater oceans.” Besides terminology, they have something else in common with oceans: estuaries. While estuaries are traditionally defined as places where rivers (freshwater) meet the sea (salt water), scientists increasingly recognize that estuary-like conditions prevail along parts of the Great Lakes coasts. While definitions vary as to what constitutes a “freshwater estuary,” most have three characteristics: a drowned river mouth; a zone where river or stream water mixes with lake water; and influence from seiche or wind tides. While the Great Lakes are large enough to have “real” tides, they are tiny. Seiche tides are natural oscillations in water level caused by atmospheric conditions like changes in barometric pressure or disturbances like winds. A good example of a freshwater estuary is Old Woman Creek located on the south-central shore of Lake Erie in Ohio.

Viewer Tip: The Great Lakes are the largest freshwater system in the world. They contain about 84 percent of North America’s surface freshwater and about 21 percent of the world’s overall supply. But more than 50 percent of their wetlands are gone now. Get out on the Lakes this fall. Fish, hike, camp and volunteer for coastal clean-ups and restoration projects. Fishing, hunting and campground fees are key revenues for state Departments of Natural Resources in the Lakes region. These fees help stock fish, maintain state parks and recreation areas, and go toward projects that ensure environmental protection and maintenance of area lakes and woods.

This information is provided by Restore America’s Estuaries. Learn more at www.estuaries.org.

Salt Marshes in Autumn

espinoza — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:24:27 +0000

New England and other northerly points are renowned for the beauty of their fall leaves. Red, orange and gold foliage draws visitors from all over the country for peak viewing times. Salt marshes in temperate zones all over the United States go through much the same transformation during autumn. Dominant Spartina marsh grasses turn from a vibrant green to gold—part of the annual dieback of Spartina leaves and stalks that turns this common marsh grass into bio-mass that replenishes marsh soils and feeds hosts of microscopic organisms and larger detritivores (literally, detritus eaters) like fungi, insects, worms, and isopod crustaceans. These tiny critters then become meals for larger fish, crabs and birds, in turn.

Viewer Tip: Fall is a great time to visit or get a guided tour of your local salt marsh. Temperatures are cooler, humidity is low and the bugs are hunkering down for winter. Two great places to find more information about visiting your local marsh and estuary are the National Estuarine Research and Reserve System (NERRS) at www.nerrs.noaa.gov and The Association of National Estuary Programs (ANEP), www.nationalestuaries.org.

This tip is provided by Restore America’s Estuaries. Learn more at www.estuaries.org.

Native Plants are Bird “Feeders”

espinoza — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:06:24 +0000

Wild birds primarily feed their young insects, which prefer to live on native plants that they evolved with rather than exotic plants. Adult birds also rely heavily on native plants for food, shelter and nesting sites.

Viewer Tip: Consider adding native plants to your yard during fall planting season. For example, the shrub American beautyberry found in many eastern and southern states provides seeds and berries for the Northern Bobwhite, mockingbirds and others. Texas persimmon trees produce sweet black fruits birds love. Chile pequin is also popular, as are fall-blooming plants such as Maximilian sunflower with its high-fat seeds. Birds also love ripe seeds of sideoats grama and other native grasses. To learn more about native plant options, look online for local events celebrating Texas Native Plant Week October 16 through 22.

This information is provided by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Learn more at www.wildflower.org.

Oysters: A Fall Treat

espinoza — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 13:04:07 +0000

One commonly asked question is why oysters are traditionally eaten only during months with an “r” in them. There are two answers. One, earlier times lacked refrigeration and oysters spoil quickly in warm weather (months without an “r”: May, June, July and August) unless they are chilled. And two, oysters just don’t taste as good in the summer months for biological reasons. Oysters spawn in the early summer, using their stored food reserves to make spawn. In the process, they become watery and develop an off-taste. Modern day refrigeration makes it possible to eat oysters year round, but these tasty shellfish are still best in colder weather.

Viewer Tip: Oyster populations in Chesapeake Bay are at less than one percent of their historical levels. Want to help restore the Bay oyster? Volunteer at any of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s oyster gardening events. One popular—and dirty—volunteer opportunity is making reef balls. These cement balls provide oyster sprat—larval oysters—with places to attach and grow. Help the Bay by volunteering at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation Oyster Restoration Center. For more information, visit www.cbf.org/page.aspx?pid=1063#involved.

This tip is provided by The Chesapeake Bay Foundation, part of Restore America’s Estuaries. Learn more at www.estuaries.org.

