Protecting the Great Lakes from Invasive Carp – The White House

MEMORANDUM FOR

THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR

THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE

THE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY

THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

SUBJECT: Protecting the Great Lakes from Invasive Carp

My Administration is committed to safeguarding the Great Lakes, recognized as the largest freshwater system on the planet and a crucial artery for shipping, recreation, and a source of drinking water for millions. However, this precious resource faces an alarming threat from invasive carp, which endangers not only ecological balance but also the economic well-being of the states surrounding the lakes: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Addressing this menace calls for a swift and coordinated response, combining federal resources with state cooperation.

For decades, aggressive species of Asian carp have gradually migrated northward, invading streams, rivers, and lakes throughout the Mississippi River and Midwest region. These fish, capable of exceeding 100 pounds, reproduce rapidly and outcompete native species for food and habitat, subsequently degrading water quality. The looming presence of these invasive carp at the Great Lakes’ threshold poses a dire risk to vital native species such as walleye, yellow perch, and lake whitefish, threatening not only biodiversity but also the fishing, boating, and tourism industries that contribute significantly to regional economies.

The Brandon Road Interbasin Project, situated near Joliet, Illinois, was authorized under the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-260). This initiative aims to implement a series of advanced technological barriers designed to prevent invasive carp from infiltrating the Great Lakes. This project is a collaborative effort between the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the states of Illinois and Michigan.

To date, the federal government has allocated $274 million for this endeavor, initiated design work, and commenced site preparations. However, progress hit a snag in February 2025 when Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker opted to postpone the acquisition of necessary land, an essential step for construction to commence. Once the state secures the property, it must also provide the Army Corps with a state-level permit to start building.

My Administration’s commitment to halting the spread of invasive carp is unwavering. It is imperative that Illinois accelerates its cooperation with this initiative, both for the welfare of its citizens and the broader economic health of the Great Lakes region.

I am instructing my Administration to prioritize prompt and efficient action at the federal level. Specifically, the Secretaries of the Interior, Commerce, and Army, along with the EPA Administrator, shall quickly determine and implement the most effective strategies, barriers, and measures to curtail the migration and proliferation of invasive carp within the Great Lakes Basin and adjacent areas. This includes maintaining strong support for the Brandon Road Interbasin Project through timely investments of taxpayer funds, ensuring that Illinois does not hinder its advancement.

To keep this project on track and guarantee its effectiveness as a prudent use of taxpayer resources, Illinois should finalize land acquisition for the Brandon Road Interbasin Project by July 1, 2025. Additionally, the state and relevant localities must expedite all necessary permits and approvals for the Army Corps, ensuring compliance within 30 days of application. Both federal and state agencies should work to streamline permitting processes and minimize delays in environmental reviews.

Furthermore, the EPA Administrator shall prioritize funding for infrastructure projects aimed at removing invasive carp from the Upper Illinois Waterway near Lake Michigan and maintaining existing barriers to prevent their entry into the Great Lakes Basin.

The NOAA Administrator and the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, through the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force, shall prioritize research and management efforts focused on preventing and controlling invasive species in the Great Lakes, particularly invasive carp. The NOAA Administrator will also focus on enhancing this objective through the Great Lakes Aquatic Nuisance Species Information System and ongoing research regarding the proliferation of aquatic invasive species.

                                             DONALD J. TRUMP