Asian Carp Prevention and Control Act (S.1421) Passes!

Carl Levin’s Asian Carp Prevention and Control Act (S.1421 PDF) passed the United States Senate December 1st unanimously; the bill is ready for the President’s signature.  The legislation adds Bighead Asian Carp to a list of injurious species that are prohibited from being imported or shipped in the United States under the Lacey Act.

The act is a small victory helping “prevent the intentional introduction of the species by prohibiting the interstate transportation or importation of live Asian carp without a permit.”

More significant than the  scope of the legislation is its symbolic nature because it showcases the bi-partisan support of controlling the Asian Carp issue while drawing attention and advocacy to the issue.