Algae Impacts

espinoza — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 15:57:44 +0000

Nitrogen and phosphorus are part of healthy aquatic habitats. These nutrients support the growth of underwater plants that provide oxygen and habitat for fish and other animals. They also support algae growth, which is a source of food for many fish and shellfish. Aquatic habitats can become unbalanced, however, when too much nitrogen and phosphorus enter the waters. Algae can grow out of control, reducing oxygen levels in the water and blocking sunlight that underwater plants need to grow. Too much algae in a water body can produce bad smells, clog drinking water filters and cause drinking water taste and order problems.

There are many sources of nitrogen and phosphorus, including agricultural livestock waste and fertilizer; fertilizers and pet waste from home yards and gardens; and detergents and soaps. Rain water can pick up these substances and carry them into storm drains and local water bodies. Sometimes, nitrogen and phosphorus can impact waters far from where the nutrients originate.

Viewer Tip: Reducing nutrient pollution at home will help protect waters nearby and downstream.

Apply fertilizer and other yard care chemicals only when necessary. Wait for dry weather to apply.
Pick up pet waste at home and on walks. Avoid walking pets near streams and other waterways.
Use a commercial car wash that filters and recycles water. Or, wash your car on a grassy or gravel-covered area where water can soak into the ground. Use soap sparingly.

(Sources: United States Environmental Protection Agency. “Nutrients: The Problem,” http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/standards/criteria/nutrients/problem.cfm and “Nutrients: Take Action,” http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/standards/criteria/nutrients/action.cfm

Flying Fish

espinoza — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 15:08:31 +0000

Can a fish really fly? Actually, ”flying fish” use unique body adaptations to help them fly or glide out of the water. They use their efficient torpedo-shaped body and tail fin to help them gain speed at an angle towards the water surface. As they break the surface, their wing-like fins help them glide once in the air. As they descend back towards the water surface, they put their tail fin to use once more by rapidly flapping the water. This allows them to once again gain momentum and become airborne without actually returning underwater, helping them to travel long distances out of the water. Why might these fish have developed this strange behavior? Flying fish are smaller than many of the salt-water species they encounter, making flying fish prey for larger fish. The gliding behavior helps the flying fish escape predators like tuna, marlin and swordfish.

Viewer Tip: Flying fish are found in warmer waters and can be spotted off the eastern and western coasts of the United States. If boating in the evening or night hours, be careful of lights shining near or over the water. These fish are attracted to light and have been known to jump into boats.

This information is provided by the Georgia Wildlife Federation. For more information, visit http://www.gwf.org/.

Summer Sizzles with Sounds

espinoza — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 15:06:19 +0000

Snowy tree crickets, found through the United States, are around from July to October and are called “snowy” because of thier pale color. These crickets have a chirp that is easy to count and related to temperature.

Viewer Tip: Head outside after dark to listen for crickets. Count the number of chirps you hear in 13 seconds and add 40 to get the approximate temperature in degrees Fahrenheit. Make it fun by having a contest to see who can figure out the temperature. Have everyone write down their guesses and provide a prize for the winners.

Fun fact: West of the Great Plains, the snowy tree cricket chirps a bit faster. To figure the temperature there, count the number of chirps in 12.5 seconds and add 38.

This information is provided by the New England Wild Flower Society. Learn more at www.newenglandwild.org.

Living Shorelines

espinoza — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 21:37:03 +0000

More than 85 percent of the Chesapeake Bay’s shoreline is privately owned. And most of that is lined with hardened bulkheads or riprap designed to protect waterfront property from erosion and sea level rise. These “hardened shorelines” take away from some of the Bay’s most productive acreage: the coastal marsh and intertidal areas that serve as refuges and spawning grounds for many species of fish, shellfish, and invertebrates that are important to the Bay ecology, commercial fisheries and recreational users of the Chesapeake. A better solution is to consider a living shoreline, a technique using native plants, grasses, shrubs and trees planted along the tidal water line. Living shorelines improve water quality; provide shoreline access to wildlife like nesting turtles, horseshoe crabs and shorebirds; and provide shallow water habitat and a diversity of plant species for aquatic and terrestrial animals. All in all, a win-win solution for property owners and wildlife!

Viewer Tip: Own waterfront property, either on the Bay or along the tidal creeks feeding into the Chesapeake? Both Maryland and Virginia offer financial assistance for shoreline projects. Maryland has a wide range of loan, grant and cost-share programs available to homeowners, communities, local governments and non-profit organizations. Virginia has grants available for private individuals through the Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Living Shoreline Initiative.

This information is provided by Restore America’s Estuaries and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Learn more at http://www.cbf.org/.

