Monday, June 05, 2006

Bioindicator, or Blessing in Disguise?

Fish are dying in the Illinois River, but everyone seems thrilled - because the fish are Asian carp (Hypophthalmichthys spp.). According to this report from the News Tribune, a large number of carp have been found floating in the river since last week. As of yet, no one is sure what is causing the fish die-offs, but scientists from several groups have taken samples to investigate it further. Native carpsuckers (Carpiodes spp.) have also been found dead, but it remains to be seen if they are suffering from the same affliction.

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