Waterway Closure Near Chicago - Affects Great Lakes Boats Transiting South to Gulf!

[teneicm]

As of August 25, the Coast Guard has closed a portion of the Chicago Ship and Sanitary canal due to an increase in the voltage being used for a fish barrier intended to keep asian carp out of the Great Lakes. This canal is the only link from Lake Michigan to the Illinois River, Mississippi River and the Ten Tom waterway that many recreational boaters use to get from the Great Lakes down to the Gulf of Mexico. It is also part of the "Great Loop" route.

The small stretch of waterway (less than 1 mile) may be reopened after test are completed to deterine if any safety issues exist, but there is no indication that it will happen anytime soon. Currently the only way for fiberglass (or any non-metallic hulled) boats to transit the area is to enlist a marine towing service that will cost about $600.

Full details here:
Fish Barrier Information

and here:

http://www.tradeonlytoday.com/images...safety0901.pdf

[SabreKai]

Ummmm I think they may be too late? I don't know which species they are but we have some carp in our basin that are the size of small U-boats. Big buggers too, upwards of 2 foot long and 8 inches in diameter.

Sabre

[teneicm]

You're probably seeing grass carp or common carp. Both can attain sizes upwards of 3 feet and 50 pounds.

These are Asian or Bighead Carp:
http://www.tnfish.org/InvasivesExoti...hreat_USGS.pdf