Home / Environment / Congress Unites to Save Great Lakes Fish from Invaders
Congress Unites to Save Great Lakes Fish from Invaders
20 Jul
Summary
- Bipartisan bill allocates $500 million over 10 years.
- Invasive species cost Great Lakes economies nearly $2 billion.
- Lampreys threaten fish stocks and the fishing industry.
Lawmakers are uniting to address the significant threat posed by invasive species in the Great Lakes. The bipartisan Save Great Lakes Fish Act of 2025 has been proposed, aiming to dedicate $500 million over a decade for invasive species control. This initiative extends beyond focusing solely on sea lampreys, which have historically decimated fish populations like trout and salmon.
The act seeks to combat other invasive organisms, such as zebra and quagga mussels, that disrupt the delicate aquatic food web. Invasive species have inflicted substantial economic damage, with sea lampreys alone costing Great Lakes economies close to $2 billion during the COVID-19 pandemic. The continued health of the Great Lakes is vital, supporting tens of thousands of local jobs.
Without effective control measures, the Great Lakes' fish stocks and their associated multibillion-dollar fishing industry could collapse within five years. The passage of this bipartisan legislation is anticipated to safeguard not only wildlife but also the economic stability and recreational value of the region.
