Authorities are making efforts to ensure Asian carp remain out of the Mississippi, Missouri and Ohio river systems. In fact, state and federal agencies have been spending tens of millions of dollars to keep the fish out of the Great Lakes.

Till date, no Asian carp has been found in Lake Michigan to date. It was not known for a long time that the fish is present in waters on Wisconsin's western border. It is now that its presence has been noticed in the St. Croix River north of Hudson.

Last week, five bighead carp were captured in the St. Croix. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources shared that the invasive fish were found on the Minnesota side of the river near the Xcel Energy Allen S. King power plant in Bayport.

In 1996, four bigheads were documented in the St. Croix. This time, they have made a new record. Nick Frohnauer, invasive fish coordinator for the Minnesota DNR stated that it is a matter of concern. "We're not totally surprised, though, because the pattern of these fish is increasing expansion of range", stated Frohnauer.

Bob Wakeman, Wisconsin DNR aquatic invasive species coordinator, said they have not seen so many at one time, and it is not good thing. Bighead, black, grass and silver are four species of Asian carp listed as aquatic invasive species in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Bighead and Silver have proved especially harmful to native fisheries and harmful for recreation in the Missouri, Illinois and Ohio river basins.