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| Date: | December 8, 2011 | | Contact Name: | Susan Closmore | | Contact Phone: | 651-296-5712 | | Contact Email: | susan.closmore@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
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| Senator Benjamin Kruse Statement on Tests Indicating eDNA from Invasive Asian Carp Above Coon Rapids Dam |
Brooklyn Park- According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the latest round of eDNA testing for Asian carp in the Mississippi River has yielded unexpected results. Senator Benjamin Kruse (R-Brooklyn Park) received the results Thursday showing nineteen of the 48 water tests near the Coon Rapids Dam have tested positive for silver carp DNA, and three of the positive results are from above the dam. Senator Kruse, whose district contains the Coon Rapids Dam and is divided by the Mississippi River, gave the following statement in response to the results.
“Today’s results testing positive for silver carp DNA above the Coon Rapids Dam are extremely concerning. This is a serious issue for District 47’s local economy and our environment which is why I authored legislation funding improvements to the existing Coon Rapids Dam so that it could function as a barrier to invasive species like Asian carp,” said Senator Kruse.
Meanwhile, test results are still pending for water samples collected in the Minnesota River and above the St. Croix Falls Dam on the St. Croix River which is considered a natural barrier to invasive species like Asian carp.
“I am eagerly awaiting results from tests done above the St. Croix Falls Dam. Despite extensive netting efforts in the St. Croix and other parts of the Mississippi, we have not pulled out an actual fish which would confirm their presence in our waters. If those eDNA tests return positive results above the St. Croix Falls Dam, we will have to reconsider the existing testing procedures – meaning results taken above the Coon Rapids Dam reported today may have returned false positives,” added Senator Kruse.
Senator Kruse’s office will be participating in a conference call with the DNR to discuss the results of eDNA testing for Asian carp near Coon Rapids Dam Thursday, December 8th at 1 pm.
“Minnesota businesses and the jobs they provide are at risk due to Asian carp. We need to be very cautious in how we interpret the testing information because every solution has an impact on the business community. The Mississippi, a working river with robust fishing and recreation industries, is at the heart of my district. The consequences of inaction are great but our final solution must consider the ramifications on jobs in the area as well as the environmental impact,” concluded Senator Kruse.
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