Fishermen are gearing up in helmets to avoid getting knocked out or smacked by the flying Asian carp. The invasive species has continued to populate in the Great Lakes. And the fish species loves jumping out of the water and smacking into fishermen.
Fisherman Clint Carter told the Wall Street Journal that he's been smacked numerous times by the fish. His fishermen friends have broken bones and been knocked out thanks to the fish. Some have adopted to wearing football helmets and makeshift masks when going fishing or enjoying the waters of the Great Lakes.
Other fishermen and boaters have put up nets. Jumping isn't what has officials concerned. It's the strain on local resources thanks to the invasive species.
Even Donald Trump has gotten involved.
Fishermen Wearing Helmets
"I'll be asking other Governors to join into this fight, including those of Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, New York and, of course, the future Governor of Canada, Mark Carney, who I know will be happy to contribute to this worthy cause," he said on X.
US Army Corps of Engineers released a statement about a plan to address the Asian carp.
"President Trump has always been a champion of keeping invasive Asian carp out of the Great Lakes," read their statement on X.
They continued, "Because the Brandon Road project is critical to meet this objective, we are aggressively moving its management out of Illinois, which has been an unreliable partner, delinquent on its payments and real estate commitments."
They concluded, "It will now be managed from Michigan, which has been a good partner and stands to benefit more than any other location. Our partners in the Great Lake State can't allow one state to have undue influence and use it to play more games. This is great news for every state in the region, including Illinois."
Until then, fishermen get your helmets.
