In the city of Chicago, Illinois, authorities are trying to figure out a way to stop the invasive species of Asian carp fish from spreading into the Great Lakes.

In the city of Chicago, Illinois, authorities are trying to figure out a way to stop the invasive species of Asian carp fish from spreading into the Great Lakes.

Chicago is on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, and blocking the city’s canal system leading into the lake might be one way of preventing the species from spreading, but it could cost up to 18 billion dollars to implement.

Asian carp were purposefully introduced to the water systems in the southern US as a way to control the build up of algae in sewage treatment plants and catfish ponds.

The fish can grow to be over a yard long and have been known to displace native species of fish.

The solution of blocking the canals is controversial because industrial interests depend on the waterways for shipping and receiving products which could have a global impact on transportation costs.

Another solution is to put Asian carp on the menu at restaurants, and one man has started selling carp burgers at a fish shop near downtown Chicago.

The Great Lakes reportedly holds 20 percent of the world’s fresh water, so the issue of protecting that resource is important to people all over the world.