Lake Erie for Asian carp habitat

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) - A federal study says Lake Erie and some rivers flowing into it would offer ideal habitat for unwanted Asian carp.

The U.S. Geological Survey says the Maumee, Sandusky and Grand rivers have temperatures and water flows suitable for spawning by silver and bighead carp. Both species that have been advancing toward the Great Lakes for years after escaping into the Mississippi River and its tributaries from Deep South fish farms and sewage lagoons.

Federal and state agencies have installed electric barriers and taken other measures to prevent the carp from entering Lake Michigan through Chicago-area waterways. They've also installed fencing at Fort Wayne, Ind., to prevent the carp from reaching the Maumee River.

The study announced Thursday says there's reason for worry about the potential threat to Lake Erie.