Posted: 10.19.2010

The reliability of DNA testing that suggests Asian carp may already be in waterways near Lake Michigan was the focus of final arguments Monday in a five-state lawsuit seeking the
closure of Chicago-area shipping locks to keep the carp out.

Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin say
closing the locks would ensure the invasive fish won't overrun the
Great Lakes and decimate a $7 billion-a-year fishing industry.

Judge Robert Dow's questions during a three-hour hearing Monday
focused on the reliability of environmental DNA tests that indicate
the fish may already be near Lake Michigan.

Speaking for the states, Robert Reichel, said the science that
looks only for genetic traces of live carp is solid and proves the
fish could slip into Lake Michigan any day.

Dow says he'll likely make a decision within several weeks.
 

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