POST 1:An invasive species is a plant or animal that is foreign to anecosystem. During the past two centuries, invasive species have significantlychanged the Great Lakes ecosystem. These changes have greatly affected theeconomy, health, and well being of the people that rely on the system for food,water, and recreation. Once established, it is extremely difficult to controltheir spread.At least 25 invasive species of fish have entered the GreatLakes since the 1800s, including:•round goby•sea lamprey•Eurasian ruffe•zebra mussels•spiny water flea•Asian CarpBased on the problems caused by invasive species, scientists arealso closely watching other species that have invaded nearby ecosystems. Asiancarp are of particular concern because they have been found in nearby waterwaysthat eventually connect to the Great Lakes. In 2004, EPA and other state andlocal agencies began construction of a permanent electric barrier to preventthe fish from entering Lake Michigan. EPA is also studying how existinginvasive species have become established in the Great Lakes. These studies willhelp develop new techniques to predict future invasions.Invasive species regulation through an interstate compact willdefinitely be a great regulatory mechanism. This will allow the EPA tonot only do a little more research, but also allow the species to be controlledand monitored.’InvasiveSpecies.’ EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, 06 Dec. 2016.Web. 26 Feb. 2017.POST 2:Being an avid fisherman invasive species are a big concern thatI have. These species have the potential to threaten the native fish of theGreat Lakes as they will force competition for food sources. Asian carp havealso been known to fly out of the water and injure individuals while drivingtheir boats, the fish are doing this as a reaction to the noise that the motoron the boat creates, although personally I have never experienced thisphenomenon. The interstate compact is a good starting point as it allows thestates to react quickly without the moderate speed of Federal involvement, but thereshould be more done on the Federal level, as the feds can aid the states withthe appropriate funding needed to eradicate the invasive species. It wouldappear that our friends in Canada are also trying to get a grasp on theinvasive species as they have established the Invasive Species Act, whichallows individuals to destroy them legally, almost treating them like varmints.There are several places throughout Illinois that charter bow fishing trips,and the great thing about these trips is that there is little to no regulationon Asian carp, kill as many as you want, but unfortunately that is a sign ofhow bad the problem has become.Stop the spread of invasive species https://www.ontario.ca/page/stop-spread-invasive-s…Asian Carp Responsein the Midwest http://www.asiancarp.us/faq.htm#Q1