Rep. Hughes offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 21.

            A resolution to encourage the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and other agencies to continue efforts to prevent the introduction of new aquatic species into the Great Lakes and to consider new research and technologies.

            Whereas, The Great Lakes and the people, industries, and communities that depend on them have suffered significant harm from the introduction of aquatic invasive species. Studies indicate that past invasions by sea lampreys, zebra mussels, and other aquatic species likely cost the Great Lakes region more than $100 million annually, with impacts on fishing, power generation, manufacturing, municipal drinking water systems, tourism, and recreation; and

            Whereas, The introduction of new aquatic invasive species remains a real and imminent threat. Asian carp are less than 50 miles from Lake Michigan. If they were to invade the Great Lakes, they could displace native species, disrupt fisheries, and injure boaters, negatively impacting the $7 billion Great Lakes sport fishery and $5 billion Great Lakes boating industry; and

            Whereas, There are ongoing efforts by the state of Michigan, the other Great Lakes states, and the federal government to prevent the introduction of Asian carp and other new aquatic invasive species. Among other actions, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is working to eradicate grass carp from western Lake Erie while Illinois, Ohio, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and other federal agencies work to prevent silver and bighead carp from reaching the Great Lakes; and

            Whereas, New research and technologies can enhance action already being taken to prevent and control aquatic invasive species. Ozone, carbon dioxide, hot water, sound, and microparticles have all shown promise in preventing an invasion and are being actively studied. Restoring native predatory fish populations may also be a promising method to control the spread of aquatic invasive species; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we encourage the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and other agencies to continue efforts to prevent the introduction of new aquatic species into the Great Lakes; and be it further

            Resolved, That we encourage the open consideration of new research and the development of new technologies that may provide innovative and effective methods to prevent and control aquatic invasive species; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Commander of the United States Army Corps of Engineers Chicago District, and the other members of the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee.