Peoria to host conference on invasive Asian carp in August

PEORIA — A conference is planned in Peoria next month focusing on the invasive Asian carp.

The Greater Peoria International Asian Carp Conference will be downtown on Aug. 21. The carp are making their way up the Mississippi River. Scientists say the fish could destabilize food chains and harm a $7 billion sport fishing industry if they reach the Great Lakes.

Efforts are underway in Illinois to figure out if there is a market for U.S. wild caught Asian carp. Asian carp processing plants also have opened in the state.

The (Peoria) Journal Star reports that agencies like the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, state commerce officials and fisheries experts will be at the conference.