MichiganRadio

Shippers Welcome Carp Decision ANN ARBOR, MI (Michigan Radio) -

The U.S. Supreme Court today rejected the state of Michigan's request to close an Illinois shipping canal.

Michigan officials fear Asian Carp will use the canal to enter the Great Lakes. Environmentalists fear the invasive fish species will overwhelm the lakes delicate eco-system.

Lynn Muench is with the American Waterways Operators, a shippers industry group. She says the decision will hopefully lead all parties to work together to reach a solution.

"We can find a way to make sure navigation continues to move and keep the fish out of the (Great) Lakes," says Muench, "but that's only going to happen with collaboration. It will not happen with a lawsuit."

Congress has already approved millions of dollars to improve an electronic barrier which may keep the Asian carp from entering Lake Michigan. © Copyright 2012, Michigan Radio