Wasp Encounters

espinoza — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 21:03:22 +0000

Have you noticed more frequent encounters with yellow jackets recently? Yellow jackets are a type of paper wasp found across the country. Depending on the species, they either nest above or below ground in colonies with workers and one queen that lays eggs. During the spring and early summer, workers build-up the colony with chambers for eggs and a protective, outer shell. When the colony reaches full size, the queen lays eggs that will develop into male and female yellow jackets that leave the nest to start new colonies the following year. Workers become more aggressive at this time, typically mid- to late-summer, to protect new larvae as they grow.

Viewer Tip: Encounters with yellow jackets tend to increase at this time of year because they are foraging for food outside the colony to feed new larvae. Yellow jackets typically reserve aggression for protecting the colony, so passing by or walking over a colony could result in an attack. If you have yellow jackets on your property, it’s best to avoid the area where the colony is located. If the colony can’t be avoided, you may need to remove or destroy it. Seek help from a professional who is experienced in pest removal – spraying water, burying or otherwise bothering a colony is likely to result in many stings.

(Sources: eNature. “Nature Watch: Summer Stingers.” Available from www.enature.com/articles/detail.asp?storyID=324)

Water for Wildlife

espinoza — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:35:31 +0000

Local wildlife – such as birds and small mammals – need a supply of clean water to survive periods of extreme heat and drought. Small animals often seen in our backyards typically don’t have large ranges, meaning that having fresh water close-by is extremely important for survival.

Viewer Tip: You can lend a hand to wildlife in your own backyard with these simple tips.

Keep bird baths full of clean water. Don’t have a bird bath? Adding one to your yard is relatively inexpensive and provides great bird watching opportunities.
Create a “drip jug” to hang over your bird bath. Fill a plastic milk jug with water and poke a tiny hole in the bottom. The dripping sound of the water will attract birds to the bath.
Put a few water-filled containers of different depths on the ground to help out ground squirrels and other small mammals.
Remember to change water frequently to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in your yard.

Find more tips for helping wildlife cope with heat and drought at blog.nwf.org/wildlifepromise/2011/07/simple-tips-for-helping-wildlife-during-heat-waves-and-drought/.

(Source: National Wildlife Federation. “Simple Tips for Helping Wildife During Heat and Drought.” http://blog.nwf.org/wildlifepromise/2011/07/simple-tips-for-helping-wildlife-during-heat-waves-and-drought/)

Poolside Manners

espinoza — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:17:44 +0000

Did you know that a swimming pool in the summer is just as attractive to wildlife as it is to us? While enjoyable for us, swimming pools can be dangerous for wildlife. Wildlife can become trapped and drown or be harmed by chemicals in the water.

Viewer Tip: Luckily, there are many ways to help curious critters that may find themselves in your pool.

Surrounding a pool with a fence is the first step in keeping out inquisitive animals.
Pools can be built or modified to allow escape routes for trapped animals. Ropes can be added to the side of a pool near the water line to provide something for animals to use to climb out, or specially made wildlife ramps can be attached to provide an exit point.
Creating a water source or sanctuary area in your yard that targets wildlife can provide an alternative means of getting the water they need.

If you find an animal trapped in your pool before you are able to install any escape aids, there are ways to help. Small animals can be dipped out with a pool net and safely relocated. Larger animals can be helped by anchoring partially deflated pool floats near an edge and leaving the area. Please remember to be safe as these animals are wild.

This information is provided by the Georgia Wildlife Federation. Learn more at www.gwf.org.

Invasive Asian Carp

espinoza — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 13:22:31 +0000

Warm summer days mean lots of people head out to the Great Lakes to go boating and fishing. While you’re on the water, it is important to keep an eye out for silver and bighead carp, which are invasive fish that pose a threat to native Great Lakes species and even boaters. These fish were introduced to the United States in the 1970s to improve water quality in water treatment systems and aquaculture ponds, as well as to increase harvests from catfish ponds. Experts think the carp made their way to the Mississippi River when these ponds flooded. From there, the fish have entered the Great Lakes system through the Chicago Canal, which connects the Mississippi to Lake Michigan, and also through accidental release by fishers.

Viewer Tip: If you are boating, be careful – these carp jump out of the water when disturbed by boat motors and can cause injury to boaters. If you are fishing, young bighead or silver carp can be easily mistaken for minnows or shad and accidentally released back into the water. Pay attention to the fish you are releasing back into the water to help slow the spread of these species. For details on what each fish looks like and their characteristics, visit the Michigan Seat Grant website at www.miseagrant.umich.edu/ais/asian-carp.html.

(Source: Michigan Sea Grant. “Asian Carp Overview.” http://www.miseagrant.umich.edu/ais/asian-carp.html)