ANN ARBOR, MICH. —The Trump administration announced that it is delaying the release of a plan to keep invasive Asian carp out of the Great Lakes. The plan for bolstering defenses at Brandon Road Lock and Dam near Joliet, Ill., was set to be released yesterday by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Great Lakes advocates view the study as a critical step in protecting the lakes from the invasive Asian carp, which have overtaken large swaths of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, hurting river recreation and local economies. Without a completed study, construction on improved defenses at Brandon Road cannot move forward, leaving the Great Lakes exposed to the potential of an invasion from Asian carp.

“The Trump Administration's decision to block the release of a plan to protect the Great Lakes from the invasive Asian carp is unacceptable," said Marc Smith, policy director for the National Wildlife Federation’s Great Lakes Regional Center. “After many years of review, and extensive input from diverse stakeholders, the study needs to see the light of day to help prevent the Asian carp from wreaking havoc on our environment and economy. Delaying action only allows the carp to keep swimming closer to our Great Lakes. ”

“Anglers in the Great Lakes states expect solutions to keep invasive carp from ruining our multi-billion dollar sport-fishing industry." said Dan Eichinger, executive director of Michigan United Conservation Clubs.  "It requires decisive action and this delay is unacceptable.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers needs to proceed immediately with the Brandon Road study to protect our lakes, economy, outdoor recreation and way of